The memories of your wedding day are priceless, and choosing the right videographer is crucial in preserving these moments. A good wedding videographer captures your special day’s emotions, details, and unique story.
To better understand what goes into creating a truly fantastic wedding video and how to choose a videographer that’s right for your circumstances, we talked to Zach Thomas of Zach Thomas Films. With Zach’s help, we assembled this guide to help you navigate the process of selecting the perfect videographer to ensure your wedding memories are treasured for a lifetime.
Defining Your Wedding Video Style
First and foremost, identify the style of wedding videography that resonates with you. Are you drawn to cinematic, documentary, or a more avant-garde approach? Understanding your preferred style will guide you in shortlisting videographers whose work aligns with your vision.
Zach talked about his style as an example. “You’ll often see very fast-paced wedding films with rapid cuts and exciting party edits. And my style is a lot slower, my shots are longer. I like to let moments breathe and let things happen more naturally. A very fast-paced party edit is often fun and exciting to watch but for weddings it doesn’t quite capture the deeper meaning of what’s happening.”
“I strive for a style that is classic, elegant, and timeless. I want this to be a wedding film that you’ll still want to watch 10 or 20 years from now.”
“There is a cinematic language that we all understand as a culture because we watch movies constantly. When filming, I’m paying attention to what I’m seeing and thinking about what comes next. What comes after that? Does it make sense? Does it feel right? Does it hit right, as opposed to random, quick cuts?”
Zach’s thoughtful approach to wedding videography emphasizes the importance of aligning your chosen videographer’s style with your personal vision for your wedding film. His emphasis on slower pacing, longer shots, and a narrative structure that mirrors classic cinematic storytelling highlights the need for a deep connection between the couple’s expectations and the videographer’s method. As you consider your options, remember that the videography style will significantly influence how your wedding day is remembered and experienced in years to come.
Prioritize Your Budget Early
Wedding videography can vary significantly in price, so setting a budget early is essential. Remember, this is an investment in preserving your memories. Consider the value of the end product and how important video is to you when allocating your budget.
Zach shared his experience working with couples and discussing the budget. “There is this thing that I like to call “expense fatigue” that I try to warn couples about and encourage them to work through. There are so many things in your budget that you must do first. You have to have a venue, the dress, food, a photographer, etc. You have to do all these other things first, and video usually tends to be the last thing on the list. By the time you get to thinking about a wedding video, you’ve spent your entire budget.”
“The solution to this is a good wedding planner. A good planner will help you allocate your budget based on what you value. The first question they should ask is, what are the three things you value most, your three must-haves. If video is one of them, then your planner can move that to the top of the list and steer you toward less expensive options for items that aren’t valued as highly or maybe remove them from the budget altogether. A good wedding planner can help you think through these decisions and keep your budget on track.”
Finding Your Shortlist of Videographers
Start your search by researching online, asking for recommendations from friends, or consulting your wedding planner. Look for videographers whose style matches what you are envisioning and create a shortlist of potential candidates.
Zach emphasized the importance of seeking out referrals from wedding planners and venues. “Trust venues and planners when they give you a list of their favorite videographers. These will be videographers who have proven themselves to be collaborative, good to work with, trustworthy, reliable, and flexible when challenges arise.”
Review Their Portfolios Carefully
Examine the portfolios of your shortlisted videographers carefully. Look for quality, storytelling ability, and attention to detail. Ensure their previous work evokes emotions and captures the essence of the wedding day.
And it’s not just about the video. It’s about the finished product, the music, the editing, the lighting, and how it all comes together to capture the story of your day. Zach described it this way, “Watch the films of the videographer, sit down with a pair of headphones and watch them from beginning to end all the way through. You want to get a sense of how they incorporate audio, music, and visuals all together at the same time.”
“There will be moments in a video that I’ve done that hit, and I get teary-eyed because of how the visual, the music, and whatever dialogue occurs at that moment all come together to create an emotional crescendo. Sometimes, the biggest part of that is the choice of song. When you’re watching films, look for these moments and pay particular attention to the music that’s been incorporated by the videographer. Does it speak to you? Does their taste align with yours? Does it feel like they can capture what you’ll be feeling and experiencing on that day?”
Zach’s holistic approach to videography stresses the importance of every element in the final film, from visuals to soundtracks. As you review videographers’ portfolios, consider how effectively they blend these elements to tell a cohesive and moving story. It’s not just about capturing the day; it’s about weaving together a narrative that resonates with your personal experience and emotions. Ensure that the videographer you choose not only has technical skills but also a deep understanding of how to convey the heartfelt moments of your wedding day through their art.
Meet Your Videographers
Once you have narrowed down your list, arrange meetings with the potential videographers. This is your chance to understand their personality and working style and whether they understand your vision for your wedding.
When meeting a videographer for the first time, pay attention to the questions they ask. Are they asking questions that align with your vision for your wedding video?
Zach described his interview approach and questions. “I’m always going to ask a lot of questions, even on that very first phone call. Where did you guys meet? How did you meet? Who said I love you first? What was the proposal like?”
“It’s because their wedding is such an important day to them, and I want to get it right. I want to know how to tell their story. The only way I can do that is to know more about them. I can show up with a camera and capture all the shots, but the more I know upfront, the more I know what to capture on the day.”
“And once they book with me, I will ask them to send me pictures of their family. Who’s Mom and Dad? Who are the siblings? Who’s your best man? Why did you pick this person? What do they mean to you? Who’s your maid of honor? Who is this person to you? And why did you pick them? Etc. Knowing these details lets me know what to film on the day or who to film. It’s not just going to be a random, shotgun approach.”
Zach described how he also likes to spend time with a couple before the wedding day, getting to know them and establishing a connection. “As the videographer, you will be around this couple on a crucial day. You want to be someone they can trust. You want to be someone that they are comfortable with. I want the couple to feel like I’m a friend showing up for their wedding, not just somebody they hired, not just a nameless vendor.”
“A videographer, just like a photographer, is around the couple so much and interacts with them so closely that it’s important for them to feel connected to the person behind the camera. You want the couple to be open, relaxed, and authentic when the camera is on. When you think about it, how can I create a meaningful wedding film for them if I don’t know who they are?”
This personal approach that Zach Thomas emphasizes underlines the importance of choosing a videographer who seeks to understand and connect with you and your partner deeply. A videographer’s effort to know your story, family, and unique dynamics before the wedding day dramatically impacts the authenticity and emotional depth of the final video. As you engage with potential videographers, look for someone who understands your vision and is invested in capturing the essence of who you are as a couple. This connection transforms a simple wedding video into a cherished, personal story that will resonate with you for years to come.
Your Legacy in Focus: Final Advice on Videography Choices
Choosing the right wedding videographer is a significant decision that can impact how you remember your special day. Following these steps, you can find a videographer who will capture your day exactly how you envision it. Remember, this is about creating a lasting memory, so choose someone who aligns with your style, understands your vision, and can tell your unique story through their lens.
Zach reminds us it’s about entrusting your story to the person behind the lens. “In the end, your wedding film is more than just a video; it’s a legacy of your love and a time capsule of one of the most joyous days of your life. Don’t just think about the here and now when choosing a videographer. Consider how you’ll feel watching your film decades from now. Choose someone who understands the gravity of this task and is committed to capturing the true essence of your day. Remember, this is your story; trust it with someone who can tell it the way you want to remember it.”
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