There are millions of things to consider when organising a wedding. Lots of decisions need to be made – gown, flowers, music, transport – with so many questions needing to be answered along the way!
Here is a list of important questions that you should ask when thinking about choosing a wedding videographer.
1. Do we really need a videographer?
Some couples might think that having a photographer is enough to document their day. At Iconic Pictures, as wedding videographers, of course, we beg to differ! We think photography and videography serve their purposes, as they both convey different feelings and evoke different emotions.
Photography is classic and timeless; beautiful images to hang on your wall where every guest can see them – and they remind you of your wedding day every time you look at them. However, there is only so much story and emotion that can be derived from a framed photo.
Video, on the other hand, when it’s properly done, will take you straight back to the day and that moment. The moment when you walk down the aisle, the reaction of your groom seeing you for the first time, and the tears of your parents when you exchange your vows. These are the things that a photographer can capture beautifully, but a videographer can relive them and evoke emotion into the clip.
Have a look at this highlight video we did for Matthew and Jade and watch the groom cry when his bride walked down the aisle:
2. What is the difference between cinematography and videography?
In recent times, more and more wedding videographers try to distinguish and claim themselves as cinematographers. Technically, it may not be the correct term, however, it all depends on how you interpret or define cinematography and videography.
I personally think that the term cinematographer is strictly for those who work on a film set, and a videographer is basically the person who captures the video. Therefore, technically speaking, the term videographer is more accurate to describe the person who captures an event, such as a wedding. However, an aesthetically modern wedding video is pretty much a short film of a wedding. Therefore, there is nothing wrong by claiming to be wedding cinematographers, as generally, they produce a short film about the wedding they shoot.
What is important is the work that they do suits your style and taste, whether they claim to be either a wedding cinematographer or a wedding videographer.
3. Do I have to pose or act in front of the camera?
No. Although it depends on your style and taste. We never direct my couples. As more often than not the couple becomes awkward, which can sometimes lead to cringe-worthy shots. We’re fairly candid on our approach, letting the day unfolds on its own. Instead of directing, we subtlety suggest ways our couples can act so that what they do is natural and genuine.
For instance, if we want to make the bride smile, instead of telling her to smile, we engage in light conversation with her, and she will smile or laugh naturally. As a result, the couple will find it easy being around the camera and will act naturally throughout the day.
That is why we always introduce myself to the bridal party and the family; this helps to make sure that we’re not just strangers with a camera and that makes them comfortable when we point the camera towards them.
Therefore, if possible it is important to meet the actual videographer who will shoot on the day as you will be with them for most parts of your wedding. Choose a videographer that is approachable and you can connect with on a personal level is important. That way, you, your bridal party, your family and even your photographer will enjoy their company. As a result, everyone will enjoy their day and you will be able to see it through the wedding video.
Take a look at this highlight video we did for Phil and Jenna to see what happens when everyone is enjoying their day:
4. How many videographers do I need to capture my day? Will the videographer(s) be unobtrusive on the day?
Filming a wedding is always a fine balance between capturing the shot and being as unobtrusive as possible, especially during formalities. As much as we want to get the best angle or the best framing, we also don’t want to block the view of your parents when you exchange vows.
Therefore, I think two videographers are enough for most weddings. I myself normally shoot alone, with two cameras during formalities if possible, one unmanned on the tripod, one roaming around with me to get the different angles and reaction shots. I also try my best to be as discreet as possible; this is again to ensure that I won’t disrupt the most important moments in your life.
5. What music should I choose for our wedding video?
Choosing music is a very important part of a wedding video. Audio and video should work together to create a feeling, to convey a message, to tell the story of your wedding day. We get a lot of requests from our couples to use a particular song that they like and that they have a history with.
This is understandable, however, the song that you listened to on the radio during your first date, or the one you played on the day you get engaged may not work for the edit. Also, you probably don’t have the license or copyright to use the song for the video.
There are more and more websites out there that provide licensing for a song by independent artist around the world. My personal favourite is www.musicbed.com, however, there are also marmosetmusic.com and many others.
We respect the work of artists and musicians, so I think it’s only fitting if we purchase the licensing of the song from them.
This also means we can work together with our couples to pick the right song, and lots of our couples appreciate the process of it. We normally suggest to our couples songs from the website that we think work with the vibe and the style of the day; that way the song that they pick will enhance the story and the footage.
From our perspective, it also means we can get away from editing our footage to the songs by Bruno Mars or Michael Buble over and over and over and over again!!!
Have a look at this clip that we did for Adriana and Nick, whose wedding was a little bit quirky and chic, so we chose songs that best represented it:
On the other hand, we chose a song that is more atmospheric and relaxing for Ben and Courtney’s highlights as we thought it suited their personalities best:
Ms Chinoiserie Says: Such great tips to know – particularly the advice about acting naturally in front of the camera; these are the special moments to cherish!
About Iconic Pictures: We specialise in candid and natural cinematography, dotted with rustic and vintage charm. Our beautiful video captures are filled with the genuine little moments that make a wedding day special, and without pose or direction – they ensure your love is captured in moving picture perfection. Our talented team adore making our couples laugh and cry (tears of the happy variety), and to be able to create ever-lasting memories of their special celebration is exactly why we love what we do.
Join the conversation