Videographers
What should you look for when you are choosing a videographer for your special event?
Here are 7 simple tips:
1.) What type of video camera(s) do they use? Most event videographers use a 3CCD professional grade video camera, but not all of them, so it’s best to at least ask if they do. CCD stands for “Charged Coupled Device.” All that fancy talk just means that you get a better picture quality. Most consumer grade video cameras use only a 1CCD making the color and picture of lesser quality. What about High Definition cameras or HD? The choice is yours, but in my opinion HD is great for nature channels, sports, and other closely controlled situations. This is just my opinion, but worth thinking about. HD is so clear and crisp that it can bring out every blemish and flaw in a persons skin unless there is professional lighting and a makeup artist on hand at all times. For most events a 3CCD camera should be more then suitable, but the choice is yours.
2.) Do they use a wireless lapel mic? It’s a good idea to have a wireless lapel mic during a wedding. Sometimes the videographer cannot setup close enough to the couple to get good audio from the built in microphone on the video camera.
3.) Who will be filming your event? Sounds funny, but many times the person(s) that you talked to, met with, and watched their sample video, might not be the one filming your event. Why? Because they might be booked for your event, and will then use another freelance videographer or employee to film your event. Not saying that’s a bad thing as long as they are upfront with you before booking with them, and that they know the videographers quality of work.
4.) Book your date in advance! Not much to talk about here, but if you wait too long you might have slim pickings.
5.) When should you expect to receive your final edited video? I bring this up because I have heard stories of some companies taking almost a year to get the video back to the client(s). Why would it take that long? Because of taking on way to many clients.
6.) How long will your final edit be? Some videography companies only give you a montage of the entire day set to music that can be as little as 20min long. While it looks cool and artsy for them, you might not see as much of your special day as you wish. It should be up to you, do you want all of the ceremony included and then highlights of the reception, or do you just want a short MTV style edit? Some companies, like Catch The Memory, offer you the choice as long as you let them know upfront.
7.) Does the company have a sample video? If not, you should look elsewhere. Any established company should have a sample video.
Catch The Memory Videography
(714) 504-3196