Videographer Career Guide and Counseling

Question: How does a wedding planner works with the videographer? I am a videographer (HDV) and cinematographer (super 8mm) for weddings based in Los Angeles, CA. I would like to work with a wedding planner in order to increase my portfolio. What's the deal when a videographer works with a wedding planner in terms of money and contracts? If you know about it please let me know. Thankyou.

Answer: Your question is very important for which I think you should go online and check this out: http://thestylishwedding.com/articles Enjoy :)

Question: What is the best hi def camera for a free lance videographer? I'm a free lance videographer that does weddings and church functions. I'm looking to buy a hi def camera to make my videos look more professional. What is the best camera for my money?

Answer: Canon XHA1, Sony HVR-Z1U, Sony HDR-FX1 (with an XLR adapter like those from BeachTek or juicedLink so you can use pro-grade XLR mics).

Question: My photographers and videographer for my wedding are family members. What would be a suitable gift for them? I want to get the photographers and videographer a thank you gift for taking the photographs and video at my wedding and I'm wondering what gifts would be suitable for them.

Answer: Are you sure you want to have family members doing this? I mean, don't they want to enjoy the event and cherish the wedding of their family member? Personally, I think you should hire someone.

Question: What is most important in a Wedding Videographer? I have been doing event video for years and now I am starting to focus on wedding videography. What are some of the things brides to be look for when choosing the right videographer?

Answer: If you're charging above 2,000 for a wedding package, brides are unlikely to hire you if you don't have a professional branded image. You should have a professional logo, website, and marketing material for starters. You won't be taken seriously otherwise. Your Demo DVD must be very professional, and must be different from your competition if you want to get hired. It must show more than slow motion video and fade transitions, but show an ability to edit the footage artistically. The footage in your Demo DVD should demonstrate professional video techniques using a variety of filming positions and angles. I would stay away from the cheesy opening motion graphics that start a segment: "Getting ready" "The Ceremony"- That is a very dated way of editing your footage. Brides would rather hire you if you can shoot "the film look" as opposed to the cheap camera 30 frames/second look. The audio must be perfect for the ceremony. Referrals will probably be a big hiring factor for most brides. So each wedding you film, you need to bend your back over and cater to them to ensure that they will refer you to their friends in the future. Hope these suggestions help!

Question: How do you set yourself up as a wedding videographer? I'd like to become a wedding videographer but have no idea how to set up or where to start - any suggestions?

Answer: How to start a business? Find a customer! Seriously, do whatever it takes to get work. Talk to friends, family, co workers. Do jobs for free. The main thing is to just do good work. Once you get started, the rest will take care of itself.

Question: How do you handle wedding videographer problems? Our wedding videographer has done great work with his clients. The downside is that he has taken so long to complete our wedding videos! My wife and I have waited for over a year for him to complete it! We have followed up with him and we had agreed on a date to finish, but still he is not done! How would you handle this? When is it time to take legal action?

Answer: I think it's time you write a letter to him stating this is his final chance to finish the video and give him a deadline to have it in your hands or else you will file a claim in small claims court. If he breaks this deadline, file the claim and go to court. There is really no need for an attorney since this is a simple breach of contract case. Plus, if you go to small claims then they are generally not allowed anyway. Also, check the contract that was signed with him/her and see how long he had according to the contract. Hopefully threatening legal action will give him that push to finally finish it. While you are at it, ask him for a discount since you have been more than patient about it and also let people know about his work. It will save future brides the trouble of working with this person. Edit: About getting a friend to pose as an attorney, that is not a good idea because if the videographer happens to look him up and find out he/she is not licensed as an attorney, the friend could be in big trouble with the law and/or State Bar.

Question: How can I find work in Iraq as a videographer? I have a B.A. in Film Studies from a top liberal arts school. I have 3+ years as a freelance videographer, but none as a journalist. I have experience traveling abroad, a valid US passport, and the nerves to work under fire. I'm not sure where to begin. I want to be on the fault lines of history. And I think Iraq would be a great place to build up my real. I appreciate and accept that Iraq is a dangerous place for journalists. Where should I begin my search? How in need are US news agencies of American videographers willing to work cheaply in Iraq?

Answer: i understand ur points but i suggest u not to go there now or in near future u never know what will happen it's pretty dangerous there now u might be kidnapped or hostaged or even worse. Wait to see if things settle down then reconsider but not now for sure.

Question: Does anyone know a great but affordable wedding photographer & videographer in the New York? Hello! I am planning a fall wedding for October, 2009, in the Bronx for max 150 people. Does anyone know a great but affordable photographer & videographer in the Bronx, New York, Queens, Westchester, etc.? Also, does anyone know a great DJ/event service center; looking for DJ, montage, candid camera, lighting, extras, etc. Thanks!

