The art of wedding videography takes skill, equipment, practice, and creativity; traits that many would lay claim to but few possess. When searching for the right videographer for your wedding at the right price there are a few basic terms to be aware of that will help give you a head start in the negotiating process.
Starting with the most obvious, ask upfront what kind of recording they perform. There are three kinds – VHS, VHS-S, and DV (digital video). VHS recordings lose quality over time, so in order to be able to keep a pristine copy that you can share with friends for decades to come, make sure your videographer will produce a digital video recording.
The next thing to check is the editing method. Something called Live Switching is becoming more and more prevalent, but it has a few drawbacks. Basically, the technique employs a number of cameras, with an editor who edits in real time as the ceremony commences. It involves quite a bit more equipment than other methods, which can be a distraction and hindrance, plus the resulting video is not as streamlined, since all of the editing is done in the time span of the wedding itself.
In addition to those two pragmatic concerns, your videographer should give you a great feeling about the final product he/she will provide. That means that even if someone has a bunch of name-brand, brand-new equipment and a professional look, but comes off as a bad listener or just doesn’t understand the kind of feel you want your wedding video to have, then can them and interview another.
The key to achieving a good result from cheap wedding videography is to finding someone you can both gel with. So after getting past the basics, don’t hesitate to ask a bunch of questions about samples the artist may have, probing for details into the assignments you like the best. Artists love talking about their work, so discussing it will let the videographer know that you are serious about the final product, improve rapport, and give you the information you need to make the most informed choice possible.