getting a video made of me working?

Hi guys,
I am thinking about making a short video of myself working (shooting a family portrait session) to add to my website. I don't think I can do it myself plus I don't have a very good photographer friends network so I would need to hire someone. I would like them to follow me around for 1 or 2 sessions, each one being about one hour long. Then edit it down to something like a 3 minute video of me working, interacting with my clients, and maybe sprinkle in a little footage of me talking to the camera.
So my questions are...
1. Do you think this would be a good addition to my website? I've seen a few other ones and I feel it adds another dimension, but who knows? Perhaps depends on $$$.
2. Who is the best person to hire for this kind of job? Do I hire a wedding videographer? A family photographer?
3. If you have done this, would you recommend it? Did the client mind?
Thanks,
-Sue

How much are you willing to spend on this. Having someone come out to two sessions and then edit and produce a 3 minute video can be quite expensive.

My suggestion is to hire someone that has experience in promotional video. A photographer friend or some wedding photographer just won't cut it. There is a special skill that goes into promotional videos...don't short change.

Yes, good point. If I'm going to have it done, I want it done properly. Can you clarify "quite expensive"? I just have no clue, hundreds of dollars, thousands, or not even close?

I put a video on my website last year and it has gotten a very positive response.The video does a good job of communicating the essence of what it is I do in a way that still samples and words don't do quite as effectively.

I was fortunate to know a commercial director who I've worked with over the years. I initially called him to see if he could recommend someone to shoot it, but when I described what I wanted to do, he offered his services as a favor. He put together a small crew of a lighting person and an assistant. I provided a few 'extras' (friends) as well an additional assistant. We shot for the better part of a day at my studio and then edited for a few days afterwards. I was also able to get some original music from another source who was happy to donate it to the effort.

We edited the rough video until I ended up with 30 seconds of final video which was my original goal. I have a one minute version that I send out on occasion when it's called for.

I paid for the lighting guy, 2 assistants and editor and provided lunch for everyone on the set. I think my total cost was about $2500 when it was all said and done.

Thanks for the info foodguy. Whoa it seems like it can be quite a bit more involved than I imagined. I was thinking like 1-2 hour shoot with 1-2 people crew. So the question remains, where do I start looking for someone to do this - other than google that is...

Any film schools in the area?

Sue-

You should be able to find or get referrals for videographers in your area. Explain your concept and get quotes from them. Since this is a promo video for you, you could offer a free shoot to some friends/clients in return for their appearance.

Since the video is short, you don't need to have the video crew shoot multiple full hour photo sessions. You can stage and shoot only selected scenes of you simulating a full shoot with different subjects and wrap up the whole video in about an hour or 2. This will keep costs down. A basic video with some behind the scenes footage, short interview, testimonials, and basic graphics should run $1000-2000.

I think it's a great idea and it doesn't have to be elaborate - especially if there is no audio involved. Even if there is audio, you can probably get it done for less than a thousand if you look around.

It might be simpler (and you may get better results) to use a couple of models instead of actual clients. Have them sign a model release for the video production and you are good to go.