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What To Look For In A Wedding Videographer

GeekSugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 07:00:42 -0700

Most couples dream about their wedding day for years and then are shocked when the day breezes past and is so busy they can hardly remember talking to their Auntie Anne or cramming cake into their beloved's face. In fact, the Wedding and Event Videographers Association reports that prior to their weddings, barely 50 percent of brides list videography as a Top 10 item. However, after the weddings 79 percent place videography among their Top 10 items for wedding planning.

If you decide to take the wedding video route, you should take just as much - if not more - care hiring the videographer as you would the photographer or wedding planner because their vision and creation will last forever.

"My idea of a wedding video for the bride and groom is to turn that day into a motion picture that they can relive time and time again," says DC-based videographer Nick Gay. "From an editor's view point, I like to have multiple angles to edit with, which means two cameras at the very least - a wide master shot and another camera to get the nice close up shots the smile from the bride, the kiss, hand holding etc."

If you don't know of a great videographer or don't want to dish out the dough for a celebrity filmmaker, Gay suggests finding a videographer from reputable directory, such as the
Nationwide Directory of Event Video Professionals or local company with a developed website that includes sample videos, photo galleries and even testimonials. While it's easy and cheap to convince your cousin Gary to video tape your special day, if you hire a production company to do it, you'll get the added bonus of their equipment, team and experience. "Always ask for a demo tape and videos from a few weddings they've done before you hire someone," adds Gay. "Video is considered art to most and it can be subjective." No one wants to be edited to look like bridezilla, so what should you be looking for? read more

What To Ask
After you figure out costs, make sure your videographer plans on attending your rehearsal, so you know he or she will have a clear understanding of the plan. Also, make sure you talk about audio and decide if you want your video to be set to music, or if you want your videographer to record sound. Find out how many manned cameras will be used and if there will be lighting complications. If you don't want to set up a big light kit around the alter or bride and groom table, discussing lighting gives you the chance to relocate prime video moments to make for better footage. It's also okay for you to ask about editing and let the videographer know what you want. That way, you'll get what you want.

Things To Remember
It's your wedding and your video. If the videographer has a set style in all his or her sample videos, your video will likely turn out similar. If you don't like it, find someone else or speak up about what you want. Also, some makeup and wedding fashions look better in real life then they do on screen.

When In Doubt, Act Natural
Lastly, have fun with it. The best weddings and wedding videos showcase the couple in their natural light. Make sure the videographer knows you want to show your personality, but let the day unfold as it would if even if the cameras were off. That way your video will come out natural, beautiful and will be a better representation of what the day was like for you.

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Choosing a Videographer For Your Wedding

GeekSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:00:51 -0700

In the planning stages of your wedding, you've no doubt established that you want to commemorate the day the best way possible. Amazing photography can really take you back into the day and the feelings you experienced, and so can a video of your event! If you want a moving (literally and figuratively) way to keep the event going, then think about supplementing your still shots with video - and I'm here to guide in finding the right videographer to best suit your needs.

Like selecting your wedding photographer, you should take care in looking at the professional's body of work - in this case, demo reels, to see if the style (and skill) of the videographer matches your vision. For the rest of the tips, read more

Picking the Videographer and the Cost

As with any vendor, find out what is included in the videographer's package, like the burning of DVDs and how many DVDs are included. Find out if the videographer uses an assistant, because that will have an obvious cost impact but might make a difference to you. . . both in the sense that the videographer's set-up may be more efficient, and also that it's another body to have present (and if they are working the reception, possibly feeding as well).

To find a videographer from scratch, use a reputable source, such as the Nationwide Directory of Event Video Professionals, and don't forget online review sites like Yelp as a source, too. If your venue offers a videographer in their package, that's great, but be sure you can view their work and meet the person, just the same as if you were hiring an outside vendor (and also because the venue might be charging more because they can).

It may be tempting to have a guest film the event, but just remember that they'll be working, rather than enjoying the wedding, and from a professional, you can expect fancy stuff like DVD menus, extras and great editing. You also have recourse if it doesn't turn out how you expected.

