Wedding Videography Q&A
Wedding Videography Q&A:
Answers to Common Questions
Congratulations! If you've landed on this page, you are in the planning process of putting your wedding together. Maybe you're working with a wedding planner and still fleshing out your essential vendors. Or maybe you're putting all the pieces together yourself. In either case, you might have some questions when it comes to wedding videography.
In recent months, I've had numerous Zoom calls with couples and it is very common to have a lot of questions about working with a wedding videographer. The list ranges from what type of equipment do I use, what is my shooting style like, and how long does it take to deliver the final packages? All very good questions to ask when searching for the right one. In this Q&A, I want to explore some common (and not common enough) questions that I really believe deserve highlighting, guiding you to make an informed decision.
First thing to note: wedding videography is an art form and not all videographers will have the same answers I do. This list is just a sliver of questions I hear often (or not often enough) and what I believe good videography entails based on my experience as a multi-award winning international wedding videography, as well as a mentor to other filmmakers.
In this Q&A, we will answer the following questions:
What is the difference between a wedding videographer and a wedding photographer?
Should I have both a wedding videographer and wedding photographer?
By considering these questions and reading through these questions and answers, you can make an informed decision when searching for the right wedding videographer for your wedding. At the end of the day, it is the footage from the videographer you choose that will be seen for generations to come.
1. What is the role of a wedding videographer?
What is the role of a wedding videographer? This question may seem obvious, but some videographers work very differently than others, implying a videographer’s role may differ slightly from another videographer. But to me, and probably to the majority of people, a wedding videographer is responsible for capturing and editing the memories and emotions of your wedding via video footage. The primary role of a wedding videographer is to recreate the events of the wedding day, most likely including any morning traditions and preparations, the ceremony, reception, and any other special moments that you might want to include in a final film.
In addition to capturing the events of the day, a wedding videographer is also typically responsible for editing a cohesive and visually pleasing video for you to watch and share. This involves selecting the best footage from throughout your wedding day, using various editing techniques to enhance the overall look and feel of your wedding footage, and mixing together suitable music and dialogue. [More on this process in a future post]
Note* I know that some videographers don't use dialogue from the day, and simply use the music to carry the entire video. This is not right or wrong and is totally dependent on your wants as a couple.
Now how do videographers do this? From my experience, good videographers will do their job well based on a few things. First, they must have an intimate understanding of both their camera equipment and editing software. We use a long list of equipment, including camera bodies, numerous lenses, multiple microphones, and even lighting. We also have our go-to editing software (e.g.- DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro) and additional plugins to make the best use of your wedding footage. Likewise, I also want to add that a good wedding videographer must be able to work efficiently under pressure and adapt to any changing circumstances. Weddings are one of the most unpredictable events you can put together, with a lot of investment required– the last thing you want is to have a videographer unprepared for any changes in your location or schedule.
Second, beyond the wedding day itself, a wedding videographer is, more often than not, tasked with putting your footage together into a watchable film. Not all videographers do this, as I know some prefer to only capture raw video files and offer that to their couples. However, for the most part, a wedding videographer will take on the responsibility of creating a wedding film together that is: visually pleasing, coherent to watch, easy to hear/understand, and is beautifully crafted for you to want to rewatch over and over again.
In summary, the role of a wedding videographer is to capture your memories of your special day through the art of videography, and editing a cohesive and visually pleasing final film to rewatch and share with all your loved ones.
2. How do I choose a wedding videographer?
In 2023, it is definitely not an easy task to find the perfect videographer for your day. It seems like everyone and their mom is picking up a camera from the store and trying out video. It is only a matter of time before they become curious about recording weddings for their family, friends and eventually the greater public. With so many options, how do you choose the right one?
I've written about this question in a previous post here, but I will summarize and reiterate the top 5 considerations when searching for and choosing the right wedding videographer for you. This is such an important decision when planning your wedding, as the final film will be some of the only lasting footage and soundbites of your entire families together at once.
Here are some steps to follow when choosing a wedding videographer:
Editing Style:
It is important to find a videographer whose editing style aligns with the vision for your wedding. This includes the way the colours look in your films (e.g. - is it bright and airy, saturated, soft, unsaturated?), the type of music they use (e.g. - upbeat, somber, funky?), and the use of any special effects (e.g. - transition, visual effects, audio mixing).
For example, some videographers may have a more cinematic style, while others may prefer to edit their films in a traditional or simplistic style. Consider looking at your potential videographer's portfolio and watching multiple examples of their work. I would suggest watching at least 5 different wedding videos to get a sense of who they are as an editor.
