Valuing your videographer (and photographer)

Both the videographer and photographer work harder than any other vendors on your wedding day. We are there from the time the bride is getting ready, to the end of the reception. That can often be a 12 hour day. When we leave our work has just begun. Videographers have anywhere from 20 to 80 hours of capturing video, editing, and making DVDs. Photographers spend a similar amount of time working on the photos.

You can help make our day better with a few simple tips:

• If you are planning both photos and video, let the photographer know that you are having both. While videographers usually assume that there will be photography, photographers don’t always do. The vast majority of photographers and videographers work well together, but there is a small minority who don’t. If you have any objections, you should consider hiring someone else.
• Let your photographer and videographer know when events are occurring during the day. If we don’t know about the special toast that your uncle will be giving during dinner, we can’t cover it. You can appoint a member of the bridal party to keep us informed.
• Let us know who is special to you. If you have an elderly grandparent who you really want photo and  video of, let us know.
• Meals. We work a long day. It is considered good form to make sure that all vendors who will be at the reception are fed. The photographer and videographer should eat when the guests eat, as this is when there is not many photos or videos being taken. As mentioned above, make sure that if something does occur, that we know about it beforehand.
• We don’t expect tips, so don’t feel that you have to. But we do love a compliment. Let us know if we did a good job. The best compliment of all is a referral. If you like our work, recommend us.