How to find your perfect wedding videographer in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has a fantastic collection of professional wedding videographers, which can make finding your perfect Wedding Videographer somewhat difficult.
How wedding videographers put themselves out there.
There are some great wedding videographers in NI, and most of the them take to social media to show off their wares.
The most common way that people find a wedding videographer is through word of mouth.
You could have been at a friend’s wedding, and asked afterwards if they would recommend their videographer…
…if the recommendation is positive, then brilliant. Take a look at the wedding video in question and if you fall in love with it then they’re probably the right wedding videographer for you. The next step would be to see if their rates fit your budget.
…but just sometimes, the recommendation isn’t positive.
I’ve known of wedding videographers take over 9 months to get a final edit back to the bride and groom, and some who don’t communicate with their wedding couples for months after the day. Totally unacceptable.
I’ve written here about the reasons behind longer waits for your wedding videos.
So, you don’t have a positive recommendation and social media is a quagmire of wedding videos, what’s my first tip…?
My first tip isn’t a tip. It’s to take a look at the wedding venue that you’ve selected, and see who has filmed it before in their social media platforms. That should put some good wedding filmmakers on your radar - then you need to understand that a videographer who has filmed your venue a number of times might not be as creative as someone who is viewing it for the first time - it’s a double edged scenario.
I’ve had couples that want to know if I’ve filmed their venue before, and it seems to be a deal-sealer when I have.
Yes, I know that special spot and how to make it look different every time.
I know when the sun will start to set in summer and what the best time is for portraits - but a bit of research can go a long way and I study every new venue that I’m filming. I speak to wedding photographers and videographers who have shot there numerous times. This gives me some grounding and keeps me on my toes.
Where not to find a wedding videographer.
You know those Facebook groups where someone asks for a wedding videographer recommendation and 1200 people are tagged?
You’ve got a big job on your hands to somehow sift through the results and you can often get bamboozled at just the thought of this!
Facebook can often be a race to the bottom for wedding videography. It’s where people start to hand out discounts in a desperate bid to secure work, only to burn out when they find themselves with 50 weddings on their hands and a yearly salary of £2.50 after expenses and taxes.
If the quality of your wedding film isn’t that important, but the price of it is (and your total wedding budget) then I’d recommend looking on facebook. You’ll find some absolute bargains from guys who are just starting out and you might just find that rare gem who is brilliant at filming weddings and is desperate for the work!
I don’t recommend myself in this instance! I don’t lower my prices, and in fact I raise them often. I’m passionate about what I do and I’m looking to work with couples that value my work and time, so that I can value their efforts also. Budget is increasingly important with some couples. Feel free to take a look at my blog post on the rising price of weddings.
I personally prefer to use instagram to show off my latest films: https://www.instagram.com/adam_white_wedding_films/
On finding your perfect photographer - the one you fell in love with instantly.
I recently filmed for a couple who shall remain nameless. When we sat down for our initial consultation, the bride told me who her wedding photographer was.
I was horrified.
Not only do I hate this wedding photographer’s photographs - but I’ve worked alongside him before and can attest that he came across as bolshy and arrogant, and didn’t help me in my work at all (it always helps when your visual wedding vendors get on!).
On the day he was as awkward, condescending and arrogant as I remembered. He was rude to my second videographer and often stood in the way of my shots.
The whole wedding industry knows who this person is, and shudders at the thought of working with them all day!
The bride and groom weren’t happy with their shots, or their attitude on the day and I felt really sorry for them.
They loved my work, and I know that had I recommended a different photographer that it would have been a different story.
I guess what I’m saying is that you can fall in love with someone’s wedding photography, but not their personality, and this is probably the same with wedding videographers.
I’ve had a few couples recently want to meet me before paying a deposit for wedding videography. I don’t usually make a habit of meeting them in person until a deposit has been paid (otherwise I would be running around the coffee shops of Northern Ireland and Ireland all year!), but what this does is allow them to see if I’ll get on well with them and their guests on the day. That’s why I’m more than happy to jump on a zoom chat with potential brides and grooms.
I’ve filmed at enough weddings to know that your guests are often a direct reflection of you and your personality - we socialise and get on with people who are like-minded. So if I get on with the bride and groom at an initial zoom chat then they know that I’ll fit into their day really well.
I guess that’s my final tip for finding the perfect wedding videographer in Northern Ireland - get them on zoom before you hand over a deposit.
A quick guide to finding the perfect wedding videographer
Finding a wedding videographer in Northern Ireland, or anywhere else, involves a few steps to ensure you find someone who aligns with your vision and preferences. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find the right wedding videographer:
Research Online: Start by searching online platforms such as Google, wedding directories, and social media sites. Use keywords like "wedding videographer in Northern Ireland" to find potential professionals.
Check Portfolios: Visit the websites and social media pages of videographers you're interested in. Review their portfolios to see examples of their work. Pay attention to their style, storytelling, editing techniques, and overall quality.
Read Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and WeddingWire can provide insights into the experiences of couples who have worked with the videographers.
Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who have recently been married in Northern Ireland. They might be able to recommend videographers based on their own experiences.
Attend Wedding Shows or Expos: These events often feature various wedding vendors, including videographers. Attending a wedding show can give you a chance to meet videographers in person, see their work, and ask questions.
Narrow Down Your Options: Create a shortlist of videographers whose work and style resonate with you. Take note of their availability, packages, and pricing.
Meet or Have Virtual Consultations: Schedule meetings or virtual consultations with the videographers on your shortlist. This gives you a chance to discuss your vision, ask questions, and gauge their professionalism and compatibility.
Ask About Experience and Equipment: Inquire about the videographer's experience, the equipment they use, and their approach to capturing weddings. An experienced professional with quality equipment can ensure the best results.
Discuss Packages and Pricing: Understand the videographer's pricing structure, packages, and what is included. Make sure there are no hidden costs and that the package aligns with your needs.
Check Availability: Confirm that the videographer is available on your wedding date.
Review Contracts: Once you've chosen a videographer, carefully review their contract. Ensure that all the terms, deliverables, and payment details are clear.
Ask for Samples and References: If you're still unsure, ask the videographer for more samples of their work or references from previous clients. This can provide additional insights into their work ethic and professionalism.
Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, choose a videographer with whom you feel comfortable and who understands your vision for your wedding video.
Remember that each videographer has a unique style and approach, so take the time to find someone whose work resonates with you and who you feel confident can capture your special day in the way you envision.
For more on this topic, be sure to read my post on how choosing the right wedding videographer determines the style of your wedding video.
Thanks for reading!
For more information about my style of wedding videos just check out my films here.
Be sure to take a look at my joint photography and videography package to see my full wedding photography and videography packages and see how far your videography budget can go!
I cover, Ireland and destinations across the globe. For more information just get in touch today. I look forward to hearing from you.
