Top 5 Reasons Why You Don’t Want a Wedding Videographer!

It’s the age-old question when it comes to wedding planning. Do you really need to hire a videographer for your wedding?? You, along with many brides and grooms might be on the fence about hiring a videographer. The perception of videographers is what often cause problems. I think that many people have seen things at weddings they wish they hadn’t from the videographer. Here are 5 reasons why you don’t want a wedding videographer.

1. The videographer uses annoying lights!
All videographers use light on their camera or set up room light at the wedding reception. Have you ever been to a wedding where the mood was set, candles were beautifully lit and all of a sudden…BAM! room lights go on and the ballroom is bright or there is a harsh light staring you in the face? With the technological advances and DSLR cameras such as Canon, Sony, Panasonic and Nikon the need for massive amounts of light is unnecessary. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when you must have light to enhance the details of the film, but not to the extent that the guests have to wear sunglasses in the ballroom!!

SOLUTION: Find out how they use lighting throughout the day. If it doesn’t match your expectations, see if the videographer can make adjustments to meet your needs. Let’s say you love the videographers work, but don’t like extra lighting. Keep and open and honest line of communication with your videographer for the entire wedding process.

2. I HATE those video interviews at the reception!!
There are companies that incorporate video interviews when creating a film and they are wonderful! You are hiring that company in order for them to weave the interviews into your video and that’s awesome! I’m referring to the videographer who goes from one table to the next at the reception and asks people to “say something on the microphone”. Unless you request interviews make sure the videographer doesn’t do them. People are attending the reception to have a good time, relax and unwind. The last thing they want is for some videographer to stick a microphone in their faces. Many people are uncomfortable on camera and don’t like to speak, not to mention the added pressure of having the entire table watching as you speak! Let’s not get into the drunk friend who I’m sure will have some great things to say on camera.

SOLUTION: Make sure you speak to your videographer and are aware of the interviews before your wedding day. Ask him or her if they interview the guests. If they don’t interview your friends and you want that included just express that as well.

3. The videographer is Always in the Way!!!
I’ve spoken to brides on many ocassions who were “on the fence” about a videographer because they attended a wedding and the videographer was, as they put it, “in the aisle for the entire ceremony” OR “a distraction all day”. The videographer who stands in the middle of the aisle for the entire ceremony or stands on top of you (five feet away) during the toasts, first dance, ceremony, etc… Again, there are instances where this can happen, but, the videographer can always zoom in and not have to get in your face all the time.

SOLUTION: Talk to your videographer when you hire them and find out if their approach is the right for you. If you want a Ninja Cinematographer like me, then make sure you get that. Remember, there has to be a good fit between you and your videographer.

4. My Photographer doesn’t like working with most videographers!!
There are some fantastic videographers who will take some alone time with the couple to create the film the bride and groom expect from them. That’s great if it’s planned before the wedding day. I’m referring to the videographer that starts to pose their shots of the bride all day and before the photographer has finished taking pictures!! Many photographers offer their own video services because they don’t want to work with other videographers that are annoying. Many photographers I’ve worked with have told me that they’ve had bad experiences with videographers on the wedding day.

SOLUTION: Have the photographer and videographer speak before the wedding day so there is a clear understanding and expectations. Have them talk to each other or add yourself to the conversation, so everyone is prepared for the event.

5. I don’t have the money for a video anyway!
If you don’t want to capture one of the most important milestones of your life with sound and movement, then you don’t need a video. If you are planning your wedding and you don’t want to hire the videographer for whatever reason, I Do Not agree with you. Remember One Thing: If you want your vows, the toasts, grandma dancing, dad crying before he walks you down the aisle, an impromptu Flash Mob at your reception, your best friend singing during the ceremony, etc… video is the Best way to capture that emotion!

To make sure you don’t encounter any problems with your videographer at your wedding, sit down and have a conversation with him or her about exactly what you do and don’t want for your wedding day. That’s It!! Once you’ve discussed your visions and are in agreement it will be smooth sailing.