Things You Should Know Before Hiring a Videographer

Videotaping has become as important as still photographs for capturing those precious wedding memories.  Finding the right videographer requires as much time and thought as choosing a photographer, if not more. But, when you watch the final tape of your wedding day, it will be worth every penny you invested and more.  When you begin shopping for your videographer, you will hear some unfamiliar terms; words like “montage”, “highlights”, “three-chip”, “one-chip”, and “potato chips.”  Well, maybe not potato chips.  Here are some tips to help you sort it all out and make an informed decision.

The Camera

Let’s begin with the camera.  Professional cameras are capable of producing a picture that is brighter and sharper than most consumer camcorders sold in electronics stores.  These cameras tend to record in Digital, Digital 8 and Hi-8mm. 

The three most common types used by wedding videographers are referred to as one-chip, three-chip and digital cameras.  Three-chip cameras typically produce a higher quality picture than one with only one chip.  Digital cameras offer a picture quality similar to that of three-chip cameras and they are often smaller and easier to carry.  They are quickly replacing current cameras much like compact discs replaced records.

The type of camera a videographer uses is not as important as how it is used.  Many videos made with one-chip cameras have won awards over videos made with three-chip or digital cameras.  You should view the work of any professionals you are considering to see if you like their style and quality of work.  If you don’t like the work, it doesn’t matter how good the camera is.

The Sound

The next item you want to look for is how the sound is being handled.  You don’t want to hire someone who uses the built-in microphone in the camera to capture all of the sound.  Most professionals use a wireless microphone (usually attached to the groom) to record the wedding vows clearly and not have to worry about anyone tripping over wires.  Often, more than one microphone will be used to obtain a better recording of soloists, musicians, etc.   Sound will be as important to your enjoyment of the finished product as the visual quality of the recording.   If the sound is of poor quality, it will be more difficult to watch the finished product.

The Editing

After the ceremony and reception have been videotaped, the video is then edited.  There are two main forms of editing.  The first is referred to as “in-camera” editing which means whatever the videographer records goes on the finished tape as is.  While it is less expensive, it can also be less interesting to watch.  The second type of editing is performed at the videographer’s studio using special equipment.  This is where all those special moments are blended smoothly together to give your video that professional look like you might see on TV.  Whether they use linear, non-linear or digital makes no difference.  Viewing the finished product is the best way to determine if their work is acceptable.

Titles and Credits can be used to inform where the festivities took place and who was involved.  The number of locations covered is irrelevant, as long as all events are covered that you want covered.  Wedding highlights are great for showing to loved ones who may not have the time or attention span to enjoy the entire video.  (Does watching someone’s home movies ring a bell?).

Animation is a unique option for wedding videos, but it is not for everyone.  If you have ever watched any episode of TV’s “Bloopers” show with Dick Clark, then you might remember the little cartoon characters that popped up every so often.  Animation for wedding videos is similar, but is created by computer instead and may only show up between segments of the wedding video (i.e., between the ceremony and reception) to introduce the next scene.

Digital Editing refers to the use of a computer to perform the editing task. This only benefits us if the videographer uses a digital camera (we’ll discuss this later) to record the event. Videotape possesses a flaw that if we record from Tape A to Tape B, then record again from Tape B to Tape C, etc., we will notice the quality of the picture will deteriorate each time.  Simply stated, the content of a story changes as it is told from the first person to the second, from the second to the third, etc.  If the event is recorded and edited digitally, we will not see this deterioration.  As a result, the final copy of the wedding you receive will look much like the original in terms of picture quality (as if it was heard “straight from the horse’s mouth”).  Once again, we are most interested in the results.  If the videographer has the best equipment, but his/her use of it does not tell your story the way you want, then it doesn’t matter.

Special Effects are usually added during the editing stage.  We are not talking about blowing up cars and helicopters!  Effects like slow motion, freezing the video image to look like a snapshot, and having one scene disappear into another.  Special effects add a desired, “polished” touch, but are easily overused.  When viewing a demo tape, you can determine whether there is too much for your taste.

Other Options

In addition to the “basics”, many videographers will offer different options to be included in the package.  These options should enhance the overall finished product and again, when viewing a demo tape, you can determine whether these options are right for you.

Montages are often referred to as still photo, childhood, courtship, engagement, and childhood through engagement montages.  Montages are simply a series of photographs transferred onto videotape documenting the lives of you and your fiancé, usually starting with baby pictures through your childhood up to the present.  Music is then added to make it more interesting to watch.  A montage should keep your attention, and not be a “typical” slideshow.

Vignettes are specialized segments that combine still photos, video and music.  For example, you may want to show the special bond of a bride and her father by taking photos of them and blending them with video from the wedding and reception of the two together while listening to a special song they like or danced to.  Vignettes should be compelling and tell a story.

Love stories, romance or engagement videos are when the videographer meets with the couple in a designated (special or favorite) place to capture some intimate moments.  The place can be anywhere from a park to a beach, but preferably somewhere that is scenic and/or romantic.  The videographer then instructs the couple to perform various poses and interactions.  Some videographers will then ask the bride and groom some questions about their relationship (i.e., how did you meet, where did he/she propose, etc.).  After this process is complete, the various scenes are fused together and blended with music (and interviews, if recorded) to make a romantic music video that captures the essence of the relationship.  Everyone loves a good love story!

Video projection, or reception projection, refers to having any combination of these options shown at the reception for the guests to enjoy.  For an additional charge, the videographer is responsible for providing the viewing screen and operating the equipment.

So, how do you decide who to select?  Keep in mind, you spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours planning this special event, and the video is the best way to capture the occasion.  With that, and knowing that a better finished video will cost more, you must determine how much you are willing to spend.  Then, look for video packages that offer everything you are interested in.  Many videographers may offer similar packages with a wide variety of prices.  The price variance may be due to the type of camera they use.  If the price is not higher for the better camera, then you need to look at what is being offered. If the packages are still similar, then there may be a difference in the quality of work or creativity.  Upon viewing the demo tapes, you will be able to make that determination.

What if the videographer with the better equipment is charging the same as someone with lesser equipment?  One reason may be that the latter is charging too much.  However, considering the high cost of professional equipment, this is unlikely.  Another reason may be the former has been having difficulty obtaining clients (is he/she flexible, unaccommodating, hard to get along with, experienced?).

When selecting a videographer, the final decision comes down to:

It doesn’t matter how many awards they may have won.  The task may seem cumbersome, but the results are worth it!  After all, years from now, after the flowers have wilted, the tuxes have gone back to the shop, the food has been eaten or become penicillin, the gown has been hermetically sealed forever (or “trashed” as a recent phenomenon), the decorations taken down, the carriages and limos have disappeared off into the distance, the music has faded, and the lights have dimmed, you can still have your wedding video to treasure for years to come.  For those that couldn’t attend, or children you don’t have yet.

We hope we’ve been able to help you look for the right videographer for your needs to capture all the precious memories of your special day.

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