Vidoegrapher... the normal process

I can't speak for videographers, we have Skinny Boy Weddings on here and maybe they can shed some light, what I would say is I tend to meet each of my clients because it's important to me and part of my process that I get on well with them and that they will be happy with my shooting style etc. However there's lots of photographers who don't ever meet their clients and this isn't to say their work or customer service isn't good, it could often be that they know exactly what they're doing, hence they don't need to go to the venue or meet a client to do their job well, they could just be so busy and video-ing every weekend which explains the week before recap. Not every supplier works to the idea that they need to be personally connected to their couples and they still do a good job, so I guess it's a matter of how important that is to you.

On the other hand it could be for the opposite reasons of they don't have very good customer practice and I guess that's the worry you have there. What I would say is check out reviews from other brides, see if you can find someone who has used them before and ask if the other couple met with the videgrapher beforehand. If the videos themselves look good and you like their work it should be fine.

As with photographers it's always nice to meet before the wedding. However it's not always possible but not really a problem especially if you can at least build a rapport through e-mails and phone chats. Photographers may want to research venues but it's not really necessary for reportage style videography as long as the vog knows how to get there without getting lost! Entrances and exits, camera positions for ceremonies and speeches are done easily in a few minutes on the day when the venue is laid out for the wedding. Viewing at any other time doesn't give much information. Churches are different and it's often worth attending rehearsal to sort out camera position with the vicar and a good time to meet the b & g. I hope that makes sense but that's why the vog is sounding reluctant to view. If you can't get that rapport going though I'd insist on meeting him.

Hi

I have arranged to meet my Videographer at least 6 weeks prior to the wedding because he wanted to see the church and venue and go through a few details. Other than that we have paid a £50.00 deposit, and emails back and fourth have been great and i felt a good rappor with him over emails. He told me to look at his company online etc and made me feel at ease with booking. We did howver meet with his colleague at a wedding fayre just before we booked.

I would suggest saying to the VOG that you would like to meet to discuss details and then decide whether to go ahead, there is no reason why they wouldnt be able to meet especially as it is allot of money to pay for and if he wants to provide the service he should meet your needs. If he lives 90 minutes away maybe suggest meeting at the venue or half way?

I wouldnt be comfortable being contacted a week before the wedding to discuss VOG plans as you have other things to worry about as well.

Hope this sheds some light xxx

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your replies!

I think you have kind of made my mind up - the person in question had made no effort to build any rapport, has answered with one line answers, that combined with the 90 minute distance and the lack of contact until one week before the wedding plus the 50% payment to secure the booking has just put me off!

I have chosen my photographer via email and looking at their website but I got a feel for them - where as this person seems very off.

I think although he is offering a good price and I like his work I will have to move on and maybe look for someone more local - its too important to get wrong!

Thanks guys

Hi!

We completely agree with Marianne and would just add that for us personally, we are always happy to meet with couples if they ask to. Although for us this isn't essential, we completely understand why it's important for some. This isn't always possible as we film all over the country, but we'll always make the effort if we can.

We keep regular contact with our couples and we are always happy to chat things through anytime and encourage people to ask us any questions they might have. Although all the details are discussed long before, we like to have a quick chat about a week before the wedding day to confirm details and make sure they're happy.

Good luck with your search

Kate

Thanks Kate!

In all honesty if he had been a bit warmer, more friendly over email I probably wouldnt feel like I had to meet him. I just feel like something is not quite right...

And as a customer I dont really want to have to try and push to build a rapport with him.. I have complimented his work, and been very friendly and only recieved one line answers on 5 occasions so that for me does not show good customer service skills which is important I think.

But thank you for all your replies as this has helped me moving forward!

There are plenty of times I haven't met my clients because I go all over the place for weddings BUT I do always seem to build a rapport with them via email. We will both feel like we've already met when we do see each other for the first time because the emails have been so relaxed. I have also spoken to them on the phone, given my mobile number so they can text me or even Skyped.

I personally think a good rapport with the supplier, especially one who is going to be following you about all day, is important but emails and text in general can be misunderstood so in this case, if that is the person you really want based on their work, I would meet them to put your mind at rest.

If your gut feeling is telling you no then keep looking...... If a supplier doesn't seem interested before they've got your booking, then there's not much hope of that improving later on. Whereabouts in the uk are you? Maybe some people on here can suggest some good videographers to look at

Hi there, if you're still up for considering a videographer I know James @ BearJamProductions kicks wedding video arse! http://bearjamproductions.com/

He's such a lovely guy aswell so there will be a lot of 'rapport' shared im sure. I know he's very competitive!

Anyhoo hope you get something sorted