animorphic

01/26/08 8:49am

Clayton, OH 45315

ORIGINAL POST:
It is helpful to find a videographer or photographer who has some design experience. This can complete your look and also lower costs.

As a professional videographer, photographer, and designer, I have seen many beautiful wedding videos that just didn't look professional because they appear to be slapped together and have very basic menus or graphics. The entire package should be put together well, not just the part that you will watch.

Ask to see samples of finished DVDs to make sure you are getting a quality product. You should be proud to have your DVD sitting out on display, as you would with any of your other wedding photos or keepsakes. Also watch out for videographers or photographers who use cheesy effects in their work. These can ruin the feeling you are trying to capture.

Being able to design also helps with photography. Once the pictures are taken by the photographer, you most likely choose additional items, like printed books and gifts. For a photographer who has no design experience, these items must be outsourced and raise your prices. Videographers also tend to outsource their artwork, or simply use pre-packaged designs that do not live up to your expectations. It doesn't hurt to ask who will be designing these elements of your package.

Look for photographers and videographers who do not outsource for the best price. Some companies now also offer more than one videographer or photographer during your wedding to give you double coverage for the same price as others who only offer one. Having a couple people there also means fewer distractions than one person trying to cover every angle.

vmmdj2007

03/30/08 4:27am

Orange, CA 92869

This is a good topic. As a DJ I do offer video services, but not videography which is a big distinction. It is important to find out exactly what you are getting so you are not mislead. A good video editor is actual hard to find, but worth their weight in gold. I think seeing a sample video either on their web site (likely lower quality) or in person is a great idea.

acompleteimage

02/25/08 10:52pm

Boston, MA 02155

I agree, that it is a great idea to see the whole DVD of wedding, that vendor has done in the past. Ask the vendor to send you a sample DVD, or some of them have great samples on their web site.

AaronThompson

02/09/08 7:57pm

Charleston, SC 29401

Hey there,

I'm a photographer and still do videos...

I agree with your advice there...Yes, unfortunately there are a ton of terrible videographers out there. And yes, the best way for a bride to know what to expect is to see a COMPLETE wedding from the videographer...Same goes for photographers. You want to see a complete wedding and make sure they will be the photographer covering your wedding and not one of their hired assistants.

Re: outsourcing, I see what you mean there. But I think in some cases outsourcing is efficient and actually can offer the bride a superior product. For instance, for my albums I use a third party. These guys do nothing but design professional wedding albums all day. They are the professionals in this so I let them take control... But then again if you or someone with your company has that expertise, then yeah why not do it yourself.