I’ll admit that when we first started the planning process, videography wasn’t high on our list of priorities. Like many brides, I was more concerned about capturing the day through classic, timeless photography, and as a result, we splurged big-time in that category. But as the months marched on and our wedding ideas really started coming together, I realized it would be a terrible shame to pour so much love, money and time into our big day, but not have a “real-time” record of our vows, the laughter and tears of our guests, and our special “first look” moment with each other.
However, since many videographers in our wedding market charge as much or more than a professional photographer, we just weren’t sure whether this would be doable or not. Then, last August, thanks to a tip for our photographer, we struck gold with a great up-and-coming videographer willing to offer us eight hours of footage for just $1,000. (Trust me -- that’s an absolute steal in our area!)
While viewing footage from past weddings he’s filmed, we were impressed by his simple, straightforward style, and crisp cleanup editing, which is exactly what we’re looking for. Plus, as a bonus, he’s filmed events and prayer services at our church before, and is therefore very familiar with the layout and acoustics of the venue. After we receive the cleanup edit from him after the wedding, I’m also hoping to either hire someone or find a way on my own to create a few fun montages and video trailers.
Are you hiring a videographer for your wedding? Why or why not? Do you have any advice for me about how to best edit the rough footage after the celebration?
(Photo Credit: Google Images)
We're not hiring a videographer. I asked my uncle to bring his camera and tape the ceremony for us. I really don't think I would watch the video much, if at all, so I didn't want to pay all that money for it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ashley above... it's not in our budget and with the exception of a few times after the wedding we probably wouldn't really watch it the same way we'll have pictures displayed. I'm hoping Kristian's uncle can bring his video camera and record the ceremony at least so we have something. He did that for K's sister's wedding.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finding a great deal! I think we'll also forego the videographer - it would be nice, but it's not a priority in our budget. Maybe I'll revisit the idea as the wedding draws closer and we have a firmer handle on what money is going where.
ReplyDeleteI have to say to the ladies above, more often than not you get brides who see no reason at all to hire a videographer and then AFTER the wedding they totally regret not having everything taped. For me, the video is just as (if not MORE) important than the photos. Like you said, photos are amazing and do display emotion and stories, but nothing captures the voices, laughter, tears, and dancing(*!*) like video can. I think you are wise to do what you're doing.
ReplyDeleteAs far as editing, in today's day and age, anyone can learn to edit together some simple montages from video footage. Depending on if you are a MAC or PC user there are simple programs like MovieMaker that are more user friendly. There's also more in depth programs like Adobe Premier or the one I use, Ulead Media Studio Pro. Those programs do involve educating yourself on the ins and outs of the features and tools but let you go crazy if you want to get all high tech! Use the internet to google ideas and find message boards...that's what I did when I was starting out and I found communities that were super helpful in answering my questions and guiding me through programs and tutorials.
Can't wait to see what you come up with :)
Oh and FYI - my girlfriend pulls her wedding video out every single chance she gets. She makes her friends and family watch it with her whenever someone comes over and she watches it herself many times. I would do the same! :)
ReplyDeleteWe weren't initially going to but a lot of people have told us that we might regret it later so we are looking into it.
ReplyDeleteI knew my wife and I would probably watch our wedding video only once. And that's exactly what happened! But, we figured it was better to have it anyway. Not for us, but for our future children to laugh at us. "Dad, you really wore that?" "Is that how people really used to dance?" LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteI've also heard I'd regret it later if we didn't.. that's not something I want :) So yes, we're planning on having a videographer. I've been researching them in our area and think we found one!
ReplyDeleteI think you will love the video. So worth the investment!
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