Wedding Secret: Why Your Videographers Experience Matters More Than You Think!
While it's great to have a perfect timeline and to have spoken to all the vendors, there are always potential challenges that can arise on your wedding day, especially when it comes to videography. We have been filming weddings for over a decade and never once have I filmed a event where everything went perfectly. NOTHING ever goes perfect, but it can come close! Here are a few things to consider and prepare for to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible:
Technical Issues: Videography equipment, like cameras and microphones, can sometimes malfunction. Ensure your videographer has backup equipment in case of technical failures. We have a minimum of three cameras with us at all times. We don't always use all of them, but you never know when one might malfunction. This is not something that happens often, but it has happened a handful of times. Overheating, getting wet, dropping, etc...are all times when having extra gear may come in handy. This is also true for audio equipment. We have even more redundancy when it comes to audio equipment.
Weather Conditions: If your wedding is outdoors, unexpected weather changes can affect the quality of the video. Rain, wind, or extreme heat can pose challenges. Have a backup plan for outdoor shoots or consider weatherproof equipment. Not only do we need to prevent our gear from having issues in inclimate weather, but it's a good idea for your videographer to know how to take precautions such as umbrellas, waterproof camera bags, lenses, etc in case they are needed.
Changing Light Conditions: Lighting is crucial for good videography. If your wedding spans several hours, the natural light can change significantly. Professional videographers are skilled at adjusting settings, but it's a good idea to discuss different lighting scenarios with them beforehand. Many novice videographers have everything set to "auto" on their cameras and when this happens, it can cause unwanted colors or obvious changes in exposure that are difficult to correct in post production.
Unforeseen Delays: Wedding schedules are tight, but unexpected delays can happen. Make sure your videographer is aware of the overall schedule so they can plan accordingly and capture all the essential moments. Videographers that have been doing this for awhile understand that MOST weddings are not on schedule at some point during the day and they need to be able to effectively gauge how their time is best used during the event. We always try to get the timeline at least a couple weeks before the ceremony to make sure that we account for any possible delays and allow enough time to be able to capture everything throughout the day.
Coordination with Other Vendors: Videographers need to work closely with photographers, coordinators, and other vendors. Miscommunication or lack of coordination can lead to missed shots or disruptions in the workflow. Ensure that all vendors are on the same page. Many of these tips go for photographers as well. Unfortunately a disaster is just waiting to happen when you hire a novice photographer AND a novice videographer who have never worked with others before. This can lead to shots constantly getting ruined because one or the other isn't mindful of who they are working with. It's good to have someone on either team to have experience because they do tend to help the other out, at least from our experience.
Unexpected Events: Sometimes, unexpected events involving guests or family members can occur, affecting the atmosphere of the wedding. Experienced videographers know how to handle such situations discreetly, but it's essential to inform them if there are any potential issues they should be aware of.
Venue Restrictions: Some venues have specific rules or restrictions regarding photography and videography. Make sure your videographer is aware of these restrictions beforehand to avoid any surprises on the wedding day. When you have someone with experience, they have the confidence to find who the important people are when they arrive and can make sure everything is in order.
Communication Issues: If there are last-minute changes to the schedule or if the venue layout is different from what was discussed earlier, it's crucial that there's clear communication with the videographer. Designate a point person, such as a wedding coordinator or a trusted friend, to liaise with the videographer if needed.
By discussing these potential challenges with your videographer and having contingency plans in place, you can significantly minimize the risks and increase the chances of having a seamless videography experience on your wedding day. If you're interested in a Denver wedding videographer don't hesitate to send us an email at info@veiledrosefilms.com or check us out at veiledrosefilms.com
