Videography

Capture your special day on videotape and relive it whenever you like. Imagine watching your children's faces as they view all the excitement and sounds of your wedding day. Since this is a "once in a lifetime" event, it is important to select your videographer carefully.

As soon as you pick your wedding date and establish where your ceremony and reception will take place, start interviewing professional videographers. View their work and compare their credentials, training, creativity, talent and style. Request references and check several of them before making your selection. The comfort level between you and any professional working for you on your wedding day is equally important. Good rapport and confidence between you and your videographer is essential.

The price is determined by several factors: the number of cameras and videographers used; the type of equipment; creativity in shooting and editing; years of experience; hours of service. Expect to spend at least as much as you would on photography. Expect coverage of the ceremony and the reception. A professional videographer will often attend your wedding rehearsal, too.

A professional videographer will bring back-up equipment in addition to using remote microphones, supplemental lighting and tripods to get a steady shot.

Editing, done in the studio, after the event, is the process of organizing all the elements you want included in your video into a beautiful creative documentary of your day. In addition to the actual footage of your wedding, the following segments can be included on your finished videotape: childhood photos; the bride and groom getting ready; rehearsal and rehearsal dinner; recapturing and highlighting the ceremony, reception and honeymoon photos. Remember, studio editing takes time and may be an additional cost.

This article was written by The Professional Videographers Association of Connecticut (PVACT).