When planning a wedding, selecting the right videographer can make a huge difference in how you remember your special day. A wedding video captures more than just moments; it preserves the emotions, the laughter, and the tears of joy that make your celebration unique. To ensure you get a high-quality video that you'll cherish forever, it’s essential to ask the right questions before you commit. Here are five critical questions you must ask your wedding videographer before booking:

How Do You Describe Your Filming Style and How Will You Approach Filming Our Day?

Perhaps the most important question you will want to ask is how your videographer approaches and films wedding videos. Some videographers will direct, curate, and craft the most cinematically perfect video, others will be very hands-off and just document the day as it unfolds, in all its imperfections. Understanding their filming style will help you gauge whether it aligns with your vision for the wedding day, and, most importantly, have a huge effect on how you experience and enjoy your big day.

Questions to consider:

• How would you describe your filming style?

• I have specific shots in mind I'd like to get, can we talk about those? (proceed to explain your vision)

• We often feel awkward posing for photos and videos... How do you help us to feel natural and at ease in front of the camera?

It's crucial to ensure that their style matches the mood and theme of your wedding. If you prefer a documentary approach with minimal interference, make sure they’re comfortable with a more observational role. Conversely, if you're looking for a cinematic, story-driven video, ask about how they craft narratives and capture cinematic shots.

2. Do You Recommend Using a Second Shooter (or Assistant Videographer), and Why?

In a word, YES. The presence of a second shooter or assistant videographer significantly impacts the coverage and quality of your wedding video. However, it’s important to discuss with your potential wedding videographer whether this additional resource is advisable for your specific wedding and how it can enhance the final product.

Questions to consider:

• Here is the plan for our day [outline plan]. Do you believe we would benefit from a 2nd videographer and why?

• Do you often shoot weddings without an assistant? Can you show us examples of your recent work with and without a second shooter?

• How would the inclusion of a second shooter or assistant affect the overall video coverage? What would be missing without the assistant?

• What are the benefits of having a second shooter or assistant for our wedding day?

A second shooter can provide different perspectives, capture more moments simultaneously (like both partners getting ready), and ensure that no significant event is missed. Weddings are a very long day and there are a LOT of moments to capture professionally and creatively, and having 2 sets of eyes and 2 people to gather and move equipment (tripods, lights, etc) is typically recommended. However, some smaller weddings may not require 2 videographers. Discussing this option will help you understand how it might contribute to a richer and more comprehensive video of your special day.

3. How Do You Handle Audio Recording?

Clear audio is just as important as high-quality visuals. Wedding videos often include vows, speeches, and background music, so it's important that your videographer can capture these elements effectively.

Questions to consider:

• How do you record the audio for the ceremony and speeches?

• Do you use lapel mics or external recorders to capture the vows and speeches?

• How do you handle background noise or other audio challenges?

A professional videographer should use a combination of techniques to ensure clear and balanced audio. For instance, lapel mics can be used for capturing vows, while external recorders might be placed strategically to capture ambient sound and speeches.

4. What Is Your Policy on Deliverables and Archiving?

Understanding what you’ll receive and how your footage will be preserved is critical. You want to be sure that your memories are safeguarded and that you receive a product that meets your expectations.

Questions to consider:

• What exactly will we receive as part of our package (e.g., full-length video, highlights reel, raw footage)?

• How long will it take to receive our final video?

• What is your policy on backing up and archiving footage?

Ask about the format of the final product, whether you’ll get a highlight reel, the full ceremony, or raw footage. Inquire about the backup procedures to ensure that your footage is stored securely and can be recovered in case of any issues.

5. Can You Provide References or Reviews from Past Clients?

Testimonials and reviews can provide valuable insights into a videographer’s reliability, professionalism, and the overall quality of their work. Hearing from past clients can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

Questions to consider:

• Are there any reviews or testimonials we can read?

• Have you worked at our wedding venue before?

  
  

References can offer reassurance about the videographer’s work ethic and creativity. If they’ve worked at your venue before, they might already be familiar with the best spots and lighting conditions, which can be an added advantage.

In conclusion, choosing a wedding videographer is a significant decision that impacts how you’ll remember one of the most important days of your life. By asking these five key questions, amongst others, you can ensure that you find a professional who aligns with your vision, uses top-notch equipment, and provides high-quality audio and deliverables. Most importantly, you’ll gain confidence that you’re entrusting your memories to someone who understands and meets your expectations. Happy planning, and may your wedding video be everything you’ve dreamed of and more!