What questions should I ask potential wedding videographer?

1. Will the person I talk to be the videographer on the day.

2. Is the price all inclusive, or will there be extra costs.

3. What is included in the cost.

4. How many camera operators are there.

5. Can I have a say in what I specially want.

6. Do you use lights.

7. Will you be unobtrusive.

8. Do you use a lapel mic for the ceremony.

9. How much is the deposit and when is the remainder due.

10. How long will editing take.

What should you do is ask your videographer if they do photography as combine package so you can go to one stop shop

www.nickweddingphotovideo.com.au

Nick

Broadly, there is only one question we think you should ask any Cinematographer or Photographer (or Musician or really, anyone you're contracting) and that's simply: "Why should I hire you?"

Their justifications and their answer to that will give you the best gauge on how professional they are, on how well you'll be able to work with them, and how passionate they are about their art.

All these other particulars (the inclusions, the exclusions, the delivery, the timeframe, the gear, the style) don't need to be approached like a checklist.  A good sales conversation solves these problems before you need to ask - it's our responsibility to be clear to you!  We should tell you upfront and immediately what you get and how quickly.  All you should need to do is read reviews to make sure we're being honest.

Our advice is super simple, and we - I, personally, - think this advice should be applied to anything and everything you're ever trying to buy or hire: the process should be easy!  If it's too hard, walk away!  It's our responsibility to make these conversations and enquiries as easy and informative as possible.  

If you're getting a quote with a number and you need to follow-up with twenty questions-- skip the twenty questions and get another quote.

A great start would be to have a look at a few different videographers work. Everyone has their own unique style of shooting and editing their wedding films. You will also have an understanding how the finished film would be like.

I personally recommend meeting the videographer you maybe want to use first. Catch up for lunch and coffee is always better than talking over the phone or an email. You need to Remember this is a hobby for most videographers/ photographers and they mostly love what they do and talking their head off about it so you will definitely get so much more information out of them this way.

Ask what kind of equipment they have is another great question to ask. Some videographers may only have a camera and a tripod. This still isn't a bad thing but getting a videographer that has a few different gadgets is always better. For example, ask if they have a drone to take amazing cinematic Ariel shots from the sky.
Ask if they have some type of steady cam or stabiliser to get smooth moving shots.

Audio equipment is a huge deal in a video. Make sure they have good quality microphones. A lot of people over look audio. The Video may look good but how is your special day going to sound with. See if they have Wireless Microphones. They will also need backup audio just in case it is a windy day or one mic doesn't correct.

Marcus, Just look at their films biddy if you like them, just check they are consistent, Then ask if they are using the same videographer and film editor as the films you have seen. Good luck films rock ;)

Are there any copyright restrictions or write protection that forces you to but my copies from the said company? How well you work with other vendors eg photographers etc? also inclusions and what if the event goes overtime. Then what?

Before asking your videographer questions. Tell them when your wedding day is and how many hours you want the videographer to cover and what you hope to get in the package both in your coverage and final product. This will help the videographer provide a quote.

Here is a list of questions I believe is important to ask a videographer:

1) Will you be the one filming or are there contractors?

2) How long will the editing process take?

3) What does the end package include? DVD, USB, downloadable file?

4) How long will the editing process be?

4) How many cameras do you use, to cover what?

5) How do you ensure good audio? Do you use a Lapel mic or plug and/or do you plug into the sound desk feed?

5) Can I have a say in the editing process?

6) Can I select the music for the video?

7) What parts of the wedding day do you capture?

8) Are there extra costs, or is it all included in the package?

9) How much is the deposit? When is the remaining balance due?