Hello, lovely people! Mandy York from Rebecca Ann Aesthetic here, ready to guide you on your journey to finding the perfect wedding videographer. I understand that choosing someone to capture your special day is a significant decision, so let’s dive into the key steps to ensure you find a professional who can create a wedding film that reflects your unique love story, even if that isn’t with us here at RAA.
Identify Your Style
Before you start looking for a videographer, it’s essential to identify what kind of wedding video you want. Just as there are different genres in cinema, there are various styles in wedding videography.
You might prefer a traditional style, focusing on capturing the ceremony and reception highlights. Alternatively, you could lean towards a cinematic approach (what we specialize in) that crafts your wedding day into a movie, complete with music, careful editing, and dramatic shots. Some couples might prefer a documentary style, capturing the day’s events in an unobtrusive, journalistic manner.
After you’ve determined what sort of shots and pacing you like, look into the color of the video. Do you prefer something fine art (like what you see from us), or something moodier? Many people don’t realize that color grading is one of the things that videographers simply cannot change. Sure, we can edit slightly differently- but if you suddenly asked me to make a super dark film, I don’t have the correct lighting equipment on hand to shoot it!
Color actually begins well before filming. It involves making sure you have the correct lenses, camera settings and even extra lights to make it look right. Thats why it’s nearly impossible for me to take one of our current films and turn it into a different color style.
Once you’ve decided on your style, you can look for videographers who specialize in that approach.
Research and Reviews
A solid starting point in finding your ideal videographer is online research. Visit videographers’ websites, explore their portfolios, and read testimonials from previous clients.
Watching sample wedding videos will give you a clear understanding of the videographer’s style, storytelling approach, and technical skills. If you can’t get a portfolio, that’s a major red flag. We are firm believers that a portfolio should be available right on the website!
Reading reviews can also provide valuable insights into their professionalism, reliability, and interaction with clients.
Meet Them in Person
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule in person or even zoom meetings with your top picks. A personal connection is essential when choosing a videographer. This person will be capturing some of the most intimate moments of your day, so you want to feel comfortable with them.
Ask questions about their experience, equipment, and backup plans. Discuss your vision for your wedding video and gauge their enthusiasm and understanding. Observe their demeanor – are they attentive, professional, and excited about your wedding?
Understand the Package Details
It’s important to fully understand what you’re getting from your videographer to ensure they are the perfect wedding videographer for you. Discuss the package details, including the number of hours they’ll be present, whether they’ll have an assistant or second shooter, how many cameras they’ll use, and when you can expect to receive the final video.
Also, ensure that you understand their payment structure, any potential extra costs, and their cancellation policy.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts. You might meet a videographer with an excellent portfolio and glowing reviews, but if something doesn’t feel right, it might be best to keep looking.
Your wedding videographer will play a critical role in preserving the memories of your special day. Take the time to find someone whose skills align with your vision and whose personality complements your style. The result will be a beautiful wedding film that you’ll cherish for a lifetime, and the perfect wedding videographer for you.
Still trying to decide where to go from here? Check out these blogs to help you learn more about the wonderful world of wedding photography and videography with Rebecca Ann Aesthetic.
