Looking for a videographer early in the wedding-planning process and approaching your search strategically will help ensure that you have time to find the best videographer for your budget.
Plan Ahead
Before you get started with your search, doing a little prep work can help simplify the process.
Know what you want. Different types of videographers shoot with different styles, just like photographers. Some film point and shoot documentary-style videos, while others shoot with more dramatic angles and artistic flare. Knowing the style that you want before looking for a videographer can help you narrow the pool of videographers early in the process.
Decide on a budget. Knowing how much you're able to spend can prevent you from wasting time negotiating with a videographer who is outside your budget.
Do Research
Start researching videographers in your area. Most videographers will have websites that provide information about experience, style and rates.
View sample reels. Look on each website for a portfolio or sample reels that demonstrate the skill of each videographer.
Read online reviews. Look for online reviews. Some videographers may provide testimonials, while others will have reviews on 3rd party websites (like Yelp.)
Talk to your wedding venue. Getting a reference from your wedding venue will help ensure that the videographer is an experienced, polished professional. Using the videographer referred to you by your wedding venue also helps ensure that the videographer knows the facility well. This makes it easier for your videographer to capture good lighting and angles.
Interview Candidates
Once you've narrowed your possible videographers to two or three candidates, sit down with each candidate for an interview. It's important for the videographer to be personable and easy to work with. Remember, you'll be seeing a lot of the videographer on your wedding day, so it's important for you to choose someone who is pleasant to be around.
Some good questions to ask your potential candidates include:
Will you be the one shooting the footage?
Can you describe your pricing policies?
How many weddings do you film each year?
What kind of microphone will you use for the wedding ceremony?
Will you have a backup camera on hand on the day of the wedding?
What do you need to know from me?
Call References
A good videographer should have a list of references, and hopefully they'll be recent. Good questions to ask references include:
Was the videographer on time?
Were you happy with the final product?
Is there anything you wish the videographer had done differently?
Was the videographer a pleasant person to be around on your wedding day?
Review the Contract
Read the contract carefully and scrutinize every detail. Don't assume that any service not included in the contract will be made available. If you don't see something that you're hoping will be included in your video package, ask the videographer about it.
Contact Bella Sera
At Bella Sera, we proudly work with All Pro USA , FlashBox Films and TSG Studios Cinematic Wedding Films.
If you're looking for a videographer, contact any one of our preferred vendors to ensure a professional, beautiful, true-to-life wedding video! For any other questions about your upcoming wedding, contact us today.
Book your special event and let the authentic Italian flavors of Bella Sera make your special occasion one to remember.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30AM to 5:00PM
Did you enjoy your Bella Sera experience? Follow us on our social media sites to stay updated on special events! #BellaSeraPgh