It’s booking season here in Western North Carolina and couple’s are on the hunt for the perfect wedding Filmmaker! It can be a lot to take in at first, there’s so many styles and so many things to consider. But fear not! This post will help guide you to finding the wedding filmmaker of your dreams (us, duh!).
MAKE SURE YOUR STYLES MATCH
This is *almost* thee most important thing on this list! When you reach out to a wedding cinematographer, make sure you’re in love with their style, because you’ll get exactly that in your wedding film. It’s always better to pay a little bit more to get a better product, than to pay less and get something you don’t absolutely love.
MAKE SURE YOUR PERSONALITIES MATCH
We all have that one person from work no one likes right? Well imagine having that person with you all day on most important day of your life! It’s always best to book someone with a great personality. Your day will go by sooooo much better.
LOOK AT THEIR STYLE OF EDITING
Most cinematographers have a unique editing style. Some cinematographers edit the whole day in linear order, while others take some liberties and edit out of order. Both can be beautifully done. I edit more on the linear order side, as it allows me to build up your day from beginning to end!
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO THEY USE
Audio of vows, speeches, first looks, and card readings is so so so important to crafting a story in your wedding film. Make sure your cinematographer uses the type of audio you like, otherwise you may end up with a wedding music video, and not a wedding film with emotion!
ASK IF THEY HAVE THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
Ask your cinematographer if they have the necessary equipment to capture what you’re wanting. Lots of cinematographers are at various points in their career, price can vary greatly between cinematographers because of this. You can expect Blue Ridge Film Productions will provide at upwards to $15,000 of equipment per wedding. (We defiantly have done our research when it comes to providing our Bride & Groom top notch quality.)
ASK ABOUT THEIR FILMING PROCESS
Everyone knows planning a wedding is quite a process! You put lots of planning into your special day, and your cinematographer should put some planning in too. Always touch base with your cinematographer at least a month before the big day and make sure filming times and locations are known to the both of you. It’ll make the day go so much smoother! You can do this a number of ways… Meeting up for coffee, Facetime or a telephone call.
DO THEY USE LIGHTING?
Lighting is such an important thing when it comes to any kind of film making. Many venues here in Edmonton get darker as the reception goes on, and by speeches time, it can be quite dark. A good wedding cinematographer will have lights that not only make everything visible, but also set a little bit of mood and atmosphere! Blue Ridge Film Productions comes equipped plenty of LED lighting to make sure your venue and ceremonial location is well lit.
BE WEARY IF THEY DON’T WANT TO MEET IN PERSON OR TALK ON THE PHONE
I’ve heard a few horror stories from brides about cinematographers who go missing a month before the big day. One thing that they almost all have in common is they always communicated with them over email, and never in person or over the phone. Always meet in person or talk on the phone. You’ll have a much lower chance of being swindled! Also check for referrals and testimonials from previous brides to hear about their experience.
DON’T GHOST THEM
Always be open with your cinematographer! Even if you ask about pricing and don’t want to book with them in the end, just let them know!
Got questions for Blue Ridge Film Productions?