[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/328677526″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1556574943122{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Hiring wedding vendors can be stressful if you don’t know where to start or what to ask. Media Northeast takes care of our wedding couples by answering their questions with complete transparency. We want your wedding video to be the perfect fit for you. During our consultation together, we’ll walk you through our process, approach, equipment, staff, and plan. We also answer all your wedding day questions.
Ten questions to ask a wedding videographer applicant during the hiring process.
1. How did you get started filming weddings? How long have you been in the weddings industry?
You want to know how many years of on-location experience a wedding videographer has on the resume. Experience is everything. Find out how long the videographer has been editing wedding videos and if they continually train themselves and/or their staff. Asking about his or her industry connections ensures that a videographer values working with others as a team of wedding professionals. He/she should have an excellent reputation among other local wedding vendors. A seasoned pro easily answers this starting question.
2. How many videographers will be filming at my wedding?
It’s always great to have two cameras recording a wedding day. But if not, find out how that videographer plans to approach the day with the resources he/she will have available.
3. Have you ever worked with [insert your photographer’s name here] before?
Most professional photographers and videographers have a good, well-meaning relationship. If they’ve worked together before, that helps. Avoid any jockeying in the aisle by letting your team know which camera has priority during parts of the ceremony and reception. Each will have their own needs and want to get the best coverage for you.
4. How would you describe your production style (documentary, cinematic, vintage)? Is your shooting approach direct or more journalistic?
Style is important. Most likely the videographer’ samples will show you what your wedding day video will look and feel. If it is not your style, move on to another filmmaker.
5. What parts of the wedding day do you film?
You may not have every second of the day covered– just the key points. Find out when your camera crew stops rolling, when they take a break, when they eat and what they will skip (if anything) throughout the day. Asking “what do you not get” is as important as asking what will you capture.
6. What kind of camera equipment do you use? How do you capture audio throughout the wedding day?
Quality, professional cameras, and audio equipment are a must. How will they mic the ceremony? Or toasts? Does he/she carry backup equipment?
7. How do you handle the music for the wedding film?
Does the videographer license music or just use stock sound. Will you be able to choose the music? You do not want to hate the music placed over/used in your film.
8. What types of packages do you offer?
Understand from top to bottom what’s included in your video package. Is it a feature film, highlight film or full raw footage? Ask questions until you truly understand. Great videographers expect you to ask about key terminology.
9. How is footage recorded? How do you deliver the final product? Can I see a finished sample?
Professional videographers will have multiple samples of their work from real life wedding couples to show you either or in a portfolio to share. Settle for nothing less than real clips, samples that other couples received as their end product. Understand what you receive at the end of the process.
10. When can I expect to see my wedding video?
Again, see samples of videos that are similar in length, style, and packaging of your exact package. If you ask a videographer to do a form that they are not comfortable with, expect a different result. Try to love the style that professional is already doing for best results.
With custom work, delivery times and turn-around can vary depending on how a videographer works through their busy wedding season. You may not be guaranteed an exact date of delivery for your film but you should be given a healthy range as to when to expect your final products. Get this in writing. You don’t want your wedding film to take a year to be delivered!
A great videographer is more than happy to explain samples, packages, pricing, coverage, and equipment until you are 100% confident in his/her process and contract. If you get a defensive vendor, run away. Wedding vendors are in the service industry and should know how to serve you in the hiring process. No question is bad. Ask away until you are in love with your agreement.
Ready to book a 2020 Maine or New England wedding? Give us a call to set your complimentary consultation. We’re happy to answer these questions and more![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]