mvpprofessionals

12/18/07 9:33am

Pearland, TX 77588

ORIGINAL POST:
Your wedding day ought to be the most memorable and the most wonderful event of a lifetime. There is absolutely no greater let down than when you get the copies of what should have represented your dream come back as substandard because your videographer and your photographer did a horrible job. And I bet you probably know someone that experienced the photographer and videographer from ****. Here are some helpful hints to keep you from getting burned.

1. If you want a photographer and a videographer do not select them separately. Ask your photographer or videographer to recommend someone that they have successfully worked with in the past. This is critical because chemistry has a lot to do with how your end results will be. When photographers and videographers have worked together in the past, they know each others style and will respect each others shots. Otherwise things become very territorial and unless the photographer and the videographer come to terms before the event you run the risk of not getting the absolute best because instead of working together they will be working from the standpoint of avoiding getting in each others shots. If you do not wish to have the photographer and the videographer from a recommended source, at least try to get them together before your wedding to establish ground rules.

2. Understand that you really do get what you pay for. Many people want to have a great videographer and a great photographer at a budget price. You will be able to find them, and you will get a production from them. However, since the work of the photographer and the videographer will represent your lasting memories, I would recommend getting those that price within the industry. Because if your photographer or videographer is charging industry rates then they know what industry professionals are defined as. Which means they will have commercial industry equipment and work with commerical industry editing software, and they will be trained in creative imaging. This sets them a part and is the work is worth the investment. Your pictures and videos will not be point and click. They will creative and stunning.

3. View samples of their work and read their contracts. Most videographers and photographers will have a demo for you to view. If you don\'t get a demo at least ask for references. A good videographer and photographer will have a contract. They normally will require a percentage down, full payment before the event and rights to use your wedding for promotions. This is pretty standard.

4. Cooperate with your photography or videography professional. Lighting is a critical element and there are many factors that effect this. If your photographer and videographer recommends a particular lighting level work with them because it will ensure your best footage. Other things that present problems are buildings with lots of glass or shooting in direct sunlight. Your photographer or videographer may recommend changing somethings because of this. I would recommend working with them.

5. If you wish to meet with your photographer or videographer request meetings only after you have researched what you want that way you will be ready to make a contract when you meet with them. They will appreciate you for respecting their time. I personally have had meetings with clients that were not ready to make a contract during the meeting and then when they were ready the time was already booked. Please don\'t miss the opportunity to work with a quality professional. Do all your homework first and then be ready to select a vendor.

6. Be kind to your photographer or videographer. You will be surprised how many upgrades you can get for free just by working with them in a kind manner.

7. Ask persons that used photographers and videographers at their weddings to make recommendations.

8. Ask questions and here are a few good ones:
How much time will it take to get my video back? If it is shorter than 3-4 weeks barring any previous edits that must be finished before your event I would want to know more. Quality productions take time.
What editing software do you use? Professional photographers will usually use high end Adbobe type programs for paint, touch up and creative composites. Professional videographers will ususally use Adobe Premier for PC and Final Cut Pro for Macs.
Ask them about their upgrades. These type people are very creative and you might find a few things that are available that you did not know existed. Such as streaming the video live for guest that can make the wedding. Or have a site where your wedding can be displayed for 30 days for people we were not able to make it. Also the can make copies for anyone that you would like. Videographers also offer video thank you cards for about $7-$10 a DVD.

9. If your photographer or videographer knows other wedding professionals ask them about it, because it can make your event easier and quicker to plan.

10. Ask about specials. Photographer and videographers often run specials. They discount deposits and even give some events for free. Their promotional opportunities can work out wonders for your budget.

With these pointers in mind you will be well equipped to avoid the photographer and videographer from ****. Good luck on your upcoming special day!

animorphic

01/22/08 11:50am

Clayton, OH 45315

It is also helpful to find a photographer and videographer 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 you will watch. Ask to see samples of finished DVDs to make sure you are getting a quality product.

The same goes for 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.

Look for photographers and videographers who do not outsource for the best price. Some companies now also offer more than one photographer during your wedding to give you double coverage and fewer distractions without raising prices.

finchphoto

12/28/07 10:42am

American Fork, UT 84003

As a professional in the wedding photography business, I would agree with post. It is all good advice. Only one thing to add, it is your day and it should be your way. When it comes to my pictures the bride and groom have the final say. As professionals, we know what can make the best picture but I don't want to be the drill instructor. If the bride and groom are tried of taking posed pictures then I am not going to make then stand in front of the camera. The bride and groom have the final decision on what pictures will be taken, the picture are their pictures.

I try and find out as much as possible about the events of the day so I will not slow down the day. I am one the does not want to do the "fake" shoots. The "fake cutting of the cake", where the photographer is in control and it just the wedding couple. Then afterwards they do the cake cutting for everyone to see. I want to capture the shots as they happen. But if the "fake" shoot is what the couple wants then that is what we do, but I will not recommend it.

It is your day and as much as you should work with your photographer, they should also be willing to work with you.