I have friends who have video cameras, why do I need to spend money hiring a professional videographer? Let’s try an analogy, just for fun. I’m sure you know people who own a needle and thread or maybe even a scalpel. Would you trust them to do heart surgery on you if you needed a triple bypass? Although they may have great intentions, they are not qualified to do the job well and will not produce the desired outcome you are hoping for. Okay, so maybe videotaping your wedding isn't a life and death situation, but you do only get one chance to capture the true essence of your day. A more realistic question is, would you trust your friends/relatives, who have their own cameras, to photograph your wedding? Would you forgo a professional photographer to save money on your still photographs? If you value your wedding day, do it right. Capture it with creativity and style, hire a professional who knows how to see all the beautiful images your ceremony and reception will provide. From steady camera work to understanding the best camera locations and angles, professionals have experience and instincts to predict potential hazards and ways to prevent them. Legitimate professionals use high quality equipment allowing for visually appealing footage and crisp, clear audio capture. BE WARNED: not all professional videographers have the same style. One of the biggest mistakes that couples make is to rush into choosing a videographer based on cost. It is important to fully comprehend the differences in style, design, budget, and in understanding the benefits and repercussions of each difference.