4 HUGE MISTAKES people make when hiring a videographer.

Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life and you are about to pay someone to spend a large part of that day with you! Consequently, when you bring on a vendor, you’re not just investing into a service, but into people who are going to be forever embedded in your wedding memories! That being said, here are four things to avoid when hiring a videographer. 

1.

Not interviewing your videographer before you sign them.

Just because someone seems friendly and professional on the first phone call does not mean this will be your experience from start to finish. When you make an initial contact to check for availability be sure to establish a follow-up so you can ask questions. After all, this is your money and your day. Most videographers are going to welcome, and even enjoy, your inquiries. You’ll be surprised with how far a few questions go to provide you with some valuable feedback as you try to determine if this videographer is the right fit for you. If you would like some helpful questions to get you pointed in the right direction free to click here. 

2.

Not checking the word on the street.

There is a saying, “What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket.” That is especially true with videographers. How did they do under stress? Was their product produced in a timely manner? Did they communicate well? Fortunately, you have ways to “check the bucket.” Check their reviews on social platforms. What are people saying in the comment sections? Do they respond in the comment section? Checking the bucket is as easy as finding one of their wedding videos on social media and asking the bride or groom about their experience. (often tagged in it) However, at the end of the day, nothing beats word of mouth. Have people you like and respect used them? What are they saying?

3.

Not checking their portfolio. 

One video is not a good snapshot of someone’s work. It could be excellent because the stars aligned. (They hired a veteran second shooter and paid someone to edit it.) It could be less than their best because of uncontrollable issues. (Camera breaking and some random drunk uncle had a meltdown with everyone crying the entire day.) View their catalogue. Start with their website because what’s put on there are going to be videos of what they shoot on their best day. Then migrate to where other videos are. (Youtube, Facebook, Vimeo, etc.) This way you can see the full spectrum of their abilities. The biggest question you are trying to answer is, “DO I LIKE IT?”

4.

Thinking cheap will be good enough or expensive will be best. 

Videography styles are just as unique as people. It’s important to remember there is no “best” in the industry because this is art. Art is subjective. You are looking for what is best for you. Sure, you may land a rising star at a wonderful rate. However, you may land that good rate because this person can’t get work because of valid reasons. On the opposite end, when you throw the highest premium at a videographer you may be getting the Mozart of videographers or someone who believes in themself way more than they should. Just like most purchases in life, you don’t need the cheapest or most expensive more than you need what works for you. Your budget, your personality, your day. 

That being said, art is subjective. However, there are objective things to consider when choosing your videographer. Those are discussed in our blog, “Top Qualities You Need in a Wedding Videographer.”