Ok, we got some additional feedback from the first in our series about hiring a drone photographer for a wedding that we either left out or was brought to our attention. So here is a part two for the series of questions you should ask your wedding drone photographer before you sign on the dotted line.
1.) Editing: Will they allow you to be a part of the editing process? How much or how little? As with writing, video editing is key to getting the end result that you are looking for.
Or put another way, much of the art in video is in the editing. To quote a literary reference, “Don’t tell me the moon is shining: show me the glint of light on broken glass.” – Anton Chekhov. It’s the same for editing a great wedding video.
2.) References: Are they willing to give you references for their work? Make sure you ask them about their experience. Really call these people and talk to them. They can still be good at what they do and not be a good fit for your wedding. And remember it is YOUR wedding.
3.) Their needs: What do they need from you in order to get the best Drone footage? This is where you become very quiet and you listen to what they ask you to provide. Does it seem doable based upon what you want? If you hire an “artist” and they take 2 hours to set up the shots, maybe you should move on.
4.) Contingencies: What happens if there is bad weather? Do they schedule something else right after your scheduled event? What happens if things run over schedule? It’s nice to know in advance what everyone’s expectations are.
5.) Gotchyas: Ask them what common pitfalls can derail a drone photography shoot. In their opinion, is your venue a good fit for Drone Video photography? If not, do they have other ideas? Are they willing to work with your photographer and play nice? Do they tell you horror stories about working with other people?
Asking these questions, like saying “I do,” will not guarantee a perfect Drone Wedding Video (or a perfect marriage). But, like getting married, not understanding what you are getting into increases the chances of a problem. We at DroneLife think it will be great.
Think you have all this down and feeling ready to start a dialogue with a drone photographer in your area? Find a service provider at JobsforDrones.
CEO DroneLife.com, DroneRacingLife.com, and CMO of Jobfordrones.com. Principle at Spalding Barker Strategies. Has enjoyed working with and around the commercial drone industry for the last 10 years. Attendance and speaker at Industry Events such as Commercial UAV, InterGeo, Interdrone and others. Proud father of two. Enjoys karate, Sherlock Holmes, and interesting things. Subscribe to all things drone at DroneLife here. Email is Harry@dronelife.com. Make Sure that you WhiteList us in your email to make sure you get our Newsletter. Editor1@dronelife.com.
There is an excellent option to have your videos edited by professional video editors at low cost. The company is called Viddedit. They offer quality editing at affordable rates.
https://www.viddedit.com/
Interesting article but the most important question was overlooked. For anyone to fly a drone in the US for commercial purposes they need a 333 Exemption from the FAA. The FAA is turning out around 50 exemptions a week. The risk and penalties are worse then if you are caught driving a car without a license. Fly as hobby does not require a 333 Exemption but if it is involved with any commercial package that is being charged for it is considered a commercial purpose. Thousands of dollars and jail has already been levied on illegal fliers.