You’ve done your research and narrowed down the wedding videographer search to just a few companies. You like their work, so you reach out to each them. When they call you back, what are some things you want to watch out for?
Here are five red flags that could lead to potential issues down the road.
Not Knowing Who’ll Be Behind the Lens: Are you getting a name on a list? Imagine the disappointment of realizing a complete stranger is documenting one of the most intimate moments of your life. Your wedding day is unique, and you want a videographer who understands you. What’s more, videographers have different styles, gear, and different processes. Make sure you know who is going to show up on your wedding day!
Someone can be a good videographer, but that doesn’t automatically make them a good wedding videographer. An experienced wedding videographer anticipates moments, has backups in place, and finds solutions when the unexpected comes up. How many weddings has your videographer shot? Ask to see videos, and not only short “teaser” or “compilation reel”, but a real full wedding video.
Sole Videographer Coverage: It is extremely difficult to deliver a quality wedding video as a “one-man-show”. Will your videographer bring along a second person, or will they try to do it all on their own? Wedding days involve a lot of moving parts, and sometimes the need to be in two places at once. Having only one videographer is limiting, but a team of skilled professionals who can cover multiple angles simultaneously, will make a world of difference in your final video.
Promised Length: Without knowing variables like the length of your ceremony and toasts, we can’t guarantee how long a video will be. Sure — we could set a camera to record in a corner of the room for four hours to deliver a four hour video, but how many times would you watch it? Some videographers may prioritize fulfilling a contract over creating an entertaining and memorable video. Discuss and confirm the expected length to ensure your videographer understands your vision for a captivating and enjoyable final edit.
On-Camera Light: On-camera video lights tend to produce harsh and unflattering footage, disrupting the carefully curated atmosphere. Before finalizing your videographer, inquire about their lighting techniques and ensure they prioritize creative use of natural and ambient light. A skilled professional will understand how to capture the essence of your wedding without resorting to distracting on-camera lights, preserving the romantic ambiance you’ve worked so hard to create.
Illegal Use of Drones: Aerial shots can add a magical touch to your wedding video and will show the coolest perspectives of your venue. However, illegal drone usage can leave you with more trouble than its worth. Be cautious when a company offers aerial footage without a licensed UAS pilot. Videographers who fly drones commercially without meeting specific requirements can face significant fines, and surprisingly, you, as the client, can also be held liable. Always ask to see the UAS license of your chosen videographer. By doing so, you not only protect the integrity of your wedding video but also avoid any potential legal repercussions.
To ensure your wedding video is a masterpiece and not a source of regret, you’ll want to watch out for these five red flags to avoid potential issues down the road. If you’re in the hunt for a wedding photographer or videographer who can help make your wedding day a success and give you photos and video that are to-die-for, reach out to us today on our contact form.