Answer: As a wedding photographer myself (albeit not in NY), I'd recommend that you don't scrimp on your photographer. You really will get what you pay for, so keep that in mind! Good luck!

Question: What am i looking to spend for a wedding videographer and photographer? Just so i dont get jipped, i want to know what the usual cost is for a videographer and a photographer. Average prices for both. I wanted family to do it but no one wants to, they say they want to enjoy the wedding without having to do work that day or worry about taking pictures and getting the sound right on the video etc etc. If anyone knows about getting good deals it would also help. Thanks everyone.

Answer: This is what my fiancee does for a living.... Photo and Video from a PROFESSIONAL (this is key.. cause there are a lot of people out there who will go to bridal shows and look professional...but they really aren't.. get samples from everyone in your area and compare). Professionals who know their stuff will run anywhere from $3000 to $10,000 depending on the package. Getting deals: if you can find a company that does Photo and Video that tends to help. I also recommend this as if you use competing companies they'll jump over each other in order to ruin the others shot... I'm serious here... the wedding industry is cutthroat. Also try and find a company that will give you the rights to your proofs. Most professional companies won't do this - so if you find it you've probably struck gold.

Question: can you recommend a good wedding videographer near Abergavenny in South Wales? I'm getting married next year and need recommendations for a wedding videographer in the Abergavenny, Brecon, Monmouth and Cwmbran area. Thanks.

Answer: thas only like 5 miles from where i live. sorry i duno any tho.

Question: Can someone recommend a good wedding photographer and videographer? I am looking in Northern Jersey and I would like them to be approximately $4,000 combined? I would like the photographer to include the wedding album, and the parents albums and the videographer to do all the edits etc.

Answer: My wedding photographer is located in Fort Lee, NJ. He's a famous photographer from Korea. AMAZING work. http://www.studiosohonj.com/ There is a link at the top of the page called Katherine & Mark - those are my wedding photos. Just make sure you double check ALL the spelling on your wedding album proofs. Tell him Kate and Mark sent you.

Question: Where would I look for a videographer to tape my home's contents? I would like to have my home videotaped for insurance purposes but am having trouble finding someone to do it. What search should I use? I've tried "homeowner insurance videotape" and similar words but can't find an actual PERSON to come and do it. Is there such a business out there? If not, don't you think there SHOULD be? Insurance companies LOVE it if you have tapes of what you own in the event of fire or theft. Any suggestions of where to look? I live in the Ft. Worth, Texas area. Thanks!

Answer: Your home owner's insurance company should be able and willing to provide you with a list of them since it is their money that would be paying you for any lost / damaged or stolen items.

Question: Where can I find a wedding videographer in the DC/MD/VA area? I am looking for a videographer that specializes in traditional chinese weddings. Any help would be much appreciated. If you would like to send me a sample of your work, simply reply to this post with your information and I will get back to you ASAP. Thanks!

Answer: The website www.theknot.com has awesome search engines to find vendors that serve whatever area you are from. It has been very instrumental in the planning of my wedding! Good luck!

Question: What should I major in to become a TV field videographer? The question is clear. But also what should I major in if I want to be a cinematographer? Obviously, I have an interest in working behind the camera..what's the appropriate major?

Answer: You can major in radio-TV-film at a school that offers that major or you can focus strictly on the camera work at a school that offers that kind of major (such as Columbia College in Chicago or Full Sail in Florida).

Question: What is the best HD camera a professional freelance videographer should own? I need to buy my brother one but didn't want to ask him to ruin the surprise. He shoots all types of events and commercials. Edit the works.

Answer: I think it's great that you want to do that and if you can afford it, I'm envious. When it comes to equipment that is so central to what a professional does, there is only one way to pick the right equipment - ask. Let buying the equipment in whole, or in part, be the surprise. There are many factors that go into what a pro chooses to work with and you can't know what the mix of personal preferences and technical capabilities of the equipment are. Vance +++ Give fhotoace 10 - he got it right and got it first and then go surprise your brother.

Question: I need a wedding photographer and a videographer in toronto, any suggestions? I need a photographer and a videographer for my wedding in toronto of a coast no more than 1500. anyone suggested or ideas pleaseeee?

Answer: Hi, I am a wedding photographer in the kitchener Waterloo area but I am willing to travel to Toronto. I am looking to update my website and looking to book weddings. I have one package which is 1200 and you will be able to read what it includes on the website if interested. www.clairekphotography.ca Please feel free to email me if you have any questions..or wish to discus this. Thanks so much Claire