Wedding Videos
Advice from UK professional videographer, Peter Snell
Nothing can bring the emotions of a wedding back to life in quite the same way as a well-crafted video. It should make you laugh and cry at exactly the right moments, and is something to be treasured for a lifetime.
A wedding is about the most challenging event to film as it is 80% spontaneous and you only get one 'take'.
Part of the problem is that it is quite common for people starting out in the video business to begin by making wedding videos because they mistakenly see them as an easy way to get started. To make matters worse, once they become competent they often abandon weddings to do commercial work. The result is that in some areas wedding videography is disproportionately serviced by inexperienced people.
However this just means you need to be careful as there are plenty of excellent videographers who actually love doing weddings. The key is to find out about their experience.
Occasionally things can go wrong and, like most horror stories, they are usually based on a lack of knowledge and a breakdown in communication, as the bride is expecting Hollywood blockbuster results on an Indie budget.
There are many things to look for when hiring a wedding videographer, but the critical factor is experience.
Wedding videos are a specialist product and you need someone who understands the genre inside and out.
Look for a member, preferably qualified, of a trade association such as IoV ( Institute of Videography www.iov.co.uk).
Ask to see a demo of the videographer's previous work. If they say they can't supply a demo for privacy or other reasons, cross them off your list. Ideally you should see a range of work from them, and also make sure you watch an entire video from start to finish. You want to know that they can cover the whole event well, not just get a few nice shots here and there.
You might also like to ask for references from previous customers.
The videographer should be able to get on with people and communicate well. Effective communication is important to make the day run smoothly, as well as making sure that everyone knows what to do and what to expect in relation to the video.
Videographers need to work with both guests and other professionals. If possible get the celebrant, photographer and videographer, etc to meet at the rehearsal to discuss each other's needs.
Different videographers have different styles and you should choose one that you are comfortable with. What style the videographer does best will be revealed when you see examples of his/her work. Common styles include:
- fly-on-the-wall, reality-TV style
- documentary, including interviews, voice-overs, etc
- arty, cinematic styles.
We can't give a specific price guide here because they vary so much from place to place, but professional videography is usually at least as expensive as professional photography. Remembering that most videos require several days of skilled labour
It is definitely worth asking how many cameras will be used. A single camera in the hands of an experienced videographer can capture all aspects of the day and produce a very entertaining film.
Two manned cameras will allow for a greater variety of shots, especially during the service. A third camera, usually left on a static wide shot, can provide additional safety and creative options.
Good quality editing is very important and will make a massive difference. Ask these questions:
How long will the final product be?
Long videos are usually offered by the inexperienced videographer. They contain everything, including the umms and errs, and are likely to have the feel of a home movie as they have less editing. The experienced videographer is more likely to produce everything you expect to see and hear, but in a shorter TV style film.
Can you have more than one version, e.g. a longer version for family, a highlights version for showing friends and a warts and all version (raw footage) for personal nostalgia?
If you are concerned about budget, one option is to ask for the wedding to be recorded but not edited. The 'raw' footage, which isn't practical to watch, can be saved and edited later when you can afford it. The most important thing is to capture the day - editing can wait if necessary.
The most important things you need to do to help the videographer do a good job:
- Nominate a reliable person to liaise with the videographer throughout the day.
- Provide maps, telephone numbers and contact names for venues and key people.
- Provide details of key guests and order of service so that the camera is in the right place at the right time and Aunty Clad in British Columbia gets sent best wishes!
- Reserve a parking place as close as possible to the venue. The videographer needs to move quickly and the equipment can be heavy.
- Liaise with the celebrant so the videographer has a good, clear view of the couple's faces as they take their vows, unobstructed by alter screens, choirs, flower arrangements.
- Advise guests that an official videographer will be present and will appreciate their co-operation. If they want to be camera-shy it is up to them to make themselves scarce rather than make themselves look ridiculous by running away or making silly faces and comments.
Peter Snell
Clicks Media Studios
01634 723838
info@clicksstudios.co.uk
