Capturing Your Big Day on Film
Nowadays, your wedding isn’t complete without a DVD of the day to cherish for years. Videographers, like their photographer cousins, capture the essence of your day. The difference is that the former are more like filmmakers, gathering together clips of your wedding from an observer’s point of view.
“A videographer gets an overall view of the wedding,” says Katie Shipsides, of Shipsides Productions in New York City. “People aren’t always posed or smiling, and you’ll get to hear those vows again, and the speeches; even watch your first dance.”
Unlike photographers who can rely on posed shots and wait for strong moments for candids, a videographer will film almost continually. A good wedding videographer should be able to cover your big day as discreetly as possible, and not always be “in your face.” But remember that no matter how discreet he is, many churches will not permit filming during the ceremony and some reception sites have similar rules as well. Most professional wedding videographers will already be well aware of these restrictions, but always check with your ceremony and reception locations in advance to avoid any surprises.
Styles of wedding videography.
In general, there are two types of videography: Photojournalistic, or “documentary,” and Cinematic. Photojournalistic videography tends to document the entire day with minimal editing, often resulting in a 3-hour production. Cinematic videography is more like traditional filmmaking, where the highlights of the day are edited together into a mini-movie, usually lasting from 30 to 60 minutes.
Hiring your videographer.
You should start searching for your videographer about 9 months’ prior to your wedding, and after you’ve picked the site. The prices vary tremendously, depending on how elaborate the setup is, the style of your wedding, and how many extras you demand. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
When searching, ask friends and relatives, as well as other vendors. Be sure to get references, and contact the Better Business Bureau for complaints. You should ask to see a few DVDs, to get an overall feel for his technique. Make sure the videographer shows you something from a recent wedding, not a gig he did back in 1998. You can get color and/or black and white, and your DVD should be completed in about two months. Ask ahead of time to see if your videographer offers Blu-Ray, so you’re not disappointed when you want higher definition at a later date.
In addition to a film of your big day, videographers can make montages for your reception. Some options are “Love Story” clips that show a collage of the two of you throughout the years. Another idea is to have the videographer film your rehearsal dinner, shower, or engagement party, and show those clips at the reception. Some videographers will even film the ceremony, and have it up and running by reception time.
Whatever you decide, make sure you find a videographer who understands lighting, sound, and your own needs. “You don’t want to get your DVD and find that everything’s dark,” says Shipsides. “If the person you hire knows the space, he’ll understand the requirements better. It doesn’t matter if he uses one camera or five, he has to create the feeling you want.”
When you’re ready to sign on the dotted line, make sure the videographer you interview is the same person who shows up on the day of your wedding. Find out if you’ll be charged by the hour, the day, or by the type of package you request. All extras need to be specified in writing, so you don’t get charged for something you don’t want. Finally, ask how intrusive the videographer is going to be: If you’d rather not have a camera in your face when you’re cutting the cake, now’s the time to let him know.
-David Toussaint
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