Party Pros: 12 Questions to Ask Videographers

A video account of your party tells a unique story -- and you're going to want the style and technique to be in keeping with your tastes. Here are the key questions to ask when hiring your videographer:

(1) What's the videographer's style -- cinematic, documentary, or a mix of both? (Then ask yourself: Does this jibe with what you're going for?)

(2) Has the videographer done many birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs, anniversaries, etc. before? What's his or her story-telling approach when it comes to taping a party? (This clues you in to experience and philosophy.) Ask to view samples of his/her recent work.

(3) Has the videographer won any awards? Is he/she a member of any national and local videography associations?

(4) How does he or she coordinate with a photographer? Has the videographer worked with your photographer before?

(5) Has he/she ever shot an event at your site? If so, can you see the tape?

(6) How many other parties/events is the videographer doing on your party's date or weekend? (Make sure there are no time constraints.)

(7) Will the videographer you're speaking to be the one who will be shooting your party? If not, make sure you speak to whoever will actually shoot.

(8) What types of cameras, tapes, and microphones will the videographer use? How new is the equipment? Ask him/her to explain how certain effects are achieved and to outline the benefit of using certain technologies. You may not catch all the techno-speak, but it helps to have a sense of what's what.

(9) Ask about editing equipment. Request an explanation of the technological process.

(10) How bright a light do they use? (If shooting requires the room lights to be on all evening, much of the ambiance of your event may be lost.)

(11) Will a backup camera be on hand for the party in case of equipment malfunctions?

(12) How does the videographer charge for services? Are there packages available? Request a price list.

 

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