Experience:
Experience is an important factor to consider when hiring a wedding videographer. Not necessarily the amount of time they have been a professional, but how familiar and comfortable they are with recording your style of wedding. A more experienced videographer for your needs is likely to have been part of your traditions in the past, understand what is important to you and your family, and can handle unexpected situations.
And on the practical side, it goes without saying that an experienced videographer will have a deep understanding of the necessary equipment, use of lighting, and capturing sound.
Packages:
Different videographers/companies offer different types of packages at different price points. Not all videographers will offer the same thing, and not all will have the experience in offering the same thing (e.g. - some videographers have never done a Same-Day-Edit, while some videographers only offer Same-Day-Edits). It is important to think about your absolute essential items in your wedding package, and then compare at least 5 different videographers to see how close they can come to your needs within your budget.
As a general note, some typical packages may include different lengths of coverage, number of videographers/assistant, and the types of final films that you will be receiving (e.g. - a full-length documentary film versus a teaser). It is important to carefully review the packages offered by a videographer and choose one that meets your needs and budget. *hint- ask your potential videographer if they can create a custom package just for you
Reviews:
Reading reviews is one of the first things I, and most, do when looking on Amazon. The same goes for wedding videographers and any other vendor you are looking to hire. It is so important to read reviews and testimonials of past clients when looking at potential wedding videographers. I know that I have unfortunately overlooked the reviews sections of some products– I was disappointed in the product, but also disappointed in myself for neglecting to do something so obvious.
Reviews will help you see what your future will be like if you choose to go that route. Go through a few different testimonials (either on Google, their social media pages, or other wedding planning websites) to get a sense of the videographer's quality of work and professionalism. It is also a good idea to check if the videographer is an accredited member of any bigger organizations, as this could be a sign of their dedication to their craft and you as clients.
Personality:
Finally, it is important to consider the personality of the videographer you are hiring. You will be working closely with them for the bulk of your wedding day, so it is important to feel comfortable in front of them. The last thing you want is to feel uneasy on camera, because this will definitely show in the final film.
Look for a videographer who you would invite to a party. They should be easy to speak with, both professionally and on a friendly level, and seems sincerely interested in creating a film that reflects your unique style of wedding as a couple.
By following these steps, you can find a wedding videographer who will help you create a beautiful and timeless video that captures the memories and emotions of your special day.
3. What should I expect from a good wedding videographer?
It's important to know what to expect from your wedding videographer. I've unfortunately heard some not-so-great things from either couples or fellow wedding vendors about some wedding videographers. As more and more people take on the aspirations of becoming a wedding videographer, it is becoming increasingly important to set your intentions for hiring a wedding videographer and what your expectations will be from a videographer.
As already mentioned, not all videographers will have the same types of styles and products, and with this comes different types of service. So what should you expect from working with a good videographer?
From my experience traveling around the world and meeting with some of the most-known international wedding videographers, here are a few things that you should expect from a good wedding videographer:
Professionalism:
A good wedding videographer is professional in their general appearance, their conversational communication, and their reliable actions. They treat the craft with pride and never try to diminish the importance of their work. We aren't "just a camera person", we are the artistic souls that put your wedding day together with vitality and meaning. I know this might sound a little pretentious, but I would rather see a devoted videographer than one who treats it as a joke.
Attentiveness:
A good wedding videographer pays attention to the small details. Typically, they require an inherent taste for good style and aesthetics, as this will enhance the overall image of your wedding films. The composition, the lighting, the architecture, and décor in the background. Good taste accentuates good videography. This also includes keeping an eye on important candid moments and paying attention to your special requests or important traditions to include in the final films.
Creativity:
Creativity isn't just in the camera work. It is also in the ability to creatively adapt to your surroundings. A good videographer will make the most out of his or her environment and help direct you as the couple in the best way possible. They should also be able to use a number of filming and directing techniques and tools to really tell your wedding day story. This could be done by asking you to dance in a specific spot, requesting a pose in front of any artwork, or a simple walk along a beautiful pathway. The creative eye of a videographer is about making the most out of what is given.
Communication:
If you are speaking to a one-man-band company, communication may not always be the fastest. And I specifically mean email/messages. Especially during busy times of the year (i.e. - wedding season, and editing season). However, this does not excuse unreasonable delays. I find it hard to keep up with messages and emails from time to time, but I will do my best to answer any dire questions as soon as possible. Sometimes, if I get a long email, I will reply through an instant message or text message to say I have received it, while also giving a TLDR answer. A good wedding videographer knows to keep their line of communication open while responding at a reasonable pace and in a professional manner.
