EVERYTHING TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING YOUR WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

We were asked for tips and tricks for couples looking to book a wedding videographer

If you've never had to hire a videographer before, it can be hard to know where to even start when it comes to finding the perfect one for your wedding day. Let's face it, there's plenty most of us don't know about film-making, so how do you even know what to ask for, once you meet your wedding videographer? We chatted with wedding videographer extraordinaire Duarte Amancio from DoArt Wedding Films to get everything you need to know about wedding video styles and the questions you should ask before you book!

What should couples consider when choosing a videographer?

"STYLE - you must identify yourself with the videographer’s style. Did you like the samples and testimonials you saw online? PACKAGE - check carefully what’s included. Will you have to pay for extras? EMPATHY - if possible meet ahead. Are you comfortable entrusting this person to record your Big Day?"

What questions should couples ask when they first meet their videographer?

"Ask the videographer to describe their style. As a professional, they should be able to clearly outline this. Are they insured? This will let you know that they are serious about their business and not amateurs. Are wedding videos their main business and for how long have they been doing it? How many cameras do they use, do they capture different angles at key moments of the day?"

What are the various video styles and which do you think works best for weddings?

"Journalistic, also known as Documentary or Reportage This style captures the events of the day as they happen and is usually edited in a linear fashion, a video that documents your wedding from morning preps through to evening dances. Videographers who shoot in this style are typically unobtrusive throughout the day and do not interact greatly with the couple or their guests.

Cinematic This style of wedding video is filmed and edited more like a movie with a view to emphasising the emotion and drama of the day. It may rely more on montages, music or special effects.You can expect the videographer to be using camera stabilisation systems like a Steadicam, gliders and drones. Colour grading and filters may be used during editing to give it the Cinematic look.Videographers who shoot in this style will interact significantly more on the day, setting up shots and directing the couple or guests on a similar way as a photographer.

*Short Form* My own style, the short form wedding video has become very popular. It is a highly edited version of your wedding into a film of 20 to 40 minutes in length. Although the filming style on the day can be considered Journalistic and non-intrusive, the edit is done in a Cinematic manner, using parts of the speeches to enhance the emotion and flow of the narrative. You also get an eight minute short highlights film, focused on bringing to light the best moments of the day. Ideal to show family and friends! Full length versions of the ceremony, greetings and speeches are often provided as part of the package as a separate feature on the Blu-ray/DVD.

Traditional Opposite to the Short Form, this style of wedding video is filmed from start to finish with minimal editing, if any at all, resulting often in a two to three hour long piece.

Marryoke A kind of wedding music video which has come to be known as 'Marryoke'. The couple, the wedding party and everyone attending the wedding will mime to a favourite song throughout the day to be then edited into a music video. It can be absolutely hilarious to film and to watch, but due to the amount of filming required they can take over some parts of the day. If you're looking to remember your day as it happened, this probably isn't your best option!"

What input do you expect couples to have?

"I am always thankful of any details the couple is willing to share - ideas, a vision about their wedding video - as this leads to a more original and personal video. I always ask my couples to fill out a brief form with their key wedding day details and editing choices, such as songs selection, list of participants for the credits, amongst others."

How does the editing process work?

"Editing your wedding Blu-Ray/DVD/USB involves hard work and passion! It starts with the capturing of all footage and audio. Ceremony, speeches and dances have to be synchronised as several cameras and audio recorders are used at these key moments. Choosing the right angle is one of the most challenging parts of the process as it is key to keep a natural flow. Following this, the creative work begins: creating the opening title, matching shots artistically to the songs chosen by the couple, telling the story in an appealing way, using the right pace and finally the closing credits. This is a truly enjoyable part for me! Once the final cut edit is done, a critical review is undertaken to ensure all comes together in a beautiful story! Finally, it is time to engage in the Blu-ray/DVD/USB project, creating covers and menus and importing all edits before a disc can be burned."

How long after the wedding can a couple expect their video?

"I always deliver a proof DVD of the Wedding Video first, as I offer my couples one opportunity to ask for reasonable changes before printing and burning the final copies. This proof will be sent to the couple within 20 weeks from their Wedding day; during busier months, this might be a bit longer."

To contact Duarte, email doartweddingfilms@gmail.com or call 00353872827959