Why hire a Videographer?

This week, I received a frantic email from a bride in need of my services. 
According to the bride, a local photographer “recommended you to video our wedding ceremony this sat - such short notice! On the very off chance that you are not already booked, would you mind giving me a call?” Unfortunately, I was booked and had to decline the offer. Too often, in fact, I get a call to videotape a wedding at the “last minute” and this particular bride was no exception.” Moreover, in speaking with fellow wedding professionals including photographers, florists, caterers, etc., it appears that we videographers are often the “last minute” addition to wedding events, many of which have been in the planning stages for over a year.

I've wondered why videographers are often chosen last. Some may attribute these delayed inquiries to budgeting issue, especially in a challenging economy. I've experienced these delayed requests, however, even during the best of economic conditions. Could there some sort of lack of awareness for the need? I doubt it. Hardly a birthday, holiday, or other life event takes place without some family member or friend standing around with a handheld video camera. Social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube have only accelerated the demand for video clips that can be shared with others. I do think, though, that the prevalence of these sites coupled with the ever-lowering price of video cameras have contributed to the overall thought that “[insert family member here] will videotape my wedding so I won't need to hire anyone.” It then becomes inevitable that as the major day approaches and all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, that the Bride and Groom realize it's actually a much too important day with far too many precious moments to rely solely upon Uncle So-and-So and his handheld camera.

Video can capture the emotions and events of your wedding day in a very unique way. Only video has the capability to capture both the images and sounds of your wedding day vows, dances, and toasts. Years from now, you may remember that your grandfather made you cry with joy with his toast, but with video you can actually share that emotion all over again as you and your family watch and experience for themselves what he said, word-for-word. Moreover, video is a compilation of images used to create motion . What that means for you is that your wedding video will present the full glory of your procession down the wedding aisle in your white dress and the tear that rolled down your father's cheek as he gave you away. Unfortunately, much of the day will be a blur. When you watch your video in the years after your wedding, you will relive all those emotions that you experienced on that day without the stress that surrounded it.

I know video is important, but why can't my uncle videotape it? Technically, he simply may not be able to. In order to properly capture the footage you want, he'll need more than just a camera. I don't show up a wedding without a backup camera, wireless microphones, receivers, lights, tripods, extra batteries, and more! Also, that uncle may not have the technical know-how. There's a giant leap between hitting “record” and handing over edited DVDs to your friends and family. Only a professional videographer will be able to turn around a high-quality production that you will be excited to show others. You don't want the only video of your vows to be shaky footage taken from the back of someone's head encumbered by persistent background noise.

Now that I know I should hire a videography, how do I know who and what to look for? The first question to answer is what “style” video do I want? Most videographers will either provide a “cinematic” or “documentary” production. The “cinematic” approach is a film-like presentation with carefully selected shots, effects, and music used to create an overall mood. The “documentary” production is usually a candid presentation of the entire day that uses captured moments to create the narrative of your wedding. After deciding the style, you will want to see a sample wedding from your list of potential videographers. Try to meet your videographer. You will want someone that presents themselves well because they will spend one of the most important days of your life with you. Inquire as to how long they've been providing services, what type of referrals or recommendations they can provide, and what they charge for their rates. Most will offer either an hourly or package price. Choose the best videographer you can afford but don't compromise the potential to relive this day for years to come. Uncle So-and-So will still be around to videotape the Thanksgiving turkey coming out of the oven.

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