Couples Can Avoid Disappointment by Hiring a Professional Videographer to Record Wedding, Reception
The following article, written by Chanda Temple Guster, appeared in the Birmingham News on Sunday, May 4, 2008.
Click here to read the article from al.com
You let your uncle record your wedding because you thought that was an easy way to cut costs. But when you got back from your honeymoon, all he gave you was a blurry video of you and your spouse saying, "I do." John Deaver, a videographer and owner of Main Street Productions in Columbiana, has heard such horror stories more than once, and tries to educate future brides so they will avoid such disasters.
He says it's important for couples to take the time to find a committed professional who can relay in a video the emotion and feeling of one of the biggest days in their lives. "It takes practice and skill to capture a certain moment. It's very difficult unless you know what you are looking for," says Deaver, who runs the company with his wife, Angela.
He suggests that once a bride gets a wedding location, the dress and photographer, it's a good idea for her to start looking for a videographer. He adds that prices for videography services depend on what's covered at the event, but a general starting price for an in-town wedding with only coverage of the ceremony and reception highlights can start at $750.
Here are six things Deaver says couples need to know when choosing a videographer:
1. Discuss the location's lighting before the wedding.
In general, the more light you can provide for your videographer and photographer, the better your pictures and video will look. For example, if you plan to have the lights turned down low at your reception, it may be better if the lights are turned up for important moments like the cutting of the cake and first dance. The extra light will allow the videographer to get good quality video. Also, find out if the videographer is familiar with the wedding and reception locations. If he isn't, ask if he is willing to visit the places prior to the wedding.
2. Ask for samples of the videographer's work.
Request a sample DVD, but keep in mind that the sample DVD of several wedding clips will likely show her best work. So, also ask for a recent wedding DVD just as it was delivered to the newlyweds. A full-length DVD of one person's wedding and reception will give you insight to the videographer's artistic flair, editing, video clarity and other touches.
Don't forget that mainstream media is shifting to high definition, so ask if she provides recordings in high definition; also, find out how many DVDs come in your package.
3. Ask what the contract covers.
If you have only contracted the videographer to do highlights, understand that's what you will get. But if you want recordings of reception speeches, interviews with guests, pre-wedding preparations and more, find out if costs extra or if it's covered in your package. Remember to tell the videographer how long the wedding and reception will be. If videographers know in advance, they'll be prepared.
Also, find out if the videographer has a time limit. If you've only contracted him for three hours and you have a five-hour reception, you need to know what the videographer will do when time is up. It's likely he will be open to being booked for the extra time, if you ask.
4. Ask how many cameras will be provided.
A wedding doesn't have to look like a movie set, but multiple cameras can provide different angles that can provide interesting footage when it comes time for the videographer to edit. Deaver likes to use one camera to get wide shots, one for close-ups, and a third camera to get candid shots. He says the extra cameras help tell the story.
5. Secure details about the videographer.
Ask about her level of experience or whether she has a degree in communications or broadcasting. Does she do this full time or part time? Will she travel out of town for the wedding? Is she easily accessible? Does she care what you want or seem interested?
"Someone to avoid is someone who does videography as a hobby. The most important thing is to hire someone you can work with and who clearly cares what you want," says Deaver, who has a degree in mass communications from the University of Montevallo, teaches video production at Spain Park High School in Hoover, and has been a videographer for 10 years.
"We are in the business of documenting someone's wedding day and making it special for them, and not just help them remember what happened but how they felt," he said.
6. Express your thoughts.
Don't be afraid to discuss your culture with the videographer. Let him know whether there will be things connected to your culture that need to be recorded. The smallest detail can be important.