How does one go about choosing a professional videographer?

You should be aware that there are no set standards for quality of equipment, training, skill and experience. You need to ask the right questions and know what to look for when viewing samples.

Expect Superb Camerawork

If you are paying for the services of a professional videographer, expect nothing less than superb camerawork. A wedding is an event at which action happens very fast and things don't always happen as planned. Choose a videographer who has the skills, experience and equipment to handle the unexpected. If you hired three different artists to paint your portrait, you would end up with three very different results. The same is true with wedding videography. Don't settle for anything less than excellence.

What should I know before hiring a videographer?

We'd like to offer suggestions of what to look for when shopping for a videographer. First and most important is the videographer's SKILL, EXPERIENCE, PERSONALITY and PROFESSIONALISM. Your videographer will be interacting not only with you, but with your guests, family, church officials and other wedding services. Do you have a good "feeling" about the person? How will the videographer be dressed? Find out how experienced the videographer is. Be sure you understand how much time is included and if there are additional charges for mileage or anything else. Ask for references of recent customers and call them. Look at samples of the videographer's work: do you feel drawn in and involved in the video? Ask about the number of cameras. Ask how sound is recorded.

If you enjoy watching someone else's wedding video, think how much you'll like your own! On the other hand, if the sound is not clear, if there is poor camerawork or poor transitions, is this what you really want to pay for?