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How to find your videographer

16/10/2020

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Generally speaking videographers are booked 6 months to one year out.  Narrowing down a videographer can be tough.  There are so many creative, talented individuals in this industry and a huge amount of potential videographers to choose from. My advice is to get in as early as you can. Diaries fill up very fast, and a couple of years in advance in most cases. Don't leave it too late and be disappointed.

Likely, you have already read an article or two from wedding publications such as ‘The Knot’. I have seen some brilliant articles around videography but unfortunately a lot of articles I have seen are solely geared to saving as much money as possible while planning a wedding and clearly did not value videography as an art or as an important piece of your wedding day.  While I know how important it is to save money when planning a wedding I believe you get what you pay for.

When you hire an experienced wedding videographer, you aren’t just paying someone to be a warm body to hold a camera.  You are paying for the experience.  Their experience shooting weddings and THE overall experience from start to finish.   Your wedding day is going to be filled with amazing moments, emotions, and don’t forget those little imperfect moments too…..  one of those imperfect moments should NOT be worrying about your wedding videographer.
Bashall Barn Wedding
Here are some tips to help you find the perfect videographer for your wedding:

1.  Style

​Have a really good idea of the style that you like.  This will help you narrow down the selection of videographers.  I see a lot of videographers, with great big cameras on their shoulder, carrying around a large amount of gear with them all day, following the couple around constantly, and getting in their faces. No-one likes having a camera shoved in their face leaving you feeling awkward, intimidated or uncomfortable. I know from experience that some couple’s have chosen not to get a videographer because they don’t like the idea of being filmed. 

I find that big bulky, heavy equipment can not only be intimidating and get in the way but also can slow a Wedding Videographer down and draw attention to themselves. My style is to be as discreet and as unobtrusive as possible. I want to blend into the background of your wedding and go unnoticed. Most importantly, I want to respect the environment of a Wedding for my couple and their guests, so I have a discreet and unobtrusive filming style.  I don't use big, heavy, ugly pieces of equipment such as big camcorders, sliders, gimbals, drones or even tripods. - By stripping back to just the camera, it gives me more time to document the day creatively. 

One comment a couple I worked with said to me something that I will never forget. They said that their guests told them after the wedding that they didn’t even realise that they had a videographer at the wedding! Just think about that for a moment! I managed to film the entire day, with multiple cameras and multiple angles, from the morning preparations to the late night dancing, without even being noticed. This is why even the most camera shy couples should still get a wedding videographer!

Do you prefer a documentary feel where the videographer goes unnoticed with no posing?  Or is a candid style that captures the big emotions and little details to tell the story of the entire day your preference? Are you looking for someone who is going to unnaturally pose each shot, interrupting the natural moments from happening or someone who is going to go with the flow? All these things are important. But how do you find out what a videographer is going to be like? - This is where you need to get to know your videographer. Find out what their personality is like. Do you click? Can you imagine this person at your wedding? This is why I always recommend meeting videographers in person or at least on the phone before you book anyone. Don’t just settle for email exchanges, get to know your videographer as well as you can.. which brings me onto number 2...
Southport Wedding Videographer
2.  Get to know your videographer.  

Do your personalities mesh well?  Your videographer is going to spend most of the day with you, your family and your friends…. make sure you are happy in their presence. Just because your family feels obligated to use the local videographer you have known since you were a child…. doesn’t mean you need to. It’s your wedding day.  Pick someone who’s work you are drawn to.  Pick someone who’s work you love so much, that you can’t imagine wanting anyone else. I love getting to know each of my clients  as much as possible. Thats why I always recommend getting on the phone, meeting in person as many times as you want in the lead up to the wedding. — doing this  not only makes you super comfortable around your videographer but also it creates great rapport which is actually important when creating video filled with REAL emotion.  When you watch your films back I want you to feel something.


3.  Backup.  

Backup equipment is crucial.  PLEASE ask your videographer if they shoot with backup equipment.  You don’t want them showing up to shoot your day with only one of everything!  What if something breaks, fails or the camera falls to the ground before the ceremony has started.  Do they have multiple lenses incase a guest accidentally spills a beverage on the one lens being used?  Always ask your potential videographer if they have backups. What about after the wedding? How do they keep your films safe in case they are lost?

Videographer in southport
4.  Insurance.  

Since we are talking business stuff  ask your videographer if they are insured.  Professional videographers should be covered in case something happens to their gear or something accidentally happens to one of your guests involving the videographers equipment…. like a light stand falls over on a guest on the dance floor and injures them.


5.  Ask about the DETAILS.  They matter. 

What exactly is included with the package?  How are they films delivered? How long will it take to receive your films? What time will you arrive on the wedding day? Are there any additional costs we don’t know about? Ask as many questions as you can. There is no such thing as a silly question. TIP: Make sure your videographer has a contract.  For that matter make sure you sign a contract with all of your wedding vendors.


