Choose Videographer

What to look for in a professional Videographer

Often the wedding video is the first thing to be cut from the budget when the cost of a wedding starts to add up. Sadly there are elements and moments of your special day that you will either forget, or simply overlook and not even the photographer can save those special moments. Once you have started to research a Videographer, you will start to appreciate the experience and training necessary to achieve a high quality product that gives a true reflection of the events of the day. Remember you only have one chance to record the day and even if it is only for yourself and your husband, or to give to your children to watch one day when they start asking those impossible questions, you will forever cherish an accurate record of your wedding. You can start by contacting our Cape Town wedding videographers and make an appointment to view their demo tapes. You will see highlights of weddings as well as actual weddings and it is important to choose a Videographer whose style matches and reflects your taste. Study their use of special effects when making a decision as you will be buying into that specific videographers style. The demo tapes that you view will give you a preview of the style of editing that you can expect. Videography is an art and some have a candid approach while others prefer a more photo journalistic style in their video footage. Some videographers enjoy interviewing guests and setting up the scene whilst you may prefer a more spontaneous, unobtrusive style. It is not always a case of being right or wrong, here your taste counts and you can communicate this to the videographer. 

The next but most important factor to watch out for is the quality of the work. Find out more about the videographers equipment including cameras, lighting, microphones and editing equipment. Videography is changing fast and the right equipment makes all the difference to the final product. The up to date equipment and the experience of the Videographer will give you an indication of the price that you will pay for a professional product. Remember price is what you pay, but it’s the real value that is more important to you.

Finally it is important that you feel comfortable with the person you choose to spend your most special moments with. The last thing you want is a pushy, unpleasant person in your private space for a whole day. Find a Videographer that you feel will accurately communicate the emotion and excitement of the day, someone who cares, and someone who is experienced and qualified enough to ensure that you have everlasting memories that will make you laugh, and even make you cry a little.

Once you have decided on the person you want to be at the wedding with you, provide them with a schedule of the events of the day so that they can be prepared. Remember to introduce them to the people at the wedding that you think will assist them in their work e.g. function coordinators or managers. Also ensure that you know whether or not they will bring an assistant or second cameraman so that you can provide seating and meals for them. 

Vicky Goslin, Exec. Secretary of the Digital Video Association of South Africa recommends that you ask the following questions when researching a professional videographer:

    - Are they using the latest in camera & editing technology?- How good is their audio quality (essential for outdoor weddings)?- How many cameras do they use? This is important when you want different events recorded
    accurately at the same time, e.g. The bride preparing to go to the church while the groom and the guests are arriving at the church. - Do their cameras manage "low light" conditions - what extra lighting do they have available?- How many hours will they be in attendance - and are they willing to work extra hours if necessary?- Are they willing to travel to your location. If so, what are the costs involved?
Vicky advises that as a professionally produced DVD is an essential moments of your wedding day, a live recording of this very special event, from beginning to end, can be captured for you to enjoy for a lifetime! When choosing a videographer, ensure that they are professionals and insist on seeing samples of their work. If you cannot visit their studio, ask for references and credentials. After asking these questions, you will already have a feel for the person who will be behind the camera and with you for the entire day. Ask yourself, are you comfortable with them and does their style of filming suit your needs. The best videographers, like photographers, are booked well in advance, so it is essential that you contact them as early as possible. 

Once everything is set it is just up to you to relax and enjoy your day, so ensuring that the footage and record of your wedding will be as spectacular as you have planned it and dreamt it to be!