Below is an article from WedAlert.com regarding the essential questions to ask a videographer. The first response to the question is the site’s recommendation to what you should be expecting for an answer; the second answer(in green) is our response.
Questions To Ask Your Wedding Videographer:
Are you the one who will be videotaping my wedding?
How many cameras do you use?Does that mean a second videographer?
What type of cameras do you use?
What kind of lighting do you use?
How many and what kind of microphones do you use?
How do you edit the wedding video?
How can I see samples of your work?
What other services or special effects do you offer?
What will you charge to videotape my wedding based on the coverage I am looking for?
Additional Concerns:
How will the videographer be dressed at the wedding?
Do you offer Non-Linear Digital Editing?
Do you copy-protect or scramble the DVD?
Will you go to a location (like the beach or a park) without additional charge?
Do you work with the photographer to ensure mutual cooperation?
Answers:
Are you the one who will be videotaping my wedding?
Make sure you speak to the person who will actually videotape your wedding. Many larger studios use
free-lancers, and it is important to speak with the actual videographer ahead of time to make sure you
get everything you want and to make sure you are comfortable with the videographer.
Eastty Weddings: The videographer who contacts you will be the one you will remain in contact with throughout the process. He will film, edit and deliver your wedding. You will not need to deal with anyone else.
How many cameras do you use? Does that mean a second videographer?
If you are having "two cameras", then find out if that means a second videographer or just a camera on
a tripod. Having a second videographer is more expensive than just a camera on a tripod (usually kept
on wide angle). A second videographer can be well worth the extra cost due to the extra coverage you
will get. Be sure to discuss camera placement and any videotaping restrictions ahead of time with your
videographer.
EW: We always use two cameras (unless requested otherwise) and always send one videographer
(again, unless otherwise specified).
What type of cameras do you use?
"3-Chip Digital" is the most recent and highest resolution camera. Digital cameras have 530 lines of
resolution. Super VHS & Hi-8 cameras (which use analog tape) have 400 lines of resolution and VHS
cameras have 230 lines of resolution. The higher the lines of resolution, the better quality picture you
will get, but expect to pay more for a videographer who uses 3-Chip Digital cameras.
EW: We use the Canon GL2, Canon XL1S and Canon XL2, all 3-chip cameras with directional
microphones. The XL1S has a shotgun microphone. A recent acquisition has been the Canon XH-A1, a
High Definition camera.
What kind of lighting do you use?
Some videographers use lights on their cameras, others do not. Some videographers will use a stand-
alone soft-box light that gives off soft, even lighting. Ambient lighting at the reception hall will also help
the photographer's pictures turn out better and the flash or video light won't seem quite so harsh.
EW: We use Sakar Video Lights if requested, but we find them generally to be very bright and
distracting. This is your wedding, not a Hollywood Production, and most couples cringe at the thought of
being distracted by what can only be described as a massive searchlight. Rather than resorting to
outside light, we adjust the high-tech camera settings to certain indoor/outdoor modes.
How many and what kind of microphones do you use?
Audio quality is just as important as video quality. At the ceremony, have the groom wear a wireless
microphone and have another one on the podium for any readers or singers. At the reception, make
sure everyone who is giving a toast or blessing is using a microphone; this includes the person who is
introducing the bridal party. Be sure to discuss audio placement ahead of time with your videographer.
EW: We rarely use microphones unless requested. Our cameras are equipped with very strong mics
that can pickup sound from hundreds of feet away.
How do you edit the wedding video?
The latest and newest technology is non-linear editing (on a computer). Ask how many hours your
videographer spends on editing since it will make a difference in the final price. It is not unusual for
videographers to spend between 30-40 plus hours on the computer editing a wedding. Expect a price
difference (and quality difference) between those who edit non-linear and those who don't.
EW: A typical editing job can take between 10-20 hours. There is no hourly editing fee. All editing is done using FinalCutPro on Mac OSX/Leopard.
Can I have my wedding on DVD?
DVD is the latest trend in videography. DVD is a much better quality picture than VHS tape because
there is no loss of quality when going from a digital master tape to DVD. Some videographers can
customize their DVDs with multiple chapter stops/scene selection and a customized case with your
wedding picture on it.. Your wedding video can last for generations without any deterioration when
archived to DVD. I believe providing the finished production on DVD is a must-have!
EW: All wedding packages include footage on DVD. The original DV tapes are available if you would like to try your hand at editing later on.
How can I see samples of your work?
Be sure you are seeing samples of the actual videographer who will be videotaping your wedding. This
is especially important when dealing with larger studios that may have several crews that they send out
on the weekend. Some videographers will send out demo tapes and others will ask you to schedule an
appointment to visit them, others have video clips (called streaming video) on their website where you
can view their work while you are on the internet. If possible, try to meet with the videographer before
you sign the contract.
EW: Samples of several services are available on the video gallery page.
What other services or special effects do you offer?
Some examples are childhood/dating photo montage, wedding/honeymoon photo montage, bridal
preparations, love story video (the two of you describing how you met, etc.), short-form video, highlight
video, recap video, concept video, rehearsal coverage, big screen presentation, etc. This is also a good
time to ask the videographer if they use special effects such as black & white, sepia-toned, slow-
motion, animation, etc. There are many options to choose from!
EW: All of the effects mentioned are available. Transitions between scenes are used to cut back on
any rough switching between clips. All other services are available on our package page.
What about the contract?
When you decide to hire the videographer, ask to see a copy of the contract. Ask how much of a
deposit is required and when the remaining balance is due. Make sure everything you want in your
wedding video is spelled out. As it gets closer to your wedding day, the videographer should request a
"planning meeting" either over the phone or in person. Ask your videographer if they will attend your
rehearsal - some videographers attend, some do not. It should also state when you will get your finished
video.
EW: A 50% deposit is due at signing, 25% within the two weeks prior to the wedding and 25% upon
delivery of final DVD.
What will you charge to videotape my wedding based on the coverage I am looking for?
EW: We aren’t a faceless entity striving after your money. It is far more gratifying to hear rave reviews of our work than to charge an exorbitant rate. Our prices are flexible. Tell us what you want specifically and we will work with you. We feel it is not the right time in our company’s history to charge $5000 for a wedding video. If you have the money to spend, there are some excellent videographers out there who charge that much and are worth it. But why spend that amount when you can get the same quality video with the options you are looking for from friendly, engaging and
unobtrusive professionals?
Additional Concerns:
How will the videographer be dressed at the wedding?
Any wedding vendor who is not dressed to match the occasion is not a professional. We will always dress in either a tuxedo or a suit, unless directed otherwise.
Do you offer Non-Linear Digital Editing?
Yes
Do you copy-protect or scramble the DVD?
Yes, final results are copy protected. Rights are reserved by the Eastty Production Company. Extra DVDs are $18.
Will you go to a location (like the beach or a park) without additional charge?
Sure, why not?
Do you work with the photographer to ensure mutual cooperation?
This is absolutely necessary. Communication between vendors is essential. We contact your photographer prior to the wedding to establish our presence and exchange our anticipated angles and general plans.