Why Should I pay for a pro video when my friends or family can tape it with their camcorders ?

Even with access to high-end camcorders today, most friends and family don't have the training and or experience as well as the professional broadcast equipment of a professional videographer. We do this work full time and we pay special attention to camera angles, sound quality, lighting as well as content. We also use multiple cameras to capture all the angles of a wedding whereas an amateur cannot afford to use multiple cameras. We also use state of the art editing techniques to create a professional presentation.

Aren't all wedding videos or video production videos pretty much the same ?

There's no standard certification procedure. There is a wide variety of styles. Evaluate candidates based on their work, their references and their unique style. The best way to come to a decision is not by price alone. Meet with the videographer and discuss what your needs are. A price quote alone can result in hiring a videographer thay may not live up to your expectations. Make sure to ask the videographer to see a completed wedding or video they have done. Demo tapes only highlight the best video clips they have compiled. The individual should have some training either have a technical degree or college degree and the company should be a registered company and fully insured. As far as video quality goes, you should look for shots that are stable shot mostly with a tripod. Why pay someone to do a video for you when the shots are shaky out of focus and you can't hear the sound. Make sure the videographer uses multiple audio microphones to capture every person that speaks. Look for quality of the video, make sure it is color corrected and is not over saturated or completely dark. All these qualities are important when hiring a competent videographer or video production company.