How to Choose a Videographer for a Wedding: Practical Tips

A wedding is an exciting event in a couple's life and should be approached responsibly. It must go perfectly because you won’t be able to replay the entire holiday again. And if everyone is already accustomed to the wedding day rehearsal so that force majeure does not arise during important moments, then the question of choosing the right videographer worries many - after all, the only way to check his work in advance is by looking at his portfolio. In this article, we will tell you how to find a suitable videographer and what criteria to focus on when choosing one.

Why do you need a videographer?

Just a few years ago, the presence of a videographer at a celebration was more an exception than an ordinary thing. Usually, it was a multi-hour report, simply reflecting the wedding chronicle. Modern wedding trends, fortunately, are not similar to what people are used to seeing before. The attitude towards holiday photography has also changed. However, if no one disputes the mandatory services of a professional photographer and stylist, then the question of how necessary a videographer is is still relevant.

But in the opinion of professionals, a videographer is as essential a specialist as a photographer, organizer, and decorator. No matter how much they would like, a photographer will not be able to combine photography and videography. If the photos show a beautiful static picture, then the video reflects the dynamics of the event, mood, and energy. In addition, a wedding report or a short music video will remain a vivid memory that you will want to play again and again.

What to look for when choosing a videographer:

• Does the videographer have experience in reportage wedding photography?
• Does the videographer have an assistant? What functions do they assign?
• The procedure and form of payment for services.
• Does the videographer work under a service agreement?
• Is there transportation to get to the wedding venue?
• What is the processing time for video material?
• Reviews of the work of this specialist.

How to evaluate a videographer’s portfolio

Like every conscientious contractor, any videographer should have a portfolio that he presents to potential clients for review. Reviewing a videographer’s portfolio is a long but important process. You will have to watch video footage from several weddings to evaluate the operator's style and how they collect material and place accents.

What you should pay attention to when evaluating a portfolio:

Does a wedding film have a plot?
Wedding photography should not resemble a presentation or just a video chronicle of a special event. It should be a full-fledged, albeit short, film that can trace the logic in the sequential presentation of the material, its own plot, climax, and denouement.

Quality of material, processing style
If, when watching a wedding video, it seems that the picture is too dark or light, the tones are too bright or muted, or the overall processing style gives a feeling of “not quite right,” you should turn your attention to the next candidate.

Do the works look exciting and different from each other?
If it seems that one wedding video is similar to another, weddings with different styles and moods on the screen are similar to one another, and while watching it, there is a temptation to be distracted by something, then it is better to refuse further cooperation with this videographer. But if, on the contrary, you want to watch the video from beginning to end, then you should take a closer look at the candidate.

Average video length
It's worth considering whether the clips seem too long and drawn out - or, conversely, short and unfinished. If the duration of the video sequence in the videographer’s work does not seem suitable for your wedding, it is worth considering another candidate.
Special effects and music selection
The taste of a professional should be close to the preferences of the newlyweds, and special effects in the video should not overload the picture. You can tell the specialist about your wishes in advance, but it is better that the videographer and the couple immediately agree on the design of the video.

Responsibilities of a videographer
Thinking through the plot of a video clip
The professional takes into account the wishes of the newlyweds. As a rule, the couple proposes a general idea, which, together with the videographer, is worked out to the smallest detail. If the bride and groom have difficulty choosing a shooting style and format, the videographer should offer them possible options.

Determine the video presentation style
As a rule, a romantic style is chosen for wedding photography, but a couple may want video shooting in a glamor or rock style. A professional contractor will handle the video presentation that the bride and groom desire.

Editing and applying effects
An experienced videographer knows how to apply the necessary effects and music to a specific shooting style without going overboard or making the picture too artificial.

The bottom line

Choosing a videographer is a case where you can give in to your emotions when searching. If the videos from the master’s portfolio evoked an internal response, perhaps this is the specialist that the newlyweds need. The most important thing is to remember that wedding videography is the provision of services, so it is important not only to agree with the operator on preferences but also to record the agreements on paper.