The quality of video equipment and recorders has improved the coverage of weddings over the years and videotaping has become as traditional as photography. Videotaping the wedding helps to capture the special moments during the day that the bride and groom can look back on and enjoy with family and friends for many years to come.
Quality comes first…. Price is secondary
Find a good videographer, then pick an affordable package.
Ask to see sample tapes and ask what type of camera they are using.
Things to look for…
- Professional video equipment.
- Steady camera work.
- Natural and spontaneous shots.
- Perfect editing techniques.
- All the important parts of the wedding included.
- Not too many flashy graphics.
- Good colour and a clear picture.
- Good sound quality.
Professional video equipment. Good colour and a clear picture
Consumer-level cameras that you can buy online or at the local electronic shops can’t produce the top-level quality needed to videotape, edit and make copies. There are many variations above this level. Some ‘so called’ professional videographers use a standard video format (8mm or VHS) and give the original to the bride and groom. These tape copies will of sub-standard quality. A professional who knows what their doing will use a hi-quality format (Hi8, BetaSP, SVHS, DV etc.). The quality of video with these types of formats will produce better quality videos and every copy will be the same.
Steady camera work. Natural and spontaneous shots
A videographer must always have great camera skills no matter how good their camera is. Try and look for the special moments on video that really capture your eye.
Coverage of Wedding
You’ll have to do some research as many videographers have different packages that you can choose from. You also have to remember that there may be extra costs if they record more footage as they will have to do more editing onto the master copy so ask up-front about the payment plan.
Not too many flashy graphics
You want the focus to be on you and not the flashy graphics as it will take the attention off of you.
Good Sound Quality
Most on-camera mics are just not good enough to capture the best audio. Wired mics and hand-held mics are the right choices if you want better sound quality.
TYPES OF WEDDING VIDEOS
Wedding videos come in many different qualities and types along with a range of prices. The type of video to use for your wedding would be dependent on your budget and personal preference. Videotaping rules and regulations may vary at the ceremony site which may affect the way your video comes out.
The list below describes three popular wedding video types:
Straight-shot Footage
One camera would be used by the videographer starting from the beginning of the ceremony and capturing highlights throughout the day only using in-camera editing. It is the least expensive option as there is only one camera and no post-editing. The videographer can add a special touch with in-camera titling by adding the couple’s names and wedding date at the start of the tape. This format has a fast delivery time and the videographer can add music for an additional charge.
Nostalgic Format
This type of video can be as nostalgic and as long as the special couple wants to make it. The videographer would start that video by showing pictures of the couple as children and then progress to romantic and fun times that the couples shared before leading towards the main wedding footage (maybe even sometimes ending in honeymoon footage). For the photo scenes, photos are dubbed in with music at appropriate points in the video. The main clips of the wedding are then added to the master tape. This format requires more editing time as it would need to be post-edited. This process would cost more.
Wedding Documentary Format
This type of video shows the whole wedding sequence starting from the bride and groom get ready, then progressing to the ceremony and reception, capturing special messages from family and friends and then ending with the bride and groom leaving the reception. The is video type is the most popular with wedding couples and is the best value. A lot of videographers use two to three cameras to capture better quality footage. Then they post-edit by adding music and titling to produce a smooth and clear visual effect.
