Videographers

RELAX and REPLAY

Every bride comments on how fast their wedding day went by. At least, if you choose to have your wedding videoed, you can watch and re-live the day all over again, and again! Furthermore, you will also have a record of moments and comments that you didn’t see or hear! In deciding whether to have your wedding videoed, you might consider if there are any friends or relatives who will be unable to attend, and if there are special friends and relatives who would love a copy of your wedding video/DVD as a gift. Also think how much pleasure your children and grandchildren would get from being able to see their parents’/grandparents’ wedding. Some brides are wary of having their wedding videoed because they are concerned that the presence of a camera and videographer will be intrusive. However, a professional videographer has both the expertise and equipment to be extremely discreet – to the point that some couples are completely oblivious to his presence!

Having decided that you want your wedding videoed, there is really no comparison between a professional and amateur video. Most home videos show that there is much more involved than pointing a camera in the right direction and pressing the record button. As with your wedding photos, there is only one chance to get it right! A professional video company uses superior equipment, both for the filming and editing, so that you will end up with a finished product worthy of repeat viewings. Professional videographers often use cameras of broadcast quality, and will also normally use more than one camera, so that nothing is missed and important scenes can be captured from more than one angle.

The first step to choosing a videographer is to see some examples of their work. Videography is an art form which means that, as with wedding photographers, different videographers have different styles. Usually the videographer will present the demonstration, or showreel, so that you can ask questions as they arise. The showreel will have of clips of various weddings but you may also want to watch an example of a finished product. If you like what you see, always make sure that your video will be produced by that same person and in the same style.

Like photographers, wedding video companies may offer a range of wedding packages but, as with the photographer, there should be scope for tailoring the video to your day. In addition to a traditional wedding video, you can now choose a movie-style version. Recognising that few people (apart from the bride and groom) want to watch hours of film, one company offers a final 20-minute DVD which documents the highlights of the day along with your chosen music.

Whichever company you choose, you should ....