Article by Lynn Manzi 
Lynn Manzi has worked as Director of Sales & Catering for many top reception sites throughout Atlantic County.  Additional commentary and tips from the Editor and local brides.

The best time to start looking for a videographer is about nine to twelve months in advance.  Begin with recommendations from family and friends, looking through tapes for quality, style and formats that you like.  If you are hiring a videographer from an advertisement or one you met at a bridal show, ask for references.  As you view a tape with the videographer, look for pans and zooms.  Are they smooth?  Does the tape tell a story?  Here are some questions to ask when interviewing videographers.

• Does the package include background music, narration and a montage of stills?

• Does the package include close-up shots?

• Does the package include interviews with family, wedding party, guests?

• Is a deposit required?  If so, how much?

• How many hours does the price include?

• Can interviews be interspersed throughout the tape?

• Can your taping be serious or humorous?  Are creative options available?

• Discuss costs.  Work out a clear payment schedule.

• Obtain an itemized agreement that lists everything included in the package and the total cost.

• How many tapes come with the package?  What is the cost for extra tapes?

• Is the tape packaged professionally?  Does it have a case, album, printed labels?

• Can he/she arrive early to capture last-minute preparations, moments with family members and unexpected situations?

• How is overtime handled?

• Does the videographer maintain the tape?  Is so, how long?

• How far in advance must reservations be made?

• What is the cancellation policy?

• Can you select the background music, and is there a large selection to choose from?

• Is broadcast quality equipment used?

• How many and what kind of camera equipment will be used?  Is it consumer or commercial quality equipment?

• What is the format?  (Hi-8, Super VHS, Digital?)

• Will there be sufficient light available at the time and location of the ceremony?

• Sound: The best videographers are using a wireless microphone to get clean, clear audio.

• Is the person who is showing you the videos the same person who will be shooting your wedding?

• Make sure you know who is taping the wedding and get it in writing.

• Is the videographer familiar with the site you have selected?

• What will the videographer's attire be?

• Will you feed the videographer?

One Bride's Experience
(A Note from the Editor)

A recent bride-to-be hired a videographer from a company that both her sisters had used for their wedding.  While the sisters were both pleased with the quality and work on their videos and had recommended the company, this bride was extremely disappointed.  Evidently, the company had many videographers working for them and not all of them had the same skills and talents.  The two sisters had talented videographers and she did not.  If you are using a large company that works with a pool of videographers, ask them if it is possible to choose a specific videographer from their company and preview that person's work ahead of time.