Wedding Videographer Tips & Guidelines

• Make sure the videographer is both shooting and editing using digital broadcast cameras and a digital non-linear editing system.

• Make sure the digital cameras used are not consumer cameras. They should be professional 3CCD digital cameras. (This means your video is brighter and sharper-especially in a dim lit church and reception)

• The audio is just as important as the pictures. Make sure that at least 2 wireless lapel microphones are capturing the vows and other speakers in the wedding.  A final mix of audio in post production is also better so the levels can be mixed together smoothly. (This means the sound will be natural and very clear)

• At least 2 cameras to cover the ceremony in its entirety with two camera operators is a must. The ideal is to have three cameras with two of them operated by camera operators. Three cameras and operators will ensure that many great long, medium and close-up shots will be captured by all cameras and ultimately create an interesting well produced video.

• The videographer should not be a distraction to the wedding. Make sure the videographer does not use a light during the ceremony and only a small soft light at the reception, if any light at all (This is where professional cameras really make a difference as they can shoot great images in low light).

• Make sure the videographer will spend time editing your wedding and reception properly. A properly edited wedding and reception will take many hours to edit. The 3 cameras at the ceremony must be combined smoothly together and the camera at the reception will capture hours of footage that must be edited into an interesting highlight. On average a complete wedding video will be 1hour to 1 1/2 hours long, depending on if interviews with wedding party are done – this should also be included with no extra charge on any wedding package.

• You should receive a master copy of your wedding on DVD as part of the standard package. Some companies will try to make this an add-on at extremely high prices ($250+). Also look out for companies that try to charge over $70 for VHS copies of your own wedding. Reasonably priced copies should be half that price. In general one all inclusive package is what’s best. Look out for lots of additional charges that will eventually nickel and dime you to death.

• Overall enjoy your wedding! You will be surprised what you missed after watching the video. (Especially at the reception)