10 Questions for your Wedding Videographer

Picking out a wedding videographer can be a daunting task and not all videographers are created equal. Although you may have set a budget, phoned creative friends, and have seen a few teary videos, you may not really understand the world of the wedding videographer.

Here are a 10 essential questions to ask your wedding videographer to make sure they are just right for your special day:

1. "Have you done weddings before?"  -  Duh, silly question. But the wedding business is fast money, and therefore, tempting to a professional corporate or commercial videographer that may otherwise be a poor wedding filmmaker.  So check out their wedding portfolio!
2. "What is your videography style?"  -  Videography styles vary: cinematic, photojournalistic, documentary, or a mix.  Note their videography style and see if it's the vibe you're looking for in a film that will last...um...forever!
3. "Will you work with our photographer?"  -  This is important.  You may end up paying for two totally different styles and quality of photo and video work.  Find out how they coordinate with your photographer. We offer both...just sayin'...
4. "Do you have any other weddings that day?"  -  It is not uncommon for a videography crew to shoot two or three weddings in a single day, so make sure to specify what their time frame and availability is so that they're focused on you.  It's your wedding, be selfish!
5. "Will you be shooting it yourself?"  -  Is the person you're discussing your wedding with the same person that will stand behind the cameras?  If not, hunt the bugger out and ask them these same questions.
6. "What is your process?"  -  Videography processes vary widely.  Ask for a brief explanation of their filming and editing process.  If the video mumbo jumbo is unclear, ask questions! We don't bite, promise.
7. "Have you shot at our site before?"  -  If the videographer has shot at your location before, ask to see the footage.  If they have not, forgive them and let the other samples speak for themselves. Communicate any specific details and intricacies about your location you want captured. 
8. "What kind of equipment do you use?"  -  Ask to see their equipment and found out how it differs from any other videographer nearby.  If the equipment makes alien noises and looks like it feeds on small animals, you're definitely dealing with solid professionals.
9. "What do your packages consist of?"  -  2 cameras or 4 cameras? Digital or film? Ceremony and reception or just ceremony? Discuss what their packages consists of and how flexible they are.  Most world-renowned companies create a custom package for each client.  We're just that nice...
10. "How much?"  -  The Spielberg and Lucas magic brought to your wedding can come at a hefty price, so discuss options and negotiate the price.  It is not uncommon to pay several thousand dollars for professional videography.

Your turn!  What kind of questions did you (or did you not) ask your videographer and how did that change your experience?  

The Pixel Film Team