And no moment is more precious to capture than the union of a loving couple on their wedding day. What was once a limited and exclusive medium is now a high-quality and in-demand industry. The picturesque Chesapeake region can provide a beautiful backdrop to an incredible, one-of-a-kind keepsake of a couple’s special day, thanks to the mixed-media masterpiece of modern wedding videography.
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The Move Toward Modern
rWhat exactly is modern wedding videography? Well, it isn’t anything like the video you may have seen of your parents’ wedding—no offense. But the typical bulky video equipment, bright lights, and awkward microphone congratulations are a thing of the past. (I remember attending a cousin’s wedding in the ’90s where my aunt tripped over a mess of video camera wires on the dance floor and fell into a lighting contraption—don’t worry, she was fine, and the bride didn’t even notice.) I’m not trying to not offend anyone by poking fun at the somewhat familiar and humorous depiction of past forms of wedding videography; however, with new technology and fresh ideas, brides and grooms have options.
rToday’s videographers use high-definition cameras and the hybrid skills of both a documentary filmmaker and photographer when shooting weddings. Instead of just splicing together raw footage of the event and adding background music, modern videographer’s utilize a multitude of techniques that liken the special event to a multi-media work of art.
rHere are some modern wedding videography traits:
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- rStyle. Videos are shot in a chronological cinematic format. What the heck does that mean? The videographer(s) shooting the wedding follow the same timeline as the bride and groom; i.e. getting dressed, first look, ceremony, reception, and so on. What’s most different about modern videography is what happens during post-production. The footage contains beautiful scene transitions and composed into a seamless movie plot, including a beginning, middle, end, and of course, at least one climax. r
- rLength. Short and sweet. You won’t want to fast-forward through this video. Typical lengths are between 5–10 minutes. Think that’s not enough time? Just watch a modern wedding video and you’ll see the comprehensive coverage, plus you’ll probably be tearing up within the first 30 seconds. r
- rMusic. A slow song, fast-paced jam, remixed classic, or all the above, the couple has a say in the music in their video. Not a music aficionado? That’s OK, your videographer will be happy to select or help you choose the right tunes. Want specific songs or lyrics to play at particular moments in your video? It can be done, just ask! Though keep in mind that the typical modern wedding video features two songs and not in full length. r
- rMedium. A custom-designed and edited DVD is provided to the wedded couple. Each videographer (just like photographers) have different packages, so what’s included will vary depending on vendor. One of the fun things about today’s videos is the ability to upload them to social networks, like Facebook and YouTube. So, if some family and friends couldn’t attend the wedding and you don’t want to spurge on ordering a dozen DVDs, you can simply send them a link. r
- rYou. That’s right, you’re a star. And while every wedding video is different, modern wedding videos allow the couple to explore a bit more. If you want to focus on the ceremony more than what happened on the dance floor or extensive décor over the Venetian hour, you can do that! The fun is allowing the video to have a personality, which creates a truly unique product. r
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Who to Hire (Not Everyone is Steven Spielberg…)
rFinding the right videographer might seem daunting, but it’s no different than researching and booking other vendors, like your photographer or caterer. In fact, it’s quite an enjoyable process because videographers are a product of their work, so you have an accurate idea of what to expect as far as style and quality. Videographers might not have a Steven Spielberg budget or set to make movie magic, so it’s important to feel comfortable with your videographer and confident about what you expect them to deliver.
rHere are some tips to finding the right videographer:
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- rDon’t limit your search. Most videographers are more than happy to travel hours or even out of state for work. Travel arrangements and fees vary depending on vendor, so make sure to discuss this in detail prior to signing on the dotted line. r
- rMust play nice with photographer. Inform photographer and videographer in advance that the other will be present and ask that they arrive early on your big day to work out a plan—if they already haven’t via phone or email. These vendors must coexist, so address any concerns immediately. r
- rWatch their work. Videography is a medium that is often displayed on the Internet through the company’s website or blog. You wouldn’t hire a baker before sampling a cake or a band before listening to some songs, so follow that same approach for videographers. r
- rPricing and packages. Learn what to expect from the videographer. What length will the video be? Will you receive a DVD? How many? Videography is not a tangible medium like food or favors, so ask questions to have a complete understanding of what to expect for the price. Note: Pricing is similar to photographers, so expect to have quotes in the $1,500–$3,000 range. r
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Ready for your close-up?
rThe choice to choose a videographer is up to you. Do you want a video of your wedding? Does it fit in your budget? Are you comfortable being filmed? These are just some of the questions you will have to ask yourself. The thought of being on camera throughout your wedding day might scare some and entice others. The benefit of having a custom digital keepsake of your union might appeal to some and not to others. Modern wedding videography has created a niche in the wedding industry that loves capturing love.
r-- Elyse Exposito
