top 5 questions to ask your wedding videographer
I feel you, picking out a wedding videographer is no walk in the park. We each come with our own bag of tricks, kinda similar, but with our own unique spin. It's like navigating a maze of options, and yeah, it can get pretty darn confusing.
A wedding videographer is a vital aspect in showing the emotions and atmosphere of your entire day. Selecting the right wedding videographer is crucial, as they will play a major role in crafting your love story on film. To ensure you make the best choice, here are some essential questions to ask your wedding videographer and some things to think about:
Will you be the videographer for my wedding, or will it be someone from your team?
You might come across these big companies that have studios all over the country and work with different teams. And hey, there's nothing wrong with that, alright?
But here's the thing to keep in mind: sometimes they might hook you up with a new videographer, you know, someone just starting out and all that’s never shot a wedding. Or, on the flip side, you might get lucky and score an experienced and super skilled wedding videographer who's been in the game for years – a real master at what they do.
Just know this, though: going with one of those big studio-based services might mean you get a less personalized experience. So, think about it – getting a videographer you've personally connected with could make all the difference in the world.
Why do you do wedding videography?
You know, there are tons of reasons why people get into wedding videography. Some are all about starting a career in the videography industry and use this as a stepping stone, Some just want to make some dough, others it’s about expressing their artsy side, and some, it’s just running a sweet side hustle. But here's the deal: you gotta find the right person to capture your wedding moments.
The real gem for filming your big day is someone who's totally into it. You know, they genuinely care about their craft, pour their heart into delivering top-notch stuff, and absolutely cherish what they do. They're all about making sure your special day is preserved in the most epic and unforgettable way possible. That's the kind of person you want behind the camera!
How will you work with my photographer and other vendors?
Having a killer wedding video boils down to how well your photographer and videographer work together. While other vendors matter too, the photographer's role is huge! So, it's super important to vibe well with your photographer on your big day.
Nobody wants to photobomb each other's shots, right? So, teamwork is the name of the game. When your photographer and videographer jive, they can create magic together, capturing all those special moments without getting in each other's way. So, be sure to ask your photographer about how they collaborate with videographers. With open communication and a shared passion for making your day unforgettable, they'll deliver a kickass final product that's totally worth reliving over and over again!
How Do You Handle Music Selection for the Video?
Alright, let's talk about the delicate dance of picking the right music for your video. Trust me, the wrong beat can throw off the whole groove. Now, I know it's tempting to slap on your latest pop jam (watch out for videographers who just let you go wild with your playlist), but copyright laws throw a wrench in that plan.
Here's the deal: any legit videographer worth their salt should have a go-to music source that's copyright-friendly. But hold up, if you're dead set on having that chart-topper in your film, sure, it's doable. But – and it's a big "but" – it might cost you a pretty penny, like a few stacks, or even tens of thousands. Ouch, right? Still, there's a silver lining. Some awesome services now offer those catchy hits at a lower cost.
But, here's the kicker: that killer tune that's all the rage now might age like milk. Picture this: in a decade or two, it could give your video a totally different vibe. My tip? Toss out some style examples you're vibing with – classical, pop, epic cinema – and let your videographer work their magic. Finding the perfect track? It ain't typically a quick flick of the switch. It might take a hot minute, or more like hours of swiping through the bad stuff, to unearth that perfect musical match. It's like finding a needle in a sonic haystack, but trust me, when it clicks, it's pure audio gold and your videographer will definitely know when they hit that song that perfectly fits your wedding vibe!
Do you provide all raw footage?
Alright, so here's a real talk topic that often stirs up a mix of opinions among us wedding videographers. Brace yourself, because you're likely to hear two distinct responses: "Of course!" or "Absolutely not, that's a no-go."
Why is this such a heated issue, you ask? Well, it all comes down to the viewing experience you, the couple, have. We want you to relish as much footage as possible, but here's the kicker – raw footage isn't always a joyride to watch. There's a bunch of reasons why this topic is on fire, but the crux is how enjoyable your viewing experience is.
Now, listen up. Some folks do toss in raw footage as a cool bonus, a little incentive to win you over. Others, though, they might hold back. And guess why? Because raw footage isn't the prettiest sight, and it doesn't exactly boost a company's reputation if it's out there for everyone to see.
Here's the twist: a few videographers might hand over raw footage, but only if you pinky swear (well, contractually) not to post it online, anywhere, anytime. But let me level with you. If you got yourself a seasoned videographer, someone who crafts those beautiful, high-quality films, chances are you won't be head over heels for the raw stuff. It's like the ugly duckling stage, and a ton of magic happens in post-production to transform that raw material into the stunning masterpiece you get to enjoy.
It's a slippery slope, my friends, and this debate has been sizzling in our industry for quite a while. Need some proof? I've got a little something to show you: a glimpse of both raw and edited footage side by side, so you can see the wizardry that goes on behind the scenes..
No doubt, there's a ton of questions you could throw at a potential wedding videographer, but let's cut to the chase and skip the basics, like the "tell me about your style" or "what camera do you use" stuff. Chances are, you've already scoped out a bunch of videos – the ones you dug and the ones that fell flat – before even getting here. So, now's the time to turn the spotlight on you and your big day.
Remember, your wedding day is the star of the show here. Finding a videographer that jives with you, your vibe, and your vision is key. Don't hold back on the questions if you need to – it's all about making sure they're the perfect match to capture your special day just the way you want it. So, ask away until you're as sure as can be!
One last thing to keep in mind – don't feel tied down to that budget like it's a ball and chain. Sometimes, you might totally click with a videographer who's just a tad pricier than you initially planned. On the flip side, you might only kinda like the one that's right on the money and ultimately wish you chose the other videographer.
Here's the scoop: if you're head over heels for someone who's a bit above your budget, don't write them off just yet. Take a minute to chat about payment options. You'd be surprised how flexible things can get. So, whether it's a little extra time to save or some clever payment arrangements, it's worth exploring to snag the videographer who truly vibes with you and your vision.
Here's a pro tip for you: if your budget is on the tighter side, let's say around $1000, don't jump on the first offer that comes your way. Take a beat, ask the important questions that matter to you. Find out if they're just breaking into the scene or if they've got some experience under their belt, maybe even as a second shooter for other videographers. And hey, if they've been around shooting for other videographers, don't hesitate to ask for referrals you can hit up. It's a smart way to get the lowdown from people who've had them work for them
Trust me, you'd be surprised at how many stories are out there about couples who went for a bargain videographer and ended up with nothing more than a dude holding a phone and a tripod. Not exactly the cinematic masterpiece you were dreaming of, right? So, do your homework, dig deep, and your big day will shine just the way you imagined.