What to watch for while shopping for a videographer.

When you have little or no experience taking videos, it can be difficult to tell if a wedding videographer is truly a skilled professional or simply bluffing. A little research and questioning can help you better understand the potential videographer and whether they are good or bad. Do not rely on the videographer you are interviewing to tell you everything you need to know. It is in their best interest to get you to hire them.

What kind of equipment are they using?

• Make sure the equipment up to date and of the high quality that you are paying for. Maybe you want standard or high definition, wide screen or standard screen.

What kind of lighting do they use?

• Make sure they are not just using natural lighting unless they can explain why they are using that particular lighting. Lighting plays a very big part in the end result of your video. A professional videographer should never use natural lighting only. Only hire a wedding videographer who is ready to work within any lighting situation.

What about the Sound of the video?

• Your videographer will be required to capture movement and sound as well as images. Make sure you ask about the type of microphone used. Poor sound equipment will produce low quality sound thus making your video of low quality.

Who will show up to record the event?

• Never assume that the individual you are interviewing is the same person who will record your video.

How do they edit the video?

• Make sure they using professional software to edit the video, maybe do a review online of the software they are using.

Are they putting visual or sound effects on your video?

• What software are they using, can they explain what these effects will look like and will you have final approval to remove them if you do not like them.

How long will they be on locate recording and what shots do you want them to take?

• In many cases the videographer will be on location for much longer than you expect to make sure they have the right footage to make your video of the quality it should be. Also you want to make sure they are capturing the footage you want on video and not just setting their own agenda.

Do not limit yourself and avoid unexpected surprises, and disappointment, by asking these basic questions. You will be glad you took the time and effort to find a skilled videographer when you are left with a high quality video.