TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR PERFECT UXBRIDGE WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER
After couples book me to photograph their wedding, I am invariably asked “Do you know anyone that shoots video?” Having a photographer is essential : ) but my super reasonable pricing should leave you with enough to afford a videographer. Personally, I think it’s worth ditching that ice sculpture or chocolate fountain (controversial, I know) and putting the money towards a video. Something else to consider is hiring a drone operator. A drone can capture stills or video and can get some unique overhead shots. I have posted some photos below from Bryony and Matt’s Winter Wedding at Milling Barn in Hertfordshire. Shot by my second shooter Simon who is a registered drone pilot, the barn looks gorgeous with a light dusting of snow. Choosing the perfect wedding videographer can be a daunting task, but it's important to find someone who can capture your special day in a way that reflects your vision and style. Here are some top tips to help you choose the right wedding videographer:
Research and Check Portfolios: Ground zero. The first obvious step and the most fun part. Research various wedding videographers and check their portfolios online. They should have lots of video clips posted on Instagram, and at the time of writing TikTok is now the big thing. Look for styles that you like and make sure their work matches your vision. Not every videographer will be right for you. Don’t be shy to make a quick initial phone call to enquire about availability and price. They will be delighted to speak to a real person, even for 5 minutes. Their working lives are spent shut in a dark room editing and eating pizza.
Check Reviews and Referrals: Probably the best way to find any supplier. We all read reviews whether looking for a plumber or somewhere great to eat. About 90% of my wedding work comes from referrals. Ask for referrals from friends, family, and other wedding vendors. Social media, Instagram and Google My Business reviews are a great place to start. Word of mouth can be a great way to find a reputable videographer.
Schedule A Meeting: Arrange to meet or have a chat over Zoom with potential videographers to get a feel for their personality and working style. You want someone who is easy to work with and will make you feel comfortable on your wedding day. Many suppliers sell themselves along the lines of “You will be making a new friend for life” if you hire them. As cute and cuddly as that sounds, I’m guessing you have enough friends already. What you do need is a professional who can capture the friends you already have, in a video you want to watch more than once.
Discuss Packages and Prices: Ask about package options and pricing. Make sure you know exactly what you will be getting and what is included in each package. It won’t be cheap, as you are paying for a lot more than one day’s work. Much like a photographer, hours upon hours are spent sitting in front of a computer editing. In the dark, curtains drawn, drinking coffee. It can be a lonely solitary lifestyle. Waah Waah Waah : (
Ask About Equipment and Backup Plans: Inquire about their equipment and backup plans. You want to make sure they have quality equipment and a plan in case something goes wrong. I photographed a wedding in Ireland and the couple didn’t get their video for a year! It turned out the videographer had a hard drive crash and lost a lot of the footage. I didn’t enquire what the couple received as it would be like scraping a wound. Remember, when you receive your video, as with the photos…back up, back up back up.
Consider Experience and Expertise: Choose a videographer who has experience and expertise in shooting weddings. They should be able to handle any unexpected situations that may arise.
Ask How They Work With Your Photographer: Of great importance to photographers like me obviously. But it should be to the couple as well. When I worked as a tv news cameraman, working alongside photographers was like gladiatorial combat, all fighting to get the shot. You can see these scenarios any time you turn on the news. The jostling and pushing are technically known in the business as “a scrum”. You DO NOT want a scrum as you walk up the aisle on your wedding day. A good photographer and videographer should work together in harmony. Having shot video for ITN, Sky, BBC for 15 years under pressure, I know exactly how to dance lightly around a videographer without getting in their shot.
Sign a Contract: Make sure you sign a contract with the videographer that outlines all the details and expectations for the wedding day.
Book Early: Lastly, book your videographer early! The best ones tend to get booked up quickly, so don't wait until the last minute to start your search. The videographer I recommend, www.jacktojack.com shoots at least 28 weddings a year. As with photographers, videographers can get multiple requests for popular dates and can be booked up to 2 years in advance.
