1. Introduction: What's your story?
My name is Josh Weyhing, owner and lead videographer at Woodland Creative Solutions.
I actually started out, like many videographers in Michigan, in the movie business in 2011. I was a lighting technician in the Detroit area, working on anything I could get my hands on, from no-budget short films and instructional videos, to Super Bowl commercials and big studio movies. After the film industry in the state went belly-up, I was offered an editing position working in the video department for a very talented photographer. It was there that I learned how to edit and, eventually, film weddings, and I really fell in love with the process. I wanted to take on more, so I started working with another small company that specialized in wedding videography. I became part of the team there and I learned so much more from them.
One day, a friend of mine asked me if I would shoot their wedding. Of course, I said yes. I had such a great time working with them to create the wedding video they wanted. Then, another friend asked... then another. Eventually, I decided it was time to take that leap of faith and officially start my own business. Thus, Woodland Creative was born!
My whole goal with Woodland Creative Solutions is to provide the opportunity for couples to have creative input with their wedding videos. The idea is, you have a vision and you know what you're looking for, and I have the skill set and the experience to bring that vision to life. Let's work together and make that happen! I think couples really appreciate that approach, especially years later, re-watching their wedding video on their anniversary.
2. How long have you been filming weddings? How many weddings have you filmed?
I have been filming weddings for nearly a decade. I've lost track of the exact number of weddings I've shot over the years, but it's got to be close to a hundred, if not more!
3. How would you describe your videography style?
I like to think I can shoot in a number of different ways, although I think I'm probably most comfortable with more of a documentary approach. I try to let the couple I'm working with dictate the style they are looking for and run with that.
4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding videographer?
I think probably at least 6 months in advance. Videographer really seems to be sort of the cherry on top when it comes to vendors, so I think a lot of couples wait to see if it's something they can afford after booking everything else. But, the dates can fill up fast, especially as the wedding season progresses. So I would say, if it's something you're interested in doing, book your videographer at least 6 months out.
5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
I offer four packages of different sizes, ranging from a "ceremony only" package with one shooter, to a high-end package with two shooters for the full day and a host of upgraded services included. I also offer a sort-of custom package for couples that are looking for something a little different than my standard packages. I offer that because I want my couples to have what they envision for their wedding video. For the most part, my standard packages accomplish that, but every so often I have a couple looking for something else, and I want to be able to accommodate them.
My most popular package is my Gold Package, which falls right in the middle. It's a full day with one videographer, multiple cameras, a feature-length wedding video, a short trailer that's released within a month or so of the wedding, and a longer highlight film.
You can check out my website, www.woodlandcs.com/wedding-films, for more details on what I offer and current pricing.
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?
For the most part, I run a one-man operation. When you first contact Woodland Creative, you will get me. I am the one you work with throughout the whole pre-production process. I am most often the videographer on the day and I am always the editor of your wedding video, although I do have packages that offer a second shooter.
I usually film with 2 cameras, sometimes 3, depending on the wedding.
7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
I do charge a travel fee for out-of-state weddings and I charge one in Michigan if the distance is more than 100 miles from me, but no fees for the Metro Detroit area. That covers mostly travel expenses, and, if necessary, a hotel.
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 raw footage, as well as the final products, on 3 different hard drives, and I generally keep the footage for at least 7 years.
9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the video? And how will the video be delivered?
Couples will receive their wedding trailer about 4-6 weeks after the wedding, and their full-length video 4-8 months after. Most wedding videos are delivered online, although I do offer other options like Blu-Ray and will soon be offering USB.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
Our refund policy is laid out in the contract and any couple that is looking to book with me, I am more than happy to talk with you about it!
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