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Choosing a professional wedding videographer can be
complex and confusing. With so many terms like,
DVD authoring,how
do you choose and feel comfortable with your decision?
Your special day is arriving (and quicker than you
realized) and the last thing you need to worry about is
whether or not you have hired the right professional to
capture your day. Of course you've visited their website
and viewed their demo, but is that enough? The answer is
No matter whom you choose you will not know the
professionalism and skill of the videographer until
AFTER the ceremony.
First, let me clarify a few terms before I go any
further:
Non-linear editing ; use of computer vs. VCR. This does
not necessarily have any effect on the final footage,
its just one method of editing.
DVD authoring ; if a videographer provides this service,
your final product should look something like you would
rent at ;Blockbuster Video; with menus and chapters.
This is a lot more than just transferring footage to
DVD.
Digital Video ; this is a process of how footage is
captured. Digital and analog do not necessarily dictate
quality. There can be bad digital video just like there
can be bad analog video.
Now that you have some knowledge of the video industry
terms;there are a few questions you should ask yourself
when choosing a professional videographer:
a) Did the videographer seem knowledgeable?
b) Was the videographer able to answer all of your
questions to your satisfaction?
c) Was the videographer professional, i.e. did he/she
come prepared to your initial meeting with price lists,
contracts, demos, etc?
d) Was the videographer attentive when you asked
questions?
e) Does their product and service justify the pricing?
A professional videographer should be familiar with all
industry terms and products. He/she should be able to
describe in detail the services they are providing.
Regardless of pricing, contact the videographer directly
and see EXACTLY what they are offering. Each option
should be clearly outlined and easily identifiable on
their demo, instead of just a way to pad their pricing
for a few extra moments in your video.
Dont get caught up inprice wars. If you have to
question the pricing AFTER you have been provided a
detailed description of their service, then look
elsewhere.
Always ask for a copy of a wedding demo. Most
videographers are happy to send this to you free of
charge. Its not really important to receive a demo that
encompasses an entire wedding. Just look for key
elements that are important and will help ensure your
receive the best product. Such as:
a) Was the picture clear?
b) Was the camera steady?
c) Were graphics and music included in the demo?
Also, be aware of whether or not you prefer a DVD or VHS
copy of your wedding. Some videographers only offer VHS
copies. Your best option is to go with someone who
offers both. Additional copies of your wedding should
also be available at any time after your wedding date at
a reasonable price. Make sure you ask how much
additional DVD or VHS copies are or if they even offer
additional copies at a later date.
The bottom line is ;you get what you pay for; Remember,
your wedding day is a unique, on-time moment that can
never be recaptured. Dont cut corners for a cheaper
product and then have regrets that can never be
rectified.
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