Don’t book your wedding videographer until you have read this!
Did you know that the average wedding video in the United States cost $1595 according to www.theknot.com? That’s just “the average cost," and you can bet that the vast majority of those videos are of “average” quality or less. That’s a lot of money to spend on something that’s just average. If you’re spending $1595 on a wedding video, you expect an experience and deserve a final product that is superior.
Understanding Wedding Videography: A “Reel” Guide For Brides
Over the past 7 years, as owner of the wedding video production company (CWC Video Production), I have learned how to produce a unique, top-quality, and memorable video . Because of this, I have put together this article to help you feel more empowered and confident when searching for your videographer.
1. Does your videographer have at least 3 years of experience recording weddings?
Question: How many years of experience do you have recording weddings?
Their answer_____________________________________________________________________
My Answer: I have been recording weddings for over 7 years.
2. Can you count on the owner of the company to be there to record your wedding, or will it be a freelance videographer?
Question: Do you use freelance videographers?
Their answer _____________________________________________________________________
My Answer: No, I don’t use freelance videographers. I record my weddings myself and with my associate. This way you know that you're getting the experienced videographers you hired who will find the best angles to film from. We also know how to work with difficult lighting, tight spaces, poor acoustics, and how to effectively work with your clergy and unique location. CLICK HERE TO SEE A HIGHLIGHT VIDEO FROM CWC VIDEO PRODUCTION.
3: How many cameras are used?
Question: How many cameras do you use?
Their answer: ____________________________________________________________________
My Answer: While I generally record all weddings with two cameras, I always have a third camera running in the back or in the balcony on a tripod; this third camera constantly records a wide angle view of the ceremony. Why is this important? What if one of the primary cameras malfunctions? This allows you and the videographer the peace of mind that if, in the unlikely event that a camera malfunction occurs, you will always have at least two views of your ceremony. A third camera is like wedding video insurance.
4: What about sound?
Question: How many microphones do you use (wireless, external shotguns, etc.)?
Their Answer:________________________________________________________________________
My Answer: Great audio is not optional, it's essential! You must insist that your videographer use several different audio sources. I place a wireless lapel microphone on the groom, which generally does a great job of recording your vows. However, this microphone doesn’t do such a great job recording the ambience of the ceremony: you don’t want to hear every sniffle or sound you or your husband makes on your finished video.
Never accept “on camera” microphones for your wedding. These microphones are put on as an afterthought by the big camera makers, and their sound is often abysmal compared to a quality external microphone. I personally prefer RHODE, AZDEN, SAMSON, and AUDIO TECHNICA for external mics.
I personally use a Rhode Video Mic, an Azden shotgun microphone, a Tascam DR2D dual file field recorder, and a Samson or Audio Technica wireless lapel microphones. This allows me to have at least four audio sources to choose from when I edit your final video.
If you'd like more information, follow the links below to find out more about quality microphones:
5. Which camera recording format is better: HD (high definition) or SD (standard definition)
You should insist on full HD footage (1920 X 1080 pixels), it should be standard for all wedding videos.
Question: Do you record in high definition or standard definition?
Their Answer: ____________________________________________________________________
My answer: What’s the difference? Simple answer: do you want your wedding video to fill the screen of your new wide screen TV and use all the pixels? (HD) or do you want to have your video fill a square box in the middle of your screen with black bars on the side and not look very sharp? (SD)
Beware: some videographers will tell you that they can “upscale” your footage to HD from their SD recorded footage. This is absolute misinformation, it never looks as good as true HD and they think you won’t notice the difference (it’s obvious). I was offended when a bride told me that another local videographer said this to her. Don’t fall for it.
I only record in true high definition, the price for excellent HD cameras has come down far enough in price that I have invested in three new high definition cameras (two canon t2i’s and a Panasonic HMC 40) as well as two new custom built computers and professional software to edit this this type of footage. It wasn’t cheap to make the switch, but the end results have been amazing and worth it. You should insist on all high definition footage, if they up the price for it as many do, you should look elsewhere.
6. How do I want my video’s delivered, Blu-Ray Disc or Standard DVD?
Question: do you give me my finished video on Blu-Ray Disc or Standard DVD?
Their Answer:________________________________________________________________________
My answer: I deliver each bride at least one Blu-Ray Disc, even if they don’t want it because they don’t have an HD TV or a Blu-Ray Disc player yet. I give it to them anyways because I know that someday they will have this equipment in their home and I want every bride of mine to be able to see their wedding video in its highest resolution format, even if it’s a month or a couple years from now. I also down scale the videos to standard definition DVD format so they can be watched on their current equipment.
Beware: You can’t put high definition footage on a standard DVD; Blu-Ray Disc is the best way to deliver HD video. You can have wide screen footage on DVD, but it will be standard definition.
7. How do they work with photographers?
Question: Do you stay out of the photographer’s way, or does he/she stay out of yours?
Their Answer:________________________________________________________________________
My Answer: This is a preference for you based on whether you want the videographer or the photographer to run the picture show. Personally, I let the photographer set the shots and try to stay out of their way. Often you have paid more money for your photographer, so I just work off of their shots and sets to make sure that they can get the shot that YOU want. Photographers usually only have one chance to get the perfect shot of your first kiss or other candid events of the day. I have three cameras recording so; I know that one of them will always have a good shot of what’s happening. It also keeps things moving along on time and keeps the photographer happy. No need to add any more stress to your day.
8. HD camcorder vs. DSLR video?
Question: Do you use HD camcorders or DSLR video recording equipment?
Their answer: _________________________________________________________________________
My answer: I prefer to use both. I use two Canon DSLR type cameras and one Panasonic AVCHD high definition camcorder. The reason behind this is that both formats have their advantages and disadvantages. The DSLR type video camera is very new to the wedding video industry, it began in 2009 and many videographers are very fearful of making the switch. It’s also very expensive to purchase new camera equipment. I began making the switch in 2010, because I know this is the way of the future and I like to stay on top of industry changes. The biggest advantage for DSLR type cameras is the quality of the footage, it is absolutely breath taking. While the camcorder type takes great HD footage, the Canon DSLR’s really take the cake in this area. The biggest disadvantage for the DSLR is that they can only record for 12 minutes at a time, then they stop and you have to manually hit the record button again. This has been a deal breaker for many videographers since they only shoot with two cameras and can’t afford to risk having both cameras turning off at the same time. Hence, the reason I use three cameras. I use the Panasonic to record the wide angle view of the ceremony since it doesn’t turn off and also has better sound quality. I can then use this cameras footage and audio to sync together the footage from the other cameras. When the dslr hits the 12 minute mark, I just push the button and start recording again. This way you get the best of both worlds and don’t have to worry about any missing footage.
9. Mac or PC and editing software
Their answer: _________________________________________________________________________
My Answer: Frankly, it doesn’t matter what program you edit with so long as you understand how to use the software correctly. They all do the same thing. I use Sony Vegas Pro because it works well on the PC platform and I can build my own computer to use it on. I am also Sony Creative Software Vegas Pro Certified.
10. Fixed rate (package deal) or hourly
Their answer: _________________________________________________________________________
My Answer: This is usually a preference decided by the videographer or production company. I prefer to do a fixed rate or package deal for my clients. This eliminates the client’s fear of being overcharged. If the party at the reception begins to really slow down, I will ask the bride if it’s ok for me to leave. If she wants me to stay for a little longer I will do so without an extra charge.
