Get to Know Your Wedding Filmmaker

Ok, I was inspired this morning to write a post, by none other that a photographer.  That’s right, I am inspired by photographers, usually more so by their photography, but some times you find people who just make you think, and  this is one of those times.

I’ve been reading this blog for some time, not every day, but often enough, written by a gal from Southern Cal, by the name of Jasmine Star.  She is a very well known wedding photographer, who writes every day on her blog, and she pours a ton of herself into that blog.  I really like how she’ll be the first person to say, I’d rather my clients like ME, than my work.  And I really respect her for that.  In today’s society, sometimes it seems it’s all about the new bling, the best camera, the most expensive, or who got the coolest whatever.   Don’t get me wrong, she has some really cool, emotional stuff, some awesome photography, but she pours her heart out on the blog and people respond with comments, questions, tears and fears.  It’s pretty cool.

But to get to my point, clients should get to know you.  As a person.  You should ask questions of your wedding filmmaker, or videographer, or photographer.  Lots of ‘em.  Lots of questions.  Get to know them.  Where are they from, what’s their favorite restaurant, favorite mt. bike ride?  Get to know them as people.  Because it’s your big day, not theirs, and you want to be sure you know them and can trust them.  Trust comes from time.  Time spent with people that will be with you a LOT on your wedding day.

I’m not saying get your best party friend to be your photographer.  No, not at all.  Previous work is paramount.  Do your homework, check out their stuff.  Do they offer all the things you want?  Is their work of high quality?  Does it rock?  And after you figure out who has some pretty nice work, who is a true professional, then find out who you really like and who inspires you.  You are going to have their finished art with you for a long time (whether it’s a DVD, Blu-Ray or wedding album).

Weddings are the biggest day of your life, to that point in life.  It should be perfect.  And it can help on that path to perfectness by spending it with a smile on your face, helped in part because the vendors you hired are making you smile, not causing you stress.  Just think how awesome your finished movie is going to be, if you are smiling and enjoying the whole day.  That’s something really special.