Find your professionals:

Videography

Colleen Rosenthal

Everybody knows the magic of video. Nothing is better than a well-shot video with good sound and good editing. Your “problem” as an engaged couple is to find the videographer that fits you, and can demonstrate that he or she can provide all three ingredients mentioned above.

Good Shooting

If your videographer showed you only VHS tapes on an old tape deck, you would probably head for the “This way to the Egress” sign. Everybody uses digital, now, for all the right reasons: It’s better, lighter to carry, and the equipment is excellent.

You might find some videographers shooting High-definition video and providing a HighDef or Blu-Ray DVD. (Just be sure you have a deck that will play them.) Otherwise, you can rely on most pros to do a great job — especially those who sponsor this magazine.

Good Sound

Part of the equipment of the pro will be wireless microphones and shotgun mics. Both are essential for good sound, allowing the subject of the shot to be more isolated from room noise.

When watching samples, if the sound is all jumbly and full of room echoes, ask yourself (and the videographer) if he or she has wireless and shotgun mics to use.

Good Editing

After a several hours of tape have been shot, the other major job begins: Editing it down to a one- or two-hour show. When you watch sample videos, try not to get caught up in the event being shown. Instead, try to analyze what was shot and why, and what might have been missed or edited out, or shortened. Make notes, and when you talk with the videographer just before the wedding day, mention what you want and don’t want emphasized.

And remember:

Be the Bride you want to see!