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| Charleston, South Carolina (843) 762-0719 |
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There are a number of things to consider when choosing your
videographer. Of course your budget will influence your
decision, but your choice should be based on the quality and
experience of your videographers. Remember, there are no
"do-overs" when it comes to your wedding video!
First and foremost...
Do you like what you see? If the answer is yes, then you
should confirm that what you are viewing is truly the work of
the people filming and editing your wedding. Some
companies send their work out of state for editing. Others
may have "stringers"...subcontractors who are hired by the
vendor. Be sure you meet and view samples from whomever
will actually be working on your production. And always ask
for references. There's no substitute for a great referral.
Are you hiring a professional? Any legitimate professional
will have a business license, insurance, pay taxes, etc. Their
prices may seem a little higher, but a professional business
is much more likely to be around later when you need
additional copies or to have your video converted to the latest
technology. Bear in mind, though, that a professional won't
necessarily be a member of a videography association. Many
of these are merely a way to add a logo to a business and
imply credibility... the only requirement for membership being
a paid fee.
Is this a hobby or a business? This one is for you to mull
over. There are some wonderful people who do weddings on
the side, and they may be less expensive. They may be
videographers for another company or it may be a hobby.
However, if they haven't made that professional commitment,
ask yourself how important your wedding is to them. Local
television videographers are an excellent example of this.
Often they supplement their income with weddings while
waiting to "hit the big time". They usually have access to great
equipment, so there's no overhead for them. Just remember
that they are usually on-call and have to stop whatever they're
doing if the station calls.
What other services does your videographer offer?
Full-service video production requires a substantial
investment in equipment, training, and time. If your vendor is
also offering dj services or photography, how does he decide
in which part of his business to invest? And more importantly,
how is his time invested? Many photographers try to add
video, only to find that it requires much more experience,
equipment, and time than they realized.
What is included in the services? You should always have a
contract that outlines the following:
what time is covered
how many cameras & videographers will be at your event
does the fee include editing
how many copies you will receive and on what format
any additional fees & services
deposit and payment terms
cancellation policy
Where does video fit in your budget? Your budget will, of
course, influence your decision, but remember that after the
wedding day the food will be gone, flowers will wilt, and the
dress will be packed up. The lasting memories of the day will
be from your photographs and video.
Overall, are you comfortable with your choice? Your
videographer will be with you throughout one of the biggest
days of your life. She or he will be recording your laughter and
your tears... make sure it's someone you want to be there.
videographer. Of course your budget will influence your
decision, but your choice should be based on the quality and
experience of your videographers. Remember, there are no
"do-overs" when it comes to your wedding video!
First and foremost...
Do you like what you see? If the answer is yes, then you
should confirm that what you are viewing is truly the work of
the people filming and editing your wedding. Some
companies send their work out of state for editing. Others
may have "stringers"...subcontractors who are hired by the
vendor. Be sure you meet and view samples from whomever
will actually be working on your production. And always ask
for references. There's no substitute for a great referral.
Are you hiring a professional? Any legitimate professional
will have a business license, insurance, pay taxes, etc. Their
prices may seem a little higher, but a professional business
is much more likely to be around later when you need
additional copies or to have your video converted to the latest
technology. Bear in mind, though, that a professional won't
necessarily be a member of a videography association. Many
of these are merely a way to add a logo to a business and
imply credibility... the only requirement for membership being
a paid fee.
Is this a hobby or a business? This one is for you to mull
over. There are some wonderful people who do weddings on
the side, and they may be less expensive. They may be
videographers for another company or it may be a hobby.
However, if they haven't made that professional commitment,
ask yourself how important your wedding is to them. Local
television videographers are an excellent example of this.
Often they supplement their income with weddings while
waiting to "hit the big time". They usually have access to great
equipment, so there's no overhead for them. Just remember
that they are usually on-call and have to stop whatever they're
doing if the station calls.
What other services does your videographer offer?
Full-service video production requires a substantial
investment in equipment, training, and time. If your vendor is
also offering dj services or photography, how does he decide
in which part of his business to invest? And more importantly,
how is his time invested? Many photographers try to add
video, only to find that it requires much more experience,
equipment, and time than they realized.
What is included in the services? You should always have a
contract that outlines the following:
what time is covered
how many cameras & videographers will be at your event
does the fee include editing
how many copies you will receive and on what format
any additional fees & services
deposit and payment terms
cancellation policy
Where does video fit in your budget? Your budget will, of
course, influence your decision, but remember that after the
wedding day the food will be gone, flowers will wilt, and the
dress will be packed up. The lasting memories of the day will
be from your photographs and video.
Overall, are you comfortable with your choice? Your
videographer will be with you throughout one of the biggest
days of your life. She or he will be recording your laughter and
your tears... make sure it's someone you want to be there.
