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Choosing a professional
wedding videographer can be complex and confusing.
With so many terms like, "digital," "non-linear
editing," "DVD authoring," …how
do you choose and feel comfortable with your decision?
Your special day is arriving (and quicker than you
realized) and the last thing you need to worry about
is whether or not you have hired the right professional
to capture your day. Of course you've visited their
website and viewed their demo, but is that enough?
The answer is "no."
No matter whom you choose you will not know the
professionalism and skill of the videographer until
AFTER the ceremony.
First, let me clarify a few terms before I go any
further:
Non-linear editing - use of computer vs. VCR. This
does not necessarily have any effect on the final
footage, its just one method of editing.
DVD authoring - if a videographer
provides this service, your final product should
look something like you
would rent at "Blockbuster Video" with
menus and chapters. This is a lot more than just
transferring footage to DVD.
Digital Video - this
is a process of how footage is captured. Digital
and analog do not necessarily
dictate quality. There can be bad digital video
just like there can be bad analog video.
Now that you have some knowledge of the video industry
terms…there are a few questions you should
ask yourself when choosing a professional videographer:
a)
Did the videographer seem knowledgeable?
b) Was the videographer able to answer all of your
questions to your satisfaction?
c) Was the videographer professional, i.e. did
he/she come prepared to your initial meeting with
price
lists, contracts, demos, etc?
d) Was the videographer attentive when you asked
questions?
e) Does their product and service justify the pricing?
A professional videographer should be familiar with
all industry terms and products. He/she should be
able to describe in detail the services they are
providing.
Regardless of pricing, contact the videographer
directly and see EXACTLY what they are offering.
Each option should be clearly outlined and easily
identifiable on their demo, instead of just a way
to pad their pricing for a few extra moments in your
video.
Don't get caught up in "price wars." If
you have to question the pricing AFTER you have been
provided a detailed description of their service,
then look elsewhere.
Always ask for a copy of a wedding demo. Most videographers
are happy to send this to you free of charge. It's
not really important to receive a demo that encompasses
an entire wedding. Just look for key elements that
are important and will help ensure your receive the
best product. Such as:
a) Was the picture clear?
b) Was the camera steady?
c) Were graphics and music included in the demo?
Also, be aware of whether or not you prefer a DVD
or VHS copy of your wedding. Some videographers only
offer VHS copies. Your best option is to go with
someone who offers both. Additional copies of your
wedding should also be available at any time after
your wedding date at a reasonable price. Make sure
you ask how much additional DVD or VHS copies are
or if they even offer additional copies at a later
date.
The bottom line is "you get what you pay for." Remember,
your wedding day is a unique, on-time moment that
can never be recaptured. Don't cut corners for a
cheaper product and then have regrets that can never
be rectified.
Provided courtesy of:
Kimberly Johnson & Milas King, Orphan
Studios
www.orphanstudios.com
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