Award-winning Chicagoland videographer, Kris Malandruccolo of Elegant Videos by Kris, shares with you questions a videographer should ask to better understand what you're looking for. They should be flexible enough to offer what you want.
What is your wedding date?
This is the obvious first question. If the videographer is already booked, ask for a personal recommendation. A good videographer should network with other videographers which can save time in your search. You can also look for videographers on the WEVA (Wedding & Event Videography Association) website: www.weva.com
What is the time and location of your ceremony & reception?
The videographer may have worked at your locations and can offer tips. The videographer needs to know the hours of coverage you are looking for because the price will vary based on how long the videographer(s) will be at your wedding.
What are you looking for in a wedding video?
Since no two brides are the same, no two weddings are the same. Some videographers have pre-determined packages to choose from. Other videographers will draw-up a custom package based on the coverage you are looking for.
What have you seen that you liked? What have you not liked?
Some brides want getting ready preparations, others don't. Some brides like interviews, some don't. Some brides like black & white and slow-motion, some don't, etc. A videographer needs to be very receptive to what you want. Equally important is what the bride doesn't like.
Have you talked to other videographers?
This helps determine how much information the bride may know about video. Some brides may need more "education" about video than others. If a bride tells me that I am the first videographer she has called, then I will spend more time explaining the differences in video equipment and editing, and different shooting styles. If a bride tells me she has already talked with six videographers, then I will quickly move to what I do and how I differ from other videographers.
Who are the other vendors?
The bride may feel more comfortable if the videographer can say, "Yes, I have worked with these vendors." Knowing the other vendors will also help the videographer determine what "style" of wedding the bride is having. If you don't have all of your vendors, ask the videographer for some recommendations.
Has your budget been determined for video?
If the bride hasn't already mentioned her budget, the videographer should ask. This helps determine if the bride's budget and the videographer's pricing are within the same ballpark. There are videographers in all price ranges. The varying factors can be artistic ability, equipment, hours in editing, hours of coverage,etc. Since your videographer will be creating a family heirloom for generations to come, my advice to hire the best videographer you can afford. Great video isn't expensive, it's priceless!
Kris Malandruccolo
Elegant Videos by Kri