How Can You Check Out A Videographer?
Wedding
videography quality and rates vary quite considerably
due to the wide range of individuals offering
such a service.
Many in the industry today
are simply filming weddings as a part-time "hobby".
So how can you tell if the person
you plan to book is experienced enough? Firstly,
start by asking them what they actually do for
a full-time living.
A wedding videographer only has "one
chance" to
get it right. Being a "live"
event, they need to call
on both a range of equipment and a
depth of former experience of weddings, in
order to cope with the many problems that can,
and do, arise during such an occasion. If something
goes wrong due to a lack of experience - you
have NO second
chance on the actual day!
Likewise - don't "rush" to book a
videographer. The old saying
"act in haste - repent at leisure" most
definitely rings true, particularly
when we think of some of the horror stories we've
heard over the years!
What Should I Do To Check? - Here
are 10 useful tips...
Apart from going by
recommendation or a videographer whose work you have already seen, the following
will hopefully give you an idea of some of the items to check out. They are not
in any particular order.
[1] View a complete video...
Do
take the time to view a variety of individuals'
work and make sure you see a COMPLETE wedding
video. Looking at "demo-clips" doesn't
show you whether someone is capable or knows
how to create a memorable video of your day.
[2] Are they a professional or an amateur...?
The old adage that you wouldn't go to a
plumber for brain surgery sums it all up! Everyone
has skill they have trained for, and if you want
a professional job - ask a professional! There
are so many amateur wedding videographers out
there, but taking a little time to check people
out will pay you dividends.
[3] Check
testimonials are real...
Believe it or not, some individuals do actually make them up! I show
some actual copies of the originals received right here on the website.
[4] Will you
be getting the person that actually took the demo you see filming
your wedding...?
Some videographers use amateurs or media students (or indeed others) for filming
weddings! BE VERY CAREFUL! When you book me - you
get me!
[5] Do they
carry Public Liability Insurance...?
Most won't because it's an expensive additional cost and they are quite prepared
to take the risk. As a professional I carry the required and necessary insurance!
[6] Do they
carry a spare second camera in case something should go wrong
with the first...?
No-one can know if a problem will occur on the day. From the stories we
have heard it is more likely to happen with those using smaller camcorders, as
these tend to suffer due to having much smaller components that wear more easily.
Even so - a professional is always prepared and I always
bring a spare camera with me.
[7] Do they
buy the required music copyright licence fees for your wedding
and are the fees included in the cost...?
This is one area, for the most part, that amateurs just do not comply with. There
are legal issues with using copyrighted music, but many blatently ignore them
simply because they are not charging enough to cover the fees. When I am booked
all music licences are included for your day, so no future music issues! Licences
are required for filming in a church, and many vicars
now ban individuals who turn up without a
licence. Don't wait until the day to find out your videographer hasn't got a
licence.
[8] Is
travelling included in the price...?
Many charge an extra rate per mile.
All my rates include travelling where-ever
the wedding is taking place. There are no exceptions,
and I cannot think of a wedding where one would
be charged.
[9] Should I go
just by a demo video...?
If the demo is just snippets of work - definitely
not! Firstly
- you can't even guarantee it's their own
work! I've had work "stolen" from
me in the past and passed off as a videographers
own. Secondly, anyone can show the good bits,
but what you need to see is how the whole
production is put
together. Look at the post-production quality
- is it full of shaky, hand-held shots. Listen
to the sound quality; see if they have used
any commercial music and not paid the licence
fees. (The DVD case should
carry the licence label, and the DVD state the
licence number.) Is
the video full of long boring shots, (particularly
with church services), or does it have a "pace" to
it that keeps your interest. Look at it objectively
and ask yourself:
"Would I be really happy to own and show
this around?" My
client testimonials speak for themselves. A wedding
video is rarely 100% perfect as it is a live
event, but it is possible to have something as
near perfection as is possible, but that only
comes with care and many years experience!
[10] Are
they a member of a professional institute or
association...?
This is vital should you need to complain
about your videographer or their standard of
workmanship after the big day. With most individuals
you will have very little recourse whereas being
a qualified member of a professional association
gives you recourse. Members of such professional
institutes have Code of Practice
to adhere to, and will usually have submitted
their work for competency assessment to a
panel of their peers. You have the right
to complain to these bodies if necessary.
Do also actually check if an individual IS a
member. Some blatently advertise they are when
they aren't!
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