Keep It Rolling: A Guide to Videography and Weddings
— By Raashka Mannie

With everything passing by so quickly, people look towards videography in addition to photography to preserve their day further.

The most basic of wonderings begin with defining videography. In simple terms, it’s the process of filming and producing videos on a small scale. Videos are made with care, love and attention to detail for an individual or two, tailored to their tastes and the event. People choose videography at their weddings for a whole host of reasons. It’s the process of turning their wedding day into a testament to love − a collection of the first kiss, the first dance, the first tear of joy − and we have Andrew Hewson from Grey Area Productions to walk us through the ins and outs of wedding videography.

Video by Grey Area Productions

1/ Why should I have a videographer? Is photography not enough?

The reason for the massive rise in videography in the last few years is because, in some ways, videos can capture more purely because there are more of your senses involved. Whereas photos capture single moments and freeze them, a video allows you to experience that moment in its entirety. Video is both closer to how we are present in time, as well as how we witness and remember the day. Life, and more importantly a wedding day, isn't just made up of lots of single moments; it's a giant dance of constantly moving and changing situations and emotions. Being able to watch and listen to someone read their vows is moving because you watch as their face changes, you watch as the bride responds, and hear you the word they’ve prepared with such care. Every part of the day is a journey in itself and that is how I see a wedding video displaying the day. A photo of a tear in the eyes of the reader of their vows is beautiful, but being able to relive the full moment (the lead up, during and after) with all your senses is my reason for video.

Music also plays a huge part in constructing a mood for the video. We all know music is amazing and really adds another dimension to our lives. Whilst a video can't sit on your coffee table, it can instantly transport you right back to the day: the special moment you see your friends and family laughing together. With a good song, you never want the video to end. That's why highlight videos are so important: it's the best parts of the day all together in (generally) around a 5-minute video. And to ensure that your whole day isn't limited to just 5 minutes, suppliers will give you a full video of the ceremony and reception as well. These, in all honesty, get watched less, but are highly appreciated by parents and grandparents. Also, a lot of people find it important to have every word captured so they can go back and rewatch it in real time if they'd like.

Image by Grey Area Productions

2/ What are the benefits of having a video of my wedding?

Out of everything people say after getting married, the number one thing you hear is, "It went too fast!" and, "I wish we could do it all over again!" Well, you kind of can. No one remembers what was said in the speeches later that week, so having a video record everything is a way of being able to really listen to what was said outside of the rush of the day. A highlights video is a way of reliving the day in a short period of time, but with all the same emotion and movement. Another interesting thing we often hear is that there are so many things and moments in the video they didn't even witness or know even happened. Since we're always moving around, we are recording things that happen throughout the day that may be occuring outside of the immediate ceremonial side of things − like flower girls playing in the fountain before the ceremony, or guests’ crazy dance floor antics.

I've never had a bride ever say they regret having a video, but constantly hear that they were so thankful they did and will tell all their friends to do the same. Just recently, I had a bride who hum and hawed for months over whether to get a video. In the end, she decided to go for it. Once we sent her the video, I got an email simply saying, "Thank you so much, hiring you was the best decision we made!" By getting a video, you are giving you and your family a way to relive the day in its entirety, and that gets more and more important the older you get.

Image by Grey Area Productions

3/ How do I choose a videographer?

I think if you watch someone’s videos and it makes you feel a certain way, you've found the right one. Let's be honest, watching a video of a stranger getting married isn't that exciting. However, I feel if, even with no connection, you can feel the magic, then you have someone who can see magic and will be able to find that and put it in your video on your wedding day.

I also always say avoid trends. There is nothing worse than old trends, because you want to be able to look back without your wedding seeming dated. So, for me, that means avoiding really flashy edits, weird colourings and anything too way over the top.

4/ Is there anything in particular I have to do if I hire a videographer?

Generally, videographers require the same information as a photographer, but will most likely have additional questions around sound on the day. However, a good videographer should be able to produce good sound no matter how you have your wedding. This means getting good sound even if you don't supply a sound system or the day is windy. My only other tip would be to ignore the videographer when they are filming unless they specifically direct you. This is because for a video to be convincing, you have to have whole moments that feel complete, and looking back and forth at the camera can make you feel like you aren't watching a movie.

As for the salient details of hiring a videographer, our pricing starts around $3900 (including GST). This is comprised of a full day with a cinematographer, a 3-5 minute highlight video, as well as full videos of the ceremony and reception. We also have more packages to choose from depending on your needs. Personally, I like to find out as much as possible about the couple so I know what's most important to them, so we normally chat via email or meet up if we're in the same city. I'm also happy with picking and choosing between our packages and morphing what's normally done to make things work out in the best possible way for the couple. As every couple is different, it's important to be flexible.

Image by Grey Area Productions

5/ What’s it like being a wedding videographer?

It's a lot of fun, but also a lot more work than being a wedding photographer. I shoot both photos and video, and have done so for over 6 years so I understand how they both work. For the same reasons we mentioned about photos not being enough, videography is dealing with not just single moments, but whole movements and scenes that have to be believable and beautiful. You have sound and a moving camera. The edit is also a much more complex process, as the way you edit directly impacts the mood, flow and feel of the day. It's also the most amazing thing to be trusted with, creatively, as it’s someone’s wedding day and they are looking forward to your creation. It's really encouraging, and when someone trusts you like that, you move mountains to try and make it the most incredible experience for them. You put your heart and soul into the video.

Video by Grey Area Productions