The reality is not all Wedding Videographers are equal–in talent, style or as you may be finding out budget. But when you find the right one you just know it. After filming weddings for 5 years now and producing projects for some of television networks biggest programs I’ve learned a thing or two and boy has the journey been awesome! Below I talk a little about why it’s so important to not skimp on booking a wedding videographer for your big day!
The business of wedding filmmakers has blown up in the last couple years… Why you might ask? Because your average Joe walks into Best Buy. Buys a Canon Rebel with a kit lens and says, “I’m a wedding filmmaker”. This hurts… It truly does. Not necessarily us, but it hurts the overall outcome of the brides expectations. It’s almost every month we have couples emailing us asking to re-edit their wedding video or “Hey, can you make this less shaky, more in focus or enhance the Audio.”. Rarely ever is the footage salvageable. Are you looking for a “home video” like your parents filmed on Christmas morning or are you wanting a love story that presents its self beautifully with all the emotions to go along with it.
Choosing your wedding videographer is one of the most important decisions you will make during the planning process. Your wedding day will pass in an emotional whirlwind, and the content captured that day will be precious reminders of the loved ones who shared it with you.
Professional wedding videographers are not cheap. It will be one of the largest expenditures in your wedding budget, but it is also one of the only enduring purchase you will make. Keep these things in mind when choosing your wedding filmmaker:
Your wedding is not an experiment. This is not the time to allow your cousin, best friend or newbie to develop their budding videography business or to choose a part-time videographer. Select a seasoned professional who is a full-time videographer The role of second shooter is good training for someone looking to build experience or a portfolio. Not some one to put your trust in as a sole shooter.
Ask to see a complete wedding from beginning to end. Don’t rely only on the favorites Instagram teasers presented by a videographer (Trust me on this one). You want to see how the videographer captures the day from beginning to end and how they tell your story. Do they shoot from different angles… wide, tight, aerial (drone footage. Are they even licensed to fly a drone? Yes, you have to be licensed to fly a drone at a wedding. It’s a requirement by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). Maybe they are Licensed, but does it cost extra?
Beach videography is not church videography. filming a beach wedding is a unique challenge due to lighting and weather conditions. If a videographer seems fantastic but they primarily only film church weddings or indoor venues, you should consider a videographer who has extensive experience with beach weddings. Again, you don’t want your wedding to be the test case.
Finally, you should ask if your videographer what their turnaround time for delivery is? You don’t want to wait 6 months to get your highlight back! Do they offer and copyright releases, drone footage, music licensing, ceremony films, full dance edits? Just remember, don’t skimp on the budget for videography. Your memories are too important – there are other areas where you can cut costs in order to afford quality professional . You don’t get a do over of your special day.
Checkout what this recent bride had to say about her experience
If you’re planning a wedding for the 2021 wedding season we still have a few select dates available and would love to chat with you about being apart of your big day! Checkout Blue Ridge Film Productions for more info!
