Hiring a professional videographer

Memories are priceless. However, capturing them on film is expensive. That's because, in addition to the labour costs, the equipment used to shoot and edit your wedding film is expensive. Be suspicious of anyone able to offer what they describe as a professional wedding film on-the-cheap. A good and experienced video company may provide two camera operators on the day. They will shoot up to ten hours of footage. Not all videographers are good editors, so a third professional may be employed tosort, select and edit the material and turn it into your fabulous wedding day film. That could take him several days. Do not underestimate the importance of good editing. It is not just what you fim that counts but how it is put together. Where many wedding videos dissappoint is in the editing; it's the extra time the skilled professionals give to the process that transforms a mediocre film into a masterpiece.

The individuals you entrust with this once-in-a-lifetime purchase must demonstrate expertise in both filming and editing. It might be that one personpossesses both skills, but they must be able to demonstrate this to you. If you can't secure the services of a good professional locally, cats your net far and wide because many will travel. As always, a recommendation frome someone you trust  or a professional association are the best places to start your search.

As with photography, what you see is what you get. Therefore, before hiring professional, ask to view at least three complete wedding DVDs, not edited hightlights, compilations or montages from several weddings, but entire events. View them from start to finish. If you are bored so will the viewers of your wedding film be! Ensure you have seen the key moments of the day captured on film (the guests arriving, the groom waiting for his bride, her procession down the aisle, a selection of shots from the marriage service, the reception, the speeches and toasts, the cake cutting, the first dance, etc.). You will notice any bad camera work; camera movements should be slick and smooth, everything should be in focuswith no fast zooms in and out. Watch for good colour balance and clarity, good lightning (you'll notice if it is bad) with no sudden cuts or distorted sound. The film should not just capture the bride and groom, but the atmosphere and the flavour of the entire day. We believe the video should not run for longer than an hour.All too often people shoot a wedding video which runs longer the "Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Your friends and family do not want to sitthrough the entire day again. They want to be reminded of the bestand most enjoyable moments. A really good wedding video is a record and celebration of the day, not a documentary. Some of the best are where the service is simply set to beautiful and evocative music chosen by the couple which runs all the way through.

Ensure that the person or people who will shoot and edit your video worked on the ones you have viewed. When you are happy with what and who you have discussed details. What will they charge and what is icluded? How many cameras were used in the video you viewed and how many will they provide on the day? (It's well worth paying the aditional cost for an extra camera operator if you can afford to, as it offers more flexibility. One camera can shado the bride and groom whilst the other captures everything else.). How many copies will you be given and what is the cost of additional DVDs? Will they keep the original material (as is normal) or can you purchase it? When will they keep arrive on the day and how long will they stey? How long will be the final version of your film, will the the cover be personalised and can you choose the text? Will the film include any sequences set to music, can you choose choose that music and will it cost extra? Will they include short sound bites or guests comments or greetings? Can you add a message or thank you on the credits? Will you be able to view the film before the final edit and be able to ask for any changes (a common complaint is the accidental omission of important family members)? How long after the wedding will you receive the finished product?

You should also expect the professionals to ask questions. In addition to seeking the obvious information about where an when the wedding will take place, are they finding out about you? To make a truly watchable video they need to get as much information about you and your families as possible. Are they asking you about the style of the event, who will be important on the day and how you are going to identify these people to them? It is often a good idea to assign a bridesmaid or usher to liaiase with the photographer and point-out the significant people. The pretty young thingsin the gorgeous outfits are not necessarily those the bride and groom want to be reminded of in years to come. It's the shots of granny and family that are important.

Do not part with cash or sign a contract until you have satisfied yourselves that you will receive a well-shot, high-quality production along the lines you are satisfied with.