Finding your videographer

First in a series. 

If you are a bride or groom and you are reading this, you are most likely considering a videographer for your wedding. How do you find the right one? To start with, every couple is different, and an important thing is to find someone who’s style and personality is compatible. The other important factor is choosing someone who they can count on to deliver a quality product. Therefore a good starting place is to ask friends who have had video at their wedding if they would recommend their videographer. If they do, ask to see your friend’s wedding video to get an idea of the videographer’s style. Styles change however. The work that I was doing two or three years ago is different than what I do now. Most of us evolve as we learn new things and gain experience.

If you have already hired your photographer, ask him or her for a recommendation. Photographers will often recommend someone who they work well with. Reception venues can also be a source of recommendations.

The next place to look is on the web. Search for local videographer’s websites. If they have video, look at what they offer. If they post prices, you will have an idea whether or not you can afford them. Overall the web is the best source of leads, as most videographers have a website, and many do most (or all) of their advertising there. Don’t forget to visit some of the commercial web portals like WeDJ for a list of videographers. These often have direct links to individual websites.

Another place to find a videographer is the local bridal show. Not every videographer goes to these, but there are usually a few. The nice thing about a bridal show is that you can talk to them and get an idea whether they will be who you are looking for.

Local bride’s guides can also be consulted. These as well as other print publications are much less popular than they were a few years ago, and you will not find as many companies to choose from.

Once you have picked out a few companies, the next step is to call or e-mail. Make sure that you let them know your wedding date so they can check their availability. But don’t ask the price just yet. Listen to what they can do for you. You might find that the person you are talking to is someone worth spending more on than you had originally budgeted. If they do not have any video on their website, or you can’t view their videos (this often happens if you don’t have a fast Internet connection), ask for a sample wedding or demo DVD. The preference here should be for a complete wedding video where you can view the full product, but if a demo is all that they can offer, request that. Some videographers will request that you visit them at their studio to see their work. There is nothing wrong with this. Many videographers have spent a significant amount of money to display their videos in the best possible environment.

If you want to proceed further, arrange a meeting. This may take place at the videographer’s studio, your home, or over coffee at the local Starbucks, wherever you are comfortable. Most videographer who maintain a storefront studio will want you to meet them there. Many top notch videographers have home based businesses however. In this case you might be meeting them at your home or an intermediate location.

In the next post I will talk about meeting your videographer and what to ask.

You may prefer to do everything over the phone. This is OK if you are comfortable with your videographer, especially if they are someone who was recommended to you. I have booked many clients without meeting them. Occasionally I have not met my clients until the wedding day (although I prefer to get to know them ahead of time). I have also booked clients without even a phone call. Everything was done via e-mail. I do not recommend this however. You should at least talk to them directly.

In the next post, I will discuss what to ask at the meeting.