6.  Don’t “Uncle Bob” it.  

Say your uncle shoots sports photography or he’s filmed a friends 60th birthday party or a party for your little cousins and since he does a great job you think he will do a great job shooting your wedding for free!     Money saved, right??   Not quite. You will in fact save money but your wedding videos might not turn out how you envisioned and that will be a sad day.  Wedding videography is a whole other game.  I would be lying if I said it wasn't stressful.  You don’t want to miss a shot or mess up on someone’s wedding day. Even the most expensive, flashes camera or smartphone is no replacement for a professional, experienced videographer.
Liverpool Wedding Videographer
WATCH SOME FILMS
Wedding Film Packages
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Highlights package
  • A Wedding Highlights Film, 5-8 minutes in length  - This short film allows you to relive all of the best bits of your wedding day in a format that you can sit down and watch whenever you like. 
  • Multi camera coverage of the wedding ceremony, speeches, and first dance.
  • A 1-2 minute teaser trailer (which is delivered within 7 days of your wedding day). 
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Extended Highlights Package
A slightly longer version is also available which includes all of the above plus a 15-20 minute edit.


ALL COMMISSIONS INCLUDE:
  • A friendly and professional, filmmaker shooting your wedding day from bridal prep through to the late night dancing as well as professionally editing your films in my own distinct style.
  • Unlimited Pre-Wedding Meetings - We meet up before your wedding to discuss and confirm your perfect wedding film.
  • Online delivery of your Wedding Films
​
I would love to hear from you. Let’s discuss your perfect Wedding Film and make it together.
CONTACT ME
Richard Blake Wedding Films
Richard Blake Wedding Films.
I am a Wedding Videographer, based in Southport, covering the Northwest and U.K. I make fun, natural films in a discreet, unobtrusive style. I want to capture the real stuff, the laughter and stories, that you will take you right back to your wedding day over and over again. 
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WEDDING FILMS FILLED WITH LOVE
My films are story driven, fun, and filled with love. With a combination of storytelling, music and audio, I aim to create a beautiful piece of film that really captures those magical moments of your wedding day. It will be your most treasured possession after your wedding! Wedding Videography Southport Wedding Video By Richard Blake Wedding Films, Southport, Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and the whole of the UK.

Southport wedding videographer
I am based in Southport and also cover the north west including Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and UK. I make fun, natural wedding videos in a discreet, unobtrusive style. I want to capture the real stuff, the laughter and the stories.

Wedding videography southport, wedding videographer, liverpool wedding videographer, wedding videographer, Richard Blake wedding films, storytelling, captivating, timeless, contemporary wedding films. Based in Southport
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CINEMATIC TEASER TRAILERS

28/8/2020

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Now included in all my packages as standard
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​A 1-2 minute teaser trailer will be delivered to you within 7 days of your wedding day! 

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
I know that sometimes you just want that little bit extra... sometimes you just want to relive every single moment of your day and I know that you're super excited to see your wedding films ASAP... that's why I include a 1-2 minute teaser trailer as standard in all of my wedding packages. This is perfect for when you just can't wait to see some of the footage that will big back all those memories.
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Photography by Robbie Venn - A real pleasure to work with Robbie at this Wedding. Go and check out his work on his website
Shrigley hall Hotel wedding
Southport Wedding videographer
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wedding videographer in southport
wedding videographer in formby
Wedding Film Packages
​

Highlights package
  • A Wedding Highlights Film, 5-8 minutes in length  - This short film allows you to relive all of the best bits of your wedding day in a format that you can sit down and watch whenever you like. 
  • Multi camera coverage of the wedding ceremony, speeches, and first dance.
  • A 1-2 minute teaser trailer (which is delivered within 7 days of your wedding day). 
​
Extended Highlights Package
A slightly longer version is also available which includes all of the above plus a 15-20 minute edit.


ALL COMMISSIONS INCLUDE:
  • A friendly and professional, filmmaker shooting your wedding day from bridal prep through to the late night dancing as well as professionally editing your films in my own distinct style.
  • Unlimited Pre-Wedding Meetings - We meet up before your wedding to discuss and confirm your perfect wedding film.
  • Online delivery of your Wedding Films
​
I would love to hear from you. Let’s discuss your perfect Wedding Film and make it together.
CONTACT ME
Richard Blake Wedding Films.
I am a Wedding Videographer, based in Southport, covering the Northwest and U.K. I make fun, natural films in a discreet, unobtrusive style. I want to capture the real stuff, the laughter and stories, that you will take you right back to your wedding day over and over again. 
​

WEDDING FILMS FILLED WITH LOVE
My films are story driven, fun, and filled with love. With a combination of storytelling, music and audio, I aim to create a beautiful piece of film that really captures those magical moments of your wedding day. It will be your most treasured possession after your wedding! Wedding Videography Southport Wedding Video By Richard Blake Wedding Films, Southport, Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and the whole of the UK.

