Hiring a videographer is an important decision, whether for a once-in-a-lifetime event or for business content. The effectiveness of a video depends heavily on the skill and vision of the person behind the camera. Asking targeted, specific questions is the best way to navigate the options and secure a partnership that aligns with your vision. This guide provides the necessary questions to find the right match for your project.
Questions About Experience and Style
While a portfolio is a good starting point, ask to see two or three full-length films from projects similar to yours. A highlight reel showcases the best moments, but a full film reveals their ability to tell a cohesive story, maintain visual quality, and capture clear audio. This provides a more accurate representation of the final product.
Ask a videographer to describe their filmmaking style to determine if their vision aligns with yours. Common approaches include documentary, a candid method of capturing events as they unfold, and cinematic, which involves stylized shots and a movie-like feel. A storytelling approach focuses on building a narrative throughout the video.
Inquire about their specific experience relevant to your needs. If you are planning a wedding, ask how many they film per year and if they have worked at your venue before. For a corporate project, ask about their experience with brand messaging. It is also insightful to ask how they collaborate with other vendors, as their ability to work as a team can impact the day’s flow.
Clarify who will be filming on the day of the event. Some larger companies employ multiple videographers, and the person you initially speak with may not be the one on-site. It is reasonable to ask for the name of the assigned videographer and to see their specific portfolio. This ensures the style and quality you are investing in are what you will get.
Questions About Packages and Pricing
A clear breakdown of costs and services will prevent surprises and ensure you are getting the value you expect for your investment.
What do your packages include?
Ask about the total number of hours of coverage provided on the event day. Clarify how many videographers will be present, as a second shooter can capture more angles and moments. You should also get a clear list of the final video products included, such as a highlight reel, a longer feature film, or access to raw footage.
Can packages be customized?
Your needs may not fit perfectly into a pre-set package, so ask about flexibility. Inquire if you can add or subtract services to better suit your event and budget. This could include adding extra hours of coverage, requesting drone footage, or opting out of a specific type of video you do not need.
What is the final cost?
To avoid unexpected expenses, ask for a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost beyond the package price. Inquire about potential additional fees that might not be immediately apparent. These can include travel costs if your event is outside their service area, meal requirements for the team, and state and local taxes.
What is the payment schedule?
Understanding the payment structure is important for budgeting. Ask about the required deposit amount needed to secure your date, which is often a non-refundable percentage of the total fee. You should also clarify the timeline for the remaining payments, as the final balance is often due before the event.
Questions About the Day of Filming
Understanding the logistics for the day of the shoot will ensure a smooth experience. These questions focus on the practical execution and professional conduct of the videographer and their team.
A foundational question is what time the videographer and their team plan to arrive. This ensures they are on-site with enough time to set up before key moments begin. Paired with this, ask how many people will be on their team, as knowing the crew size helps in coordinating with the venue and other vendors.
Audio quality is as important as visual quality, so inquire about their plan for capturing sound. Ask if they will use lapel microphones for speakers to ensure clear dialogue. For events with amplified sound, ask if they plan to connect to the main soundboard to capture high-quality audio directly from the source.
Ask about their approach to lighting, especially in low-light situations like an indoor ceremony or evening reception. Understanding if they rely on natural light, use on-camera lights, or set up external lighting stands can help you anticipate how intrusive their setup might be.
Discuss their professional conduct on the day of the shoot. Ask about their dress code to ensure they will blend in with the formality of your event. You can also ask about their style of interaction—whether they prefer to be a discreet observer or take a more directive role in posing shots.
Questions About the Final Product and Editing Process
The editing process is where your story comes to life. It is important to have a clear understanding of the post-production workflow, from delivery timelines to your involvement in the creative process.
One of the most pressing questions is about the turnaround time. Ask the videographer for their delivery schedule for the final videos. This can vary widely, so getting a specific timeframe, such as 8-12 weeks, helps manage your expectations. Also, inquire about the delivery method, such as a downloadable online gallery or a custom USB drive.
Music plays a role in setting the tone of a video. Ask how music is selected for the film, as some videographers prefer to choose it themselves while others welcome client input. It is also important to discuss music licensing. Professionals use licensed music from specific libraries to avoid copyright infringement.
The revision process is a part of the post-production discussion. Ask if you are able to request changes to the videos after seeing the first draft. Clarify how many rounds of revisions are included in your package, as some videographers may charge an additional fee for further changes.
Questions About the Contract and Contingencies
Before you sign any documents, conduct a final round of due diligence focused on legal and logistical safeguards. This step protects your investment and ensures you understand the agreement. Always ask for a copy of the contract to review before committing.
Ask whether the videographer carries liability insurance. Professional vendors should have insurance to cover any potential accidents or damages that could occur during the event. This protects you, your guests, and the venue.
Understanding the cancellation policy is another important detail. Inquire about the terms if you need to cancel or postpone your event, including what portion of your payment is non-refundable. Equally important is to ask about their cancellation policy if the videographer is unable to fulfill their commitment.
A professional videographer should have a clear contingency plan for emergencies, such as illness or equipment failure. Ask what their specific backup procedures are. Do they have backup equipment on hand? In a personal emergency, do they have a network of trusted associates with a similar style who can step in?