1. Introduction: What's your story?
In January of 2010 I started doing video professionally in Orlando. My sister had plans to be married in April in Jacksonville. I convinced her to let me film it. She was hesitant, but I told her I’d filmed all sorts of other projects, so I could definitely handle a wedding. That’s a statement I would later regret haha.
I knew I’d need a second shooter with me and I had two professional video cameras (Canon XHA1), so I asked my friend to help me. He had no videography experience, so I gave him a quick primer two days before the wedding. I also gave him my dad’s old rickety photo tripod to use on the day. My roommate at the time helped me build some DIY video gear including a steadicam and dolly, which I brought with me. The dolly track consisted of two long pieces of PVC pipe, which I strapped to the top of my car. They bounced heartily along the drive to Jacksonville.
As can be guessed, my second shooter with no video camera experience didn't get many useable shots. I wasn’t that much more knowledgeable myself. I had recently purchased wireless Sony lav microphones, but didn’t know how to operate them or even scan for open frequencies. All I got was static during the ceremony. By some miracle they briefly cleared up to capture the “I do’s” from my sister and her fiancé. Being that I’m the brother, I had to report to familial duties during family portraits and dancing. This left my second shooter in charge during those times…
I was so embarrassed by the footage that I dragged my heels for quite some time to edit and deliver the film. Thankfully by delaying, my editing skills improved. By the time I edited the wedding, it didn't come out too bad!
Fast forward to today and I've now filmed countless weddings of every type of culture and tradition. I love wedding videography, and I always try to outdo myself on every film as if the previous was my first.
2. How long have you been filming weddings? How many weddings have you filmed?
I've been filming weddings for 13 years and I've lost track how many I've filmed. I know I can safely say 100 is the minimum.
3. How would you describe your videography style?
My style is a bit slow paced. I try to take my time developing the story in each film. I also use mostly static shots on sticks shot in real time, as opposed to the modern method of shooting entire weddings in slow motion on a gimbal. I don't like when the camera is constantly moving, especially if there's already movement in the scene. My creativity is driven more by lighting and framing. I use movement more when it's motivated, and I like using unorthodox shots. I'm influenced more by actually narrative films than by other wedding videos. In all, I attempt for a luxury aesthetic that has a touch of the dramatic to balance out the general happiness of a wedding.
4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding videographer?
Conventionally a year out is ideal, but any time before that is acceptable. The closer you are to the date of the wedding, the less chance the videographer you're considering will be available.
5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
I offer 1 wedding collection that includes everything a couple would want from their filmmaker. It includes 4K footage, drone, 2 videographers, a social media trailer, highlight film, and fully edited ceremony. From there a couple can add items from my a la carte menu. These include a documentary film, full toasts, full special dances, same day edit, extended coverage, and love story film.
6. Are you the wedding videographer who will be filming on the wedding day? How many camera people and cameras will be operating on the day?
I am the lead filmmaker at every wedding. I always have a 2nd shooter with me and occasionally an assistant. Generally we shoot with one camera each, but at the ceremony we typically run 5 cameras, and during parts of the reception we run 3 or 4.
7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
I do charge a travel fee. It varies depending on the distance and hours of commute, but I charge the IRS standard mileage rate outside a 100 mile round trip.
8. How do you back-up your footage to ensure no footage is lost and for how long do you keep the footage after the wedding?
I always back up my footage to two hard drives, as well as an online storage. I keep all the raw files indefinitely, but my contract states I'm only liable for a year of possession.
9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the video? And how will the video be delivered?
One week after the wedding I deliver a 60 seconds or less social media trailer. Within 3 months I deliver the highlight and any other films. I deliver the highlight via the service, Wedflow/Vidflow, and I also upload all files to Google Drive.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
My cancellation policy is all money paid minus the initial retainer.
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