The Play by Play
Sights and sounds you’ll treasure

Few still photos can capture the fluid movement, the sweet sentiment or full experience of dancing that first dance with the one you love.

Sure, the best photographers can take a moment and render it magical in just the right lighting and angle, but a moving video of the entire dance can be captured by videography for future generations to treasure.

Luckily, today’s technology has even more than ever to offer. Videographers capture events on DVD—an interactive digital technology that offers couples cinema-like quality, longevity (discs last up to 100 years) and affordability.

Today’s film professionals can perform miracles in the editing room with non-linear editing (or digital video), which, according to the Wedding and Videographer Association (WEVA), means that the sound and images recorded at the wedding are fed into

You’ll never again have the opportunity to capture those treasured moments.

a computer for editing, instead of using the traditional tape-totape system. The result is a higher-quality product.

Although technology has taken videography to a new level, some things remain the same—such as how to shop for a videographer.

here are a few things to keep in mind

Interview the Professionals. Ask to see several examples of their work, not just the best of the best. Be sure to include a treatment of at least one event that is similar in size and theme to yours.

Ensure that your wedding will be given top priority. Is the film maker you interview the one who will actually attend and film your wedding? Be sure you feel completely confident and comfortable with the film maker you are considering. If not, keep looking.

Sound. It captures emotion. Ask how many microphones your videographer will use. Are they camera microphones? Using camera sound is not as good as using separate mics.

Music. Be clear on the kind of music you would like included in your video. Does he or she have a library from which to choose? Can you include songs that have personal significance?

Check credentials. Videographers who belong to professional organizations, such as WEVA, are likely to be committed to their craft and well informed on the latest trends and techniques.

spell it out

Sit down with your videographer at the outset and spell out your expectations. List the shots you want covered and the footage you want included in the completed film. Take nothing for granted. Once the wedding is over, you’ll never again have the opportunity to capture those treasured moments.

Video packages are available for every budget. Various packets include options such as a childhood montage, pre-wedding footage, day-of activities and honeymoon highlights. Be sure you know what you are buying, and have it written out in your contract.

It is not unusual for the most popular videographers to fill their schedules a year in advance. Book early to ensure that you get your first choice in professionals, and be certain to confirm the booking a couple of weeks before the wedding.

dollars and sense

Finally, ask how the videographer charges—by the package, by the hour or by the project. (Keep in mind, an hourly rate can add up fast.) In the Phoenix area, professionals report that an investment in videography can run between $1,500 and $5,000, although some videographers may charge less for fewer services. Remember, a high-ticket price does not necessarily indicate quality, just as a very low price does not always indicate a bargain.

Likewise, think very, very carefully before abandoning your plans for a professional wedding video in favor of letting your fiancé’s cousin do the honors. Unless he or she is a professional and truly planning to focus on capturing your wedding memories on film, you will very likely be disappointed with the finished product. Many a bride (including the editor of this very magazine) ends up wishing she had brought in a pro to do the job. Safeguard the recording of those precious details by hiring a professional. In addition, if a friend or relative wants to capture “candid” memories on his or her own, say “yes” to that too. You can never have too many mementos from your special day.

Dollar for dollar, the amount you spend to chronicle your wedding—with all its wonderful sights and sounds—may be one of the best investments you make.

Photography courtesy of:
Artisan Photography