- sydneykoerberfilms
What should I ask my potential wedding videographers?
Finding the right wedding vendors for your big day can sometimes feel overwhelming and aimless. You have a vision for your day, but making it all come together is not always easy. Many couples end up just doing a quick search in hopes of finding someone near them, but even those results can be overwhelming to sift through.
All that to say I'm here for you! I think a wedding film is one of the most personal choices when you are planning a wedding, so I've put together a quick list of questions for you to think on and ask potential videographers as you find someone to tell your story!
What is your base investment amount?
This one may be obvious, but you want to stay within your budget, right? You should get this information right away to ensure that you are not wasting your time talking with someone who is way outside your price range. (Side note - quality is tied to investment. If you want a top-tier film, you have to invest. Great videographers cost about the same as great photographers, but more on that another time!) Once you know that the base investment is in your range, chat with them about their most popular package. See what type of add-ons they offer, and be sure to ask if you don't see something that you were wanting!
What is your style on the wedding day?
Now that you have found someone who fits your budget, it's time to make sure they fit your style! There are things that you can find out on your own just by looking at the videographer's past wedding films, like color and average length, but there are some things that you can't. The planner, photographer, and videographer spend the most time with you on one of the biggest days of your life, so you should make sure you are on the same page! Ask if they have a shot list for the day. Some videographers have a specific list that they stick to no matter what. This type of videographer will probably have their director's hat on most of the day. Others don't have a shot list at all and just capture the day without much directing. This videographer will be very mild and you won't notice they are there most of the time. I have seen beautiful wedding films produced using both of these styles and everything in between, but the day-of looks very different for each of them. Figure out what works best for you, and find someone who fits your vibe!
How flexible are you when it comes to film styles?
No two couples are exactly the same, so why should all wedding films look the same? If you like a videographer's personality and their footage is incredible, but they aren't able to create a film that matches your day, then they are not the one for you. Don't be afraid to ask them about pace and style if those are specifics you are looking for. I have had couples ask for high-energy films that capture the dancing and fun moments throughout the day, and others have wanted a slower, dreamier film that show off the quiet, intimate details. Ask about their flexibility when it comes to styles. You cannot control every aspect of the film, but it is important that your videographer can achieve your vision for your wedding film!
How long will you store my footage?
This is something most couples wouldn't think to ask, but it is SO IMPORTANT! Let's say you decide on a highlight film with no add-ons (typical base package). This is what worked with your budget, and it is what you were wanting in terms of videography. What are your options if your little brother gives an incredible toast and you are wanting to buy that film 2 or 3 years later? Will your videographer still have that footage? You never know what special moments will happen on your wedding day that you will want to relive later, so ensuring that your videographer stores your footage is really a game-changer!
What type of gear do you use?
This one is also something that couples may not ask because they just don't know what to ask about. When I watch a wedding film that is just downright incredible, two things are usually putting that video above the rest: delivery resolution and audio. Right now you will meet videographers who can deliver HD or 4K films. 4K films have double the pixels, and are so crisp compared to HD films, so I would highly recommend investing in a videographer who can shoot in 4K. The other thing that separates the good films from the great ones is audio. Ask your videographer about how they capture audio during the ceremony and toasts. Are they relying on their camera's built-in microphone? (Hopefully not because most camera microphones are terrible.) Do they have multiple sources of audio in case one doesn't work out just right? (We always have 5 sources of audio for the important moments throughout the day.) I wouldn't press them about all of their gear because obviously they are the expert, but it is important to know that they have the tools to tell your story well!