Be clear about your expectations! Meet with them in person to get a feel for their professionalism, and if it's important to you, be clear about what you want them to wear, etc.

Style and The Finished Video

In fact, let's talk about style. Think about what you want before you meet with anyone, because that will be a big factor. If you want video that's chronicling the event, but not necessarily with close-ups and high editorial input, then that's easier to find and your videographer may be less of a distraction. But on the flip-side, if you want a more involved video and close attention to detail, be prepared to look (and pay) more for skill and accept that your videographer may be distracting from the actual action at the wedding to your live audience.

Also, decide which events you want your videographer to attend - maybe you just want the ceremony on film, and maybe you want the whole shebang - rehearsal, pre-ceremony preparation, and reception. This will have an effect both on the content of the finished video and a big impact on cost. If you can't pass up video to really re-live the wedding but are on a budget, consider having only your ceremony filmed.

Sound and Lighting

Sound is a big thing to think about - if you want your whole video set to music, then let them know so they don't record sound. Or maybe you want sound only at the ceremony, and the rest of the time you want set to music, let them know, and then provide the selected music to your videographer.

Ask about lighting - ensure they'll have enough at each site you'll have filmed, and possibly have them visit your sites, otherwise you may have to have lighting kits provided, which can add cost and possibly visibly distracting equipment.

Good luck, and have I told you congratulations yet? Congratulations! And don't forget to check out all our wedding coverage on IDoSugar!

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Do, Dump, or Marry? Spike Jonze

TresSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:15:00 -0700

Director, skateboarder and all-around Gen X superhero Spike Jonze was told that turning the beloved children's book Where the Wild Things Are into a movie couldn't be done without serious artistic compromises. Well, not only did he prove his naysayers wrong, his movie was number one at the box office over the weekend!

This iconoclast has been doing his own thing for a while, though, starting out as an untrained videographer for skateboarders, moving on to direct cool videos for bands like The Beastie Boys, and following up on Being John Malkovich and Adaptation with a filmic ballad for the latch-key generation.

So boyish is this 39-year-old, Catherine Keener's son once asked him why he didn't live with his parents. What do you think about this talented guy?

Wedding Season Continues, It's Time For Planning Mania

PopSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:55:00 -0700

Hey there brides-to-be, it's time to move beyond the newly-engaged bliss and get down to some serious planning. This week we are going to help you kick things off with Wedding Planning Mania!

Start by getting organized with Savvy's Wedding Planning Checklist and have some fun choosing your registry with Casa's Registry Roundup and our Downloadable Registry Guide. Thinking about a destination wedding? Check out these helpful tips from destination wedding planner Alison Hotchkiss. Geek has some helpful tips on how to choose a photographer, videographer and more, while Fit reminds you how to stay healthy during this stressful time with her Dos and Don'ts of Healthy Wedding Planning.

Not planning a wedding, but still want in on the fun? No worries, we have plenty for you as well! FabUK has rounded up Ten Floral Dresses for a Garden Wedding and check out Pop's Couples We'd Love to See Engaged!

We have lots more where those came from, check out all of our wedding coverage here!

Geeky Things to Consider When Planning a Wedding

GeekSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:12:17 -0700

Planning a wedding doesn't have to be a stressful and daunting task. With some time, adequate research, and a little help here and there, it can actually be a lot of fun! I've already given you some tips for how to manage your online registry and offered some website suggestions to help you every step of the wedding-planning way. Well today, it's about geeky things - like choosing a videographer and selecting lighting - that are just as important as everything else. Check out my slideshow to read all my tips. Source

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Couple Uses Bartering to Afford Santa Monica Dream Wedding

SavvySugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:50:39 -0700

How do you get a $40,000 wedding for $3,000? If you're Jennifer Mae Fletke and Chris Watters, you barter, borrow, and bargain your way there. The couple traded the videotaping and editing services of their production company for other vendors to sign on for their wedding day. When it came to getting a photographer and videographer, they offered to simply take some projects off their competitors' plates after the wedding.