Manchester wedding videographer
I am based in Southport and also cover the north west including Great Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside,, Lancashire and UK. I make fun, natural wedding videos in a discreet, unobtrusive style. I want to capture the real stuff, the laughter and the stories. Shrigley Hall Hotel Wedding. Shrigley hall Hotel and Spa Wedding. Shrigley Hall Hotel Wedding Video. Pot Shrigley Wedding.

Wedding videography southport, wedding videographer, liverpool wedding videographer, wedding videographer, Richard Blake wedding films, storytelling, captivating, timeless, contemporary wedding films. Based in Southport
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Party! Party! Party!

21/8/2020

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I’m all about the party vibes.

The Beastie Boys fought, (and possibly died) for your right to party… so it would be rude not to! Especially at a wedding.
My favourite part of a wedding day is the dancing. 
All the formalities are done, and it’s time to let down your hair, pull off some serious moves, and get the party started. I find the dancing is when the couple and the guests are most relaxed, and there is no better way to celebrate the beginning of a marriage to your loved one than partying with your guests all night long.
All my packages include video coverage from the early morning bridal prep, to the late night dancing as standard. There's no hourly rates, or limitations, just me and my camera celebrating with you on your big day. I love the evening party. You won't see me hiding in the corner being a bore, I love to celebrate with you and your guests! 
WATCH SOME FILMS
southport wedding videographer
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Although I am a wedding videographer based in Southport, and the North West and cover Merseyside, Cheshire, and Lancashire, my wedding videography services cover the whole of the UK. Get in touch if you would like to know more information.
CONTACT ME
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Bridal Prep

11/8/2020

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Bespoke Wedding Videography in Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire and the UK.

I cannot tell you the amount of times I have heard Bride's say “I don’t want Bridal Prep”, or “I don’t want any video of me without any make-up on”.
However, I cannot stress enough the importance of Bridal Prep.

With your wedding film, I aim to tell a story. The Bridal Prep is the prologue to your story that unfolds throughout your day. It gives the Groom and your Family an insight, allowing them to be a part of that moment without being present. It also gives you the opportunity to get used to my camera. During this time, you become so used to the camera being in the room, you are practically bored of it. This leads to much more relaxed and natural shots throughout the day.

I find that chatting with you and your Bridesmaids for a while, getting to know everyone for half an hour makes the world of difference. The camera probably won’t even come out of the bag during this time.

A hugely important factor is often overlooked or not even considered. For a parent, their child’s wedding day is a poignant moment. It is up there with your first steps, your first word and your first day at school. Bridal Prep captures the moment when Dad sees his precious daughter for the first time in her wedding dress. Or Mum fastening the buttons and tying the bow on her little girl’s dress one last time. Bridal Prep is a time where the very best of friends are together in one place. Emotions are high with lots of tears and laughter and not forgetting lots of bubbly.
All of my Wedding packages include a full day shoot, from the Bridal Prep to the late night dancing and everything in-between, no hourly rates, just me, shooting your wedding in all it’s full glory. Get in touch if you would like to chat and let’s make your dream wedding film together.
southport wedding videographer
Richard Blake Wedding Films. I am a Wedding Videographer, based in Southport, covering the Northwest and U.K. I make fun, natural films in a discreet, unobtrusive style. I want to capture the real stuff, the laughter and stories, that you will take you right back to your wedding day over and over again. 
Southport wedding videographer
My films are story driven, fun, and filled with love. With a combination of storytelling, music and audio, I aim to create a beautiful piece of film that really captures those magical moments of your wedding day. It will be your most treasured possession after your wedding! Wedding Videography Southport Wedding Video By Richard Blake Wedding Films, Southport, Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and the whole of the UK.
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Why I don't film Weddings with big camcorders (ugh!)

1/8/2020

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​I often get asked why I film with a small, Mirrorless camera instead of a traditional camcorder. That would make sense right? - ssing a camcorder to record video and a camera to take photos? Well not necessarily no! Here’s a list of reasons why I don’t like using a traditional camcorder…
They are awkward

Camcorders, are big and bulky and not to mention heavy especially when a Wedding Day can last anywhere between 8-14 hours!. Plus, no-one likes having a camera shoved in their face, and a camcorder only increases the chances of people feeling intimidated or feeling uncomfortable. I want to respect the environment of a Wedding for my couple and their guests, so I have a discreet and unobtrusive filming style with a small ‘Mirrorless’ Camera. This way the focus can remain on the important things... creating a lasting legacy of memories of the couple’s day.

