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WHAT IT COSTS
A Photojournalistic photographer will take many shots just to get the
one special moment, and therefore would normally cost more than a
portrait photographer. A photojournalistic photographer shoots between
1000- 3000 images at a wedding, while a good portrait photographer
shoots on average 300-500 images. A good basic package could cost
$1000-$1500, but you can easily spend three or four times that amount.
You're paying for the photographer's time at your wedding, hours spent
developing your pictures, the finished product -- the prints and
albums you order-- and for the artistic aspect and creativity of the
photographer. If your photographer is in high demand expect to pay
dearly for his services documenting your wedding. You may think you do
not need that many photos but chances are that once you get to see the
proofs you would want more than you first ordered. Especially if your
photographer is a great artist!
VIDEOGRAPHY
Videotaping a wedding is an artistic profession as is photography.
Therefore, if you think you could use a family camcorder to videotape
your wedding, think again. A good wedding cameraman requires more
skill and professionalism than any other moviemaker in the video
business. He/she should be familiar with the technical specifications
of the equipment, and with all aspects of how weddings unfold. He/she
should be an excellent documenter, and needs to be constantly ready to
videotape, after all there is only one take and it has to be a good
one. A good videographer will connect with you, capture the
atmosphere, the excitement, feelings, and emotions at your wedding and
preserve it for life on tape. A videotape account of your wedding
captures the uniqueness of your wedding and you would want it be
according to your taste and style.
* Just like photography take it upon yourself to find a professional
videographer with whom you feel comfortable, someone you feel you can
spend a whole day with. Meet with several candidates to compare, shop
for prices, styles, and packages offered. If you're having trouble
finding someone, contact WEVA (Wedding and Event Videographers
Association) for a list of professional Videographers in your area..
Always view a tape from a prospective videographer. Use this checklist
when reviewing different tapes:
· are the images clear?
· is the lighting right (not too dim or too harsh)?
· how is the sound quality?
· was the tape edited well? Is it smooth and well put together? Does
it flow or is it choppy?
· does the tape look professional, or is it something you could do
yourself?
· do the special effects and transitions look professional?
· is it fun? Is it entertaining to watch?
But the most important element has to be the style and personality of
your prospective videographer. Go with your gut feeling and taste.
Also check the following:
1. Has the videographer done many weddings at the location where
youre getting married? Ask to view a tape shot at the same location.
2. Is he/she a member of any national and local videography
associations such as WEVA (http://www.weva.org) or AVP? These
associations are dedicated to improving the industry and final
products delivered to married couples.
Has the videographer won any awards?
3. Has the videographer worked with your photographer before?
4. How many other weddings is the videographer doing on your wedding
day or weekend? Make sure there are no time constraints.
5. Will the videographer you're speaking to be the one who will be
shooting your wedding? Is it his/her work you are watching?
6. What types of cameras, tapes and microphones will the videographer
use? Ask to see the equipment and ask around. Equipment is important,
but using the most expensive camera does not guarantee the best
result.
7. How much light will they use? Much of the ambiance and atmosphere
of your event will be lost if room lights are on during the whole
evening. Although, todays cameras require very little light to get
good picture, expect your videographer to use at least one light on
the camera.
8. Will a backup camera be on hand for the event? How about back ups
for the rest of the equipment?
9. How long does he/she keep the footage on file before recycling it?
10. Cancellation and refund policy.
Make sure to be specific about the following:
· number of cameras to be used. Many videographers shoot weddings with
multiple cameras but most weddings are shot with one camera. The
number of cameras does not affect editing capabilities or quality.
Skilled videographers can make a one-camera wedding look to have been
shot with multiple cameras. Let your videographer know what you want
to have covered with more than one camera, if youre having a
multi-camera shoot.
· number of videos you'll receive, and complete package details.
· overtime fee, if applicable.
· reorder prices, if you should decide to order additional videos
later.
Once your contract is definite, meet with your videographer and
discuss the important events of your wedding day that you think may
not be common to other weddings: For example, any special readings,
songs during your ceremony, blessings, or dances during your
reception. Let him/her know if your hair dresser is a good friend.
Have him/her film the limo ride to the chapel. Those kinds of moments
will make your video more unique.
WAYS TO JAZZ UP YOUR VIDEOTAPE
PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE VIDEO
Gather some childhood pictures, and snapshots of you (bride and groom)
together and give it to the videographer to include in the final
edited tape. Give your videographer a list of favorite songs to be use
in the editing. Most professional videographers will give a song list
from their library of CDs to choose from
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$17.95/Pack of 24
