Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You spend so much time planning the event and then its over in less than 12 hours. Most couples want to capture their wedding on video so they can relive the special day or send a copy to friends and family that can’t be present.

You could leave the video up to Uncle Bob who thinks he is directing Four Weddings and a Funeral, however you might be disappointed with the results. He might not have enough batteries charged and miss an important speech or he may have a few to drink and forget to film the cutting of the cake. Why not let all of your family and friends enjoy the wedding and use a professional wedding videographer? Not all videographers are the same and there are a number of things to think about when trusting someone to film your wedding.

• Most wedding videographers use professional 3CCD digital cameras and should use a radio microphone (usually placed on the groom) to pick up the vows clearly. The radio microphone is also used for the speeches and guest congratulations for nice clear sound.

• Most digital cameras these days work well in low light situations. However, where the lighting will have an impact on creating a natural looking image (like candlelight), highly diffused lighting that doesn’t make you or your guests squint, should be used.

• A reputable videographer will be able to show you a demo reel full of highlights as well as a full wedding video. The demo reel will show you that they have experience with a variety of weddings and the full version should be of a wedding similar to your own. For example if you are having beach wedding its no use watching a wedding filmed in a church. This way you can see their editing style, and know exactly what your wedding video will look like.

• You should be able to meet with the videographer (not just a contact person) before the wedding day so that you feel comfortable with them. They will often attend the rehearsal and ask for a running sheet so that they know exactly what is happening and they won't need to ask you unnecessary questions on the day.

• Ask them how many weddings have they filmed? You don’t want them to miss out any important aspect of your special day because they are inexperienced or their equipment isn't working properly.

• The videographer will usually be filming your wedding for approx. 8-10 hours. Then there is usually another 10-20 hours spent in the edit suite so expect to pay $1000 and upwards for a basic package.

• Most professional videographers will offer other services such as putting your wedding photos to video, a DVD with menus or a VCD wedding invitation?

Taking the right steps to choose a professional videographer for your special day will ensure that your wedding video or DVD will be a pleasure to watch for decades to come.

Julia Lewis, Director, BA (Hons) Film, TV & Media Studies has over 12 years of experience working in Sydney, London and Brisbane as a Producer and Editor. She has worked on a wide range of productions including documentaries, corporate productions and television commercials, as well as producing wedding videos.

Phone: 07 3892 1103
www.lewismedia.com.au