How to Choose a Professional Wedding Videographer

Wedding Video services and quality vary widely, and the wise couple plans the choice of a videographer with the same or even greater care than they choose their photographer. There is no avoiding a visit to the studio. You must see samples of actual videos they produce. When you visit them, some key questions to ask include:

Do you use three-chip cameras? Three chip (3CCD) cameras are used by professionals because they provide color separation and quality unlike one-chip consumer cameras. Camera size is not the determining factor.

How many microphones do you use? About half of the quality of your video is determined by the care taken with audio, and several well-placed microphones are needed in most weddings. You will want microphones on the groom, on the clergy, on the pulpit for readers/speakers, and near the soloists/singers. Camera microphones are usually too far away to provide audio clarity, and professional videographers will use several wireless microphones.

Do you attend the rehearsal? This is a key factor in establishing good camera angles for the ceremony. If they don't attend, ask them if they intend to move their cameras during the ceremony to assure clear shots. This could be a distraction you don't want in your wedding.

How do you edit the video? You are looking for editing that results in a 60 to 90 minute video of the entire day. Shorter means better, because they must take more care in the process. Some videographers additionally offer a 15-20 minutes highlights video which is much more watchable with friends than a full 90 minutes. You are also looking for videographers who will adapt to your priorities of what you want the video to include.

How many videographers will shoot the wedding and how long will they stay at the reception? Most wedding ceremonies should have at least two manned cameras with a third back-up camera in case of failure. At least one camera and one back-up camera are needed at all times at the reception. You desire that they are flexible with respect to time, since wedding receptions often take longer than planned, and you don't want to have to stage things just for the video. You are looking for someone with whom you will feel comfortable and who will handle matters easily, including working well together with your photographer.

What professional associations do you belong to? Professional associations such as WEVA (Wedding & Event Videographers Association International) and MCAI (Media Communications Association International) provide forums for networking and provide training for professional wedding videographers. There have been many changes in technology and the art form of producing wedding videos that these organizations help promote. The best videographers recognize the importance of these organizations to helping them stay abreast of a rapidly changing profession.

Some added differentiators to look for include:
- Digital Cameras Offer Better Quality,
- Digital Editing Equipment Provides Flexibility,
- Video CD ROM and DVD Allow Longer Shelf Life,
- Love Stories Are Short Features,
- Highlights Video Provide a 15-20 min. Wedding Day Summary.

When you view the videos, you will want to observe the color clarity, the audio clarity, the lighting of faces, and the overall emotion conveyed by the video. The advice of the experts is to shop quality not price. If one is more expensive than another, you should understand and know the reasons why.

Selecting a videographer for you wedding may one the most important steps you take in planning. Only a professional video will capture the love, the words, and the laughter of the entire day. It is a keepsake that will become more valuable with time. Think of how precious a professional wedding video of your grandparents wedding would be to you right now.

John Schell

Video Memories

Dayton Ohio 45402

www.videomems.com