Even if I tried, I couldn’t count the number of times a client has come to me, just weeks or months before their wedding wanting to book videography. It seems that video is often times the last vendor booked for most clients. I have learned that many couples instinctively wonder if having both a photo and video team will be overkill for their wedding. Do they really need video? Will it be uncomfortable for them to have an entourage of photographers and videographers following them around on the big day? Clients wonder if photos alone are enough and video is unnecessary. I’m here to tell you why video is important and how to hire the right videographer to make you feel comfortable throughout your wedding day.

Below are the most common questions and concerns clients have when it comes to hiring a videographer.

We have hired an amazing photographer, what does video add that their photos do not? There are two major things that you can only get with video. The first is the element of movement. Video takes the idea of capturing a moment, and adds the element of movement to it. By movement, I speak of both the movement by the couple, and the camera operator. When executed correctly, there is artistry with movement that adds to each shot or moment. Let’s be honest, any one can aim a camera at a subject. We all do it with our phones constantly. The value to the couple is the way only a professional knows how to move artistically. The second, and most important element video offers is audio. Your vows are the moment you are married. A special toast will be heartfelt and touching. . The band’s unique performance of your first dance is the reason you chose them over the others. Once it happens, it is over. You don’t get those audible details back, unless they were captured on video, and with the technology today, those elements can be recorded at studio quality. The people we toasted with, danced with and celebrated with will not always be around. Having video at your wedding ensure that you can go back and listen to their speeches, hear their laughter and see their smiles. Don’t get me wrong, I love our wedding photographs. I look at our album often, and photos admittedly were the number one wedding priority to my wife and I when were wedding planning. The way that a talented wedding photographer can capture a moment and add their artistic interpretation always amazes me, especially when it is just an instant. When you partner a great photographer with a talented videographer, you are professionally and artistically capturing every important element of your wedding day.

We worry about the photo and video team working well with each other. There are again two ways to eliminate this concern. The first, get a videographer recommendation from your photographer. I get over half of my referrals from photographers that I have worked with in the past who know I produce quality work and they enjoy working with me! One of my favorite things about working in the wedding industry is working side by side with these friends. For both of us, it is a long, non-stop, day and we can’t help but bond as we capture all the special moments of our clients day together. We share ideas and look out for each other when problems pop-up (surprise! your wedding will have problems). Many of my best friends are the photographers I’ve worked with in the past. In most cases your photographer will have a video person they enjoy working with so it makes sense to start there. It is always ok, and encouraged, to ask your videographer these questions outright. The answer is simple. “We communicate with all of your vendors throughout the day, and adjust as needed to ensure all do exactly what you hired us to do, capture the best photos and video we can.”

We probably won’t watch our video often. Why should we still hire a video team? Well, the reason is simply… you never know. I can’t tell you how many couples only hired us because they were on the fence, the funds became available, and figured, why not? Then we run into each other years later and their video is one of their favorite expenditures from their wedding. I have couples tell me how their kids watch it on repeat like one of their Disney movies. Their kids get to share in the day their family began.  And sadly, as I mentioned above, our loved ones are not with us forever. Video allows them to live on and reminds us and our posterity exactly who our family and friends once were. You never know what the future holds, but with video you can always return to the past.

Don’t be afraid to ask your videographer detailed questions. We are professionals and making you feel comfortable with your decisions is part of our job.