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Wedding Videography Cornwall

Wedding Videography Cornwall


Dreaming of feeling like a film star on your wedding day? Get clued up on the must-ask questions for your videographer and look forward to the movie m





Dreaming of feeling like a film star on your wedding day? Get clued up on the must-ask questions for your videographer and look forward to the movie moment of your life...

It's a big responsibility, being a wedding videographer. For you, the day will go by in a flash. Twelve months of planning to create the most perfect twelve hours possible: giddy elation as vows are read, tender laughter and souls bared in speeches, and an evening spent with your closest loved ones. But time flies when you're having fun - and there's no greater time-stealer than a wedding.

The videographer is there to ensure the spirit of the day is captured for you. It's about all the sights and sounds that made your day what it was. From a catch in the throat as he fights back tears to the kiss that seals your state of matrimony - you'll be able to relive those moments and feelings, again and again.


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When starting your quest, you'll probably be surprised at the volume of choice, and how much there is to think about: so many packages, so many options! After watching various highlight reels, you'll hopefully have narrowed down your list to a handful of favourites. But how do you choose which one is right for you?  

As the specialist wedding videographer at Babalu Films (babalufilms.co.uk), I've put my personal and professional experience of behind the scenes insights to ensure you're asking the right questions, right from the start.

How much experience do you have / can I see some of your work?

First things first, you need to ensure that your prospective videographer is a video professional and has the experience to do your day justice. To give you an overall idea of the quality of their work, the best place to start is highlight reels. How much heart is there in those five-minute videos; how much creativity? Is the style in line with how you envisage your day?

Can you explain your different packages?

This may seem like a funny one. Most queries will be covered by the information the videographer provides online. However, it's unlikely this will cover all eventualities, so take the opportunity to ask some more detailed questions. By getting the videographer to talk each package through, you'll get a sense of what is most popular, as well as what the person in question sees as the greatest benefits of each one.

What kit do you use?

Don't fret over this too much. Unless you're particularly techie, it will all seem like gobbledygook anyway. Most videographers these days will shoot on DSLRs, so the main thing to find out is how many cameras they'll be using (you want a minimum of two) and how they plan to record audio (a mix of wireless and directional microphones work best).  

After that, it's about finding out what kind of specialist video equipment they might consider using. For instance, a jib (a type of crane for the camera to get high, swooping shots) and steadicams (a wearable vest that removes camera shake and gives a Hollywood style) are high-level pieces of equipment and can capture incredibly cinematic footage, but they can also attract attention. Make sure you clarify the situations in which you're happy for each piece of kit to be used. 

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What's your filming style throughout the day?

Each videographer will have an individual style. If you've watched a range of highlight reels, you'll soon see how different they can be, from the type of shots and style of camera work to the colour grading and even their chosen fonts. If you've chosen to contact a company, it probably means you already like the look of the work they've produced. So use the opportunity to ask more about why they work this way, and start to thrash out some ideas of how this might work for your big day.

What should we expect from our finished video?

Not all videos are created equal. Find out what will be involved with your finished DVD. Do you get a bespoke sleeve designed, a presentation box or a disk with your name written on it? Will it be chaptered and professionally authored? Or, as the world moves more into digital, will it be supplied on a USB or hard drive?  

Are there any extra costs not included as part of the package?
This isn't to say that anybody is trying to hide anything; this is about checking for common additional costs (mileage, charges for extra filming) and the video specific ones (attending wedding rehearsals, filming at multiple locations, extra DVD copies).

What are your payment terms and conditions?

The issue of cost is one of a client's biggest concerns. There's no harm in discussing potential negotiation points, but once you're feeling close to booking, make sure you check the fine print. What deposit will be required? When is the final amount due by? What are the preferred transaction methods? Do they offer payment plans?

Do I want them being part of my day?
This is a question you need to ask yourself after communicating with the potential suppliers. Email can work as a starting point, but if you're still torn, the best approach is to meet them in person. Most videographers will offer a free consultation, and this will give you not only the chance to ask the questions, but see how well you spark as people. Once you have all the information, let your instincts do the rest.  

The trick with these questions is to find out what makes this company tick. Does their style and personality fit in with your day? And, of course, does it fall within your budget?
 
The questioning works both ways as well. Your potential videographers get the chance to find out what you want as a client, and can start to make suggestions based on their experience.

A professional videographer will understand how important it is to put you at ease. It's the most important day of your life, and the more comfortable you are, the better their footage will be - so fire away! 


words Christopher Wasey

Copyright Wed magazine 2014