Quality Equipment:
I believe in quality equipment. However, this sometimes gets out of hand. Quality equipment to me isn't just the newest shiny piece of machinery. Quality equipment is the equipment that is usable to record all necessary footage and audio. It could be the newest camera, or it could be an old camera from 5 years ago. Quality equipment gets the job done while balancing the videographer's particular shooting style (e.g. - gimbal vs no gimbal; zoom lenses vs prime lenses; high frame rates vs 24fps). A good videographer will know the necessary equipment required for your wedding day and will know how to best use it. After all, what good are new cameras, new lenses, new microphones, and new lighting if a videographer has no experience using them?
When you find a good videographer, you will have confidence in their work by seeing all of the above: Professionalism, Attentiveness, Creativity, Communication, Quality Equipment
This is not an exhaustive list, but these are traits that you will be able to pick up on as you scour the internet and meet with your potential videographer. At the end of the day, it is totally up to you and your needs as a couple. I hope the above attributes can help you hone in on what is most important to you.
4. What is the difference between a wedding videographer and a wedding photographer?
This question seems a little obvious. A videographer records videos while a photographer takes photos. However, I oftentimes get requested to take on both the photographer's role on top of being a videographer. While I can understand the association between these two titles, I think this question deserves a full answer.
Both wedding videographers and photographers play important roles in capturing your wedding events throughout the day– but the main difference is the way your events are captured. A wedding photographer uses still photographs to freeze a moment in time, while a wedding videographer uses video footage to capture the motion and emotion of the day. Typically, this also means that a videographer will be capturing sounds and subtle emotional changes in energy of the day in a way that still images cannot. *Note– I am not saying videography is more valuable than photography, as they both have their rightful place during a wedding. It is like comparing the medium of painting to the medium of music, they are both emotionally invigorating for different reasons.
Another difference is your final product. A wedding photographer may provide a few hundred stills in an online gallery or a printed photo album for your to physically hold. On the other hand, a wedding videographer is typically tasked with creating videos that could range 5 minutes up to 90 minutes, with either a physical USB delivery or online gallery to view and download.
What is also different is the approach to capturing a wedding. While your wedding photographer may ask for more posed posture of you and your fiance(e), a wedding videographer will often aim to capture candid motion as they happen. For me, this includes letting the couple interact how they normally would, perhaps dance to their song of choice, or speak to each other like no one is listening. While a videographer may take a documentary fly-on-the-wall approach, a photographer may be more directorial with you for a still image.
Likewise, the equipment videographers use will be different. While both photographers and videographers both have camera bodies and camera lenses, I've noticed that videographers tend to also equip their cameras with some sort of stabilizers like gimbals, monopods, and tripods. Videographers will also need to have necessary audio recording equipment, like shotgun microphones, audio recorders to plug into your DJ's microphone system, and lavalier microphones to clip onto your attire. This additional equipment is also why it is common to see videographers preparing themselves at your ceremony well before you arrive at the venue. There is a lot of equipment that goes into capturing video and audio.
And lastly, the editing process is typically different. The software we use as videographers is totally different from the software to edit still photographs (e.g. - Adobe Premiere Pro vs Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop). While a photographer may spend time hours editing and retouching individual photographs, a wedding videographer uses this time to organize and edit curated footage, add their desired visual and audio effects, and to choose a suitable song.
While both wedding photographers and videographers play important roles in documenting a couple's special day, they do so using different media, equipment, and approaches in order to deliver the best of their differing final products.
5. How much does a wedding videographer cost?
The cost of hiring a wedding videographer can vary significantly, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. There are several factors that account for these differences in cost, including the length of your final films, the hours of coverage, the editing style, and the experience and reputation of the videographer. It all comes down to the items in their packages.
From my understanding in 2023, couples can expect to pay the average videographer around $3000 to $5000. But again, this depends on the considerations mentioned above, including what is part of their packages. Is it full-day of coverage? Multiple camera operators? A highlight video? A feature-length film. The price depends on what the videographer is offering. This is all just a general guideline and prices can vary widely based on the specific needs and desires of the couple. If you inquire with me, you will notice my full-day package currently starts at $12000.
Some couples may opt for a more basic package, which may include a shorter video or only a few hours of coverage. My shorter package currently starts at $7000. On the other hand, couples who want a more elaborate and cinematic film may choose to invest in a premium package, which can cost upwards of $10000 or more. These packages may include longer edits, multiple types of films (eg. - Same Day Edit), or Raw Footage.
I know the above numbers are all over the place, but it really depends on a lot of factors. It is like comparing different brands of cars or different brands of clothing– they all do the same thing, but you will instinctively know their value to you.
6. Should I hire both a wedding videographer and wedding photographer?
Many couples choose to hire both a wedding videographer and wedding photographer to capture their special day. I would always recommend to hire both, because good videographers and photographers will work together in giving you all of the memories you need in different formats.