While the couple used their creativity to trade their time and skills, some aspects of the wedding couldn't be handled through bartering. Jennifer brought out her bargaining guns to get the venue she wanted for half its usual price and negotiated a rate for out-of-town guests that would put most Priceline deals to shame. She was able to get her guests a four-night-stay for $150 from the typical nightly rate of $200 to $400, and at the last minute a bridal salon agreed to lend the bride-to-be a wedding gown that she loved.

The events design firm they hired commended the couple's efforts and said, "To stay on top of the economy, you really have to put yourself out there. You have to have the right tools to promote your company and your services." If you're not in the industry like Fletke and Watters then your bartering success rate would likely be much lower, but it doesn't mean you couldn't try in some areas.

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Ellen and Portia Take the Scenic Tour of Rome

PopSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:05:00 -0700

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi looked like a picture perfect couple strolling hand in hand through Rome and later at lunch yesterday. They had some fun followed by their own videographer even taking a moment to film the friendly paparazzi. The happy couple is already making plans for their upcoming wedding, but it's never too early to start checking out romantic spots for the honeymoon.

Lots more of Ellen and Portia out and about around Rome so read more

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Bauer-Griffin Online

Bad Kitty!

GiggleSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:00:00 -0700

This kitty and videographer must have colluded to create this diabolical masterpiece. Watch a lady nap while Bad Kitty watches over her, waiting for the purr-fect moment to strike. How, you ask? Just watch and see.

Ten Money Saving Tips For Your Wedding

SavvySugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:06:51 -0700

Because everything you need for your perfect wedding can add up quickly, it's important that you come up with ways to save in some areas so that you stay within budget. It's really amazing how many small details go into making a wedding memorable for everyone attending, from the bridesmaids' luncheon to the aisle decor and dessert, every aspect of the event requires thoughtful attention. Creating a wedding that makes all of your guests comfortable and happy to be there is the goal, not to mention throwing a fabulous party in honor of your new marriage! I've gathered a list of party tricks that will help you save money on the big day, and you'd be surprised how cutting back here and there can save big in the end. Find out useful ways to save when you read more

The Bridal Guide published a list of their top 75 tips for saving money in their May /June issue, but that's a ton of tips to sort through. Big lists like this usually lend themselves to skimming because processing all of the ideas at once can be a little overwhelming, but I've chosen what I think are the best saving tips from their list. Hopefully you can use a few that will save you more than a few bucks.

Book one location for your ceremony and reception to avoid multiple site fees and having to provide transportation between venues.
Cut out the champagne and let guests toast with whatever drink is in their hand.
If you're a stickler for tradition and can't live without a wedding cake, choose buttercream or cream cheese instead of expensive fondant.
To save on flowers, use lush greenery in your centerpieces.
Buy in-season flowers wholesale and then pay a florist to do simple arrangements (or you're crafty, then you could DIY!).
Hire a student quartet from a local music school to play during cocktail hour or during your ceremony.
Instead of paying extra for your invitations to arrive assembled, gather friends and set up an assembly line.
If a photographer whose work you love is out of budget, ask if you can wait until after the wedding to order proofs and albums. Save up, or use some of your gift money later.
If fancy wheels are a must have for you, a limousine will be cheaper than a stretch SUV. And if you don't mind taking your own ride you could hire a private chauffeur to drive your car, which would be much cheaper than hiring a limo.
Do you have a relative who never puts his video camera away at family occasions? See if a professional videographer will edit amateur footage - it will cost a fraction of the price for having the professional shoot the wedding.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Seriously, I Can't Get Enough of Babu!

PetSugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:30:15 -0700

Hello, my name is PetSugar, and I'm a Babu-holic. As if the day could get any cuter, seems like the lil smooshy also had a videographer on hand for her trip to the beach. Check out her frolicking in the waves – those little paws surely move fast!

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