Now while I do recommend having both a videographer and photographer, it would be dishonest of me to say you should hire only a videographer without a photographer. Based on my experience, it is far more common and more valuable to have just a photographer than it is to have just a videographer. I say this for multiple reasons:
First, budget is typically a factor. If the above prices were a shock to you for videographers, you will experience the same shock when looking at good photographers. It's important to know how much you are willing to spend on the captured imagery of your day. If you can do both, hire both. But if you can only do one, I would recommend photography because of the final product.
Second, your final product with photographers could be used in more environments. A photograph can be printed, emailed, turned into a slideshow, blown up onto a billboard or even painted onto your ceiling. With videography, there seems to be less possibility. Yes you can create social media content from our films, like short TikToks or Instagram reels or YouTube shorts, but that's about it. I'm not saying the value of a wedding film is less valuable than wedding photographs, they simply have different use cases.
A third reason you may want just a photographer is your timeline. There is a lot that goes into a wedding film, which means there is a lot of time needed from your wedding day. This includes capturing you and your spouse together, capturing any morning preparation shots, and doing anything else for the video. Yes, we could do this over the shoulder of the photographer, but oftentimes we will need to direct you in different ways. So please keep in mind that videographers will need dedicated times to record parts of your film. It would also be wise to tell this to your photographer.
At the end of the day, I would highly recommend hiring both a videographer and photographer. However, there may be some limitations to this, including budget, your expected end product, and schedule. Personally, I still think the benefits of having a wedding film as a family heirloom drastically outweighs any downsides to hiring a videographer ;)
7. How do I make the most out of my wedding videographer?
While a good wedding videographer will do their best to produce your wedding film in the best way for you, it is important to remember we cannot read minds. I sometimes get requests for small changes (e.g. - editing out unwanted guests lol, or adding additional clips), but had I known this before the wedding day, this would have saved on any additional time and costs with revisions. To make the most out of your wedding videographer, I really believe it is important for you to voice your thoughts. What you get out of your videographer depends on what you put in:
Communicate your vision:
The best way to ensure your wedding videographer captures all of the important moments of your day is to communicate what is most important to you. Is it your guests? The décor? Your vows? You and your partner together? The dancing? Share your ideas with your videographer and let them know what is most important to you. This may also include specific types of shots or specific types of effects.
Make time for videography:
I mentioned this in the last question, but it is imperative to give your videographer enough time to do what they need to do. This includes any preparation of their equipment (e.g. - preparing to record your ceremony any speeches), and enough time to capture you as a couple. Make sure to speak up and ask how much time you will need to allocate to your videographer at different parts of the day. This makes it easier for everyone to get the best film.
Be flexible:
While it's important to have a plan in place, it's also important to be flexible and adapt to any changes or unforeseen circumstances that may arise. This may include unwanted weather changes, road closures and traffic, or (more often than not) delayed dancing because of extended speeches. A good wedding videographer should be able to adapt and capture the important moments as they happen, even if things don't go exactly as planned. Speak up about what vision you had and be open to brainstorming any alternative ideas together.
For additional reading, I have also written another article on the subject of ProTips ;)
Conclusion:
As a couple planning your wedding, you may have a lot of questions about hiring a wedding videographer. I hope the above answers shed enough light to help you in your wedding plans.
To recap, here are some key questions and answers around finding your personally-perfect wedding videographer:
1. What is the role of a wedding videographer? The role of a wedding videographer is to capture the memories and emotions of your special day through the art of videography, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing final product.
2. How do I choose a wedding videographer? When choosing a wedding videographer, consider your budget, style preferences, and the experience and reputation of the vendor. Be sure to check reviews and meet in person to ensure the best fit.
3. What should I expect from my wedding videographer? You should expect your wedding videographer to be professional, responsive, and able to adapt to changing circumstances. They should also have high-quality equipment and a creative eye to capture the beauty and emotion of your special day.
4. What is the difference between a wedding videographer and a wedding photographer? There are many differences between wedding videographers and photographers, including the medium used to capture the memories, the length of the final product, the approach to capturing the day's events, and the post-production process.
5. How much does a wedding videographer cost? The cost of hiring a wedding videographer can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on your specific needs and desires and overall value of the videographer.
6. Should I have both a wedding videographer and wedding photographer? I recommend having both a videographer and photographer to cover all your artistic bases around your wedding, but it's important to know your budget, what end product to expect and what to use it for, and your wedding timeline to accommodate for both.
7. How do I make the most out of my wedding videographer? To ensure that your wedding videographer captures all of the important moments of your special day, communicate your overall vision and interests, allocate enough time in your wedding timeline, and be flexible.
This is not an exhaustive list of wedding videography questions, but I do hope it helped. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
I hope you find who you're looking for soon
Until next time,
Aaron