​I use small, and silent camera’s similar to what a photographer uses, no great big over the shoulder camera’s or even tripod’s that some Videographer’s lug around and get right in your face! Having a small camera enables me to blend into the background. I also dress to impress, so that I fit in with your guests.
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Portability

By not using a camcorder I am able to be ultra portable, which allows me to move around quickly and freely.  Without having to use a tripod for the entire day, I have more freedom to shoot from different angles. I  use a monopod for stabilisation, which allows me to move around easily while still getting beautiful, steady shots. I am able to get fun, creative shots without being limited by bulky equipment! When I am not using a monopod, I shoot handheld just like your photographer, which allows even more freedom.
Creativity

By stripping back to just the camera, it gives me more time to document the day creatively. I find that equipment such as camcorders, drones, sliders, steady-cams, and even tripods to some extend can slow a Wedding Videographer down and draw attention to themselves.... People don’t like being filmed, so surely by adding more equipment into the mix it is only going to make people feel more uncomfortable.

I want to respect the environment of your wedding. I blend into the background, looking for natural moments, and discreetly record them as they happen. There will be no awkward posing or unnatural shots! Stripping back my equipment not only enables me to have more time to be creative, but also allows me to be discreet, to get a shot, and quickly move on, with the intention of being unnoticed. This way, I can get really natural results.
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Technology

Technology has changed quite a bit in the last ten years, and wedding videography has definitely seen major improvements. Videographers do not have to use bulky camcorders to capture your big day. Even though my camera is small, my footage is captured in Ultra High Definition (4K). I am also able to film in low light conditions due to the incredible sensor on a full frame mirrorless camera. Most traditional camcorders don’t perform well in low light. Also by choosing a mirrorless camera over a camcorder, I am able to switch between a variety of different lenses just like your photographer.


The equipment is now so compact that I can move just as freely as your photographer, without interfering with your wedding.  In fact, during all the festivities, most of your guests will not be able to tell your photographer and videographer apart!

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With a combination of storytelling, music and audio, I aim to create a beautiful piece of film that really captures those magical moments of your wedding day.
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4 Reasons to book me as your Wedding Videographer

20/6/2019

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1. Ninja Skills

I want to respect the environment of a Wedding for the couple and their guests, so I use a discreet and unobtrusive filming style. I use small, and silent camera’s similar to what a photographer uses, no great big over the shoulder camera’s or tripod’s that some Videographer’s lug around and get right in your face! I blend into the background, looking for natural moments, and discreetly record them as they happen.
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This way the focus can remain on the important things... creating a lasting legacy of memories of the couple’s day.
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2. Inquisitive

​I get to know my couples well. I will arrange to meet my couple on several occasions. Starting with consultations and keeping in regular contact throughout.  
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I want to know as much about the couple as possible. What makes their perfect Wedding Film. What they want to see and what they don't want to see.

I want to know everything, not just how they met, but what makes them tick, what makes them laugh, cry, smile, it’s these kind of emotions and details that I want to show in my Wedding Films.
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3. Attention to Detail

I take the time to make my Wedding Films perfect. Each film takes many, many hours of hard work and meticulous editing, colour grading, and sound mastering.  

​It is a lengthy process, but when I hear that one of my couples have re-lived their story for the very first time, I know every ounce of effort and every second invested has been more than worth it.
​I typically complete each Wedding Film within 8 weeks from the date of filming. 
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4. Party! Party! Party!

I love Weddings.
It is one thing to love what I do, and to make people happy and able to relive their wedding over and over for eternity, but I also love a good wedding. At a Wedding, I am not just a Videographer, I am a also a guest. I am not just going to be a bore, stood in the corner of the room all day and night!

​A Wedding is a celebration, and I am always honoured to be a part of them. I often stay until last orders at the very end of the wedding and mingle with the other guests with a beer when I have finished filming.

Warning – Be prepared for some serious dad dancing around 11:00PM!! 
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Watch some Wedding Films
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How to choose the perfect music for your Wedding Film

5/3/2019

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So, you've hired your wedding videographer, which means that the hard part is over, but you still have some work left to do. 
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To ensure that the highlight film from your big day is perfect, you should give some thought to the music that will be included. After all, you will be watching it with your family and friends every year on your anniversary for the rest of eternity, right? If you're not sure how to choose a timeless, upbeat musical option, i'm here to help. These tips make finding the right tunes for your wedding video one of the most fun tasks you'll cross off your Pre-wedding to-do list.
 
1. Watch a lot of wedding videos.
The best way to get ideas for your own wedding video (and entire wedding!) is to watch videos from other celebrations. Ask your friends and family if you can watch theirs. Be warned though, wedding films have really changed over the years. Particularly in the last decade. Are you still picturing wedding Videography as the 2 hour long video shot from the back of the room filmed by Uncle Bob? With terrible audio and shaky footage, that would make it worthy of submitting to You’ve Been Framed? Think again.

Your film does not have to be like a wedding video from the 1980’s. Today, a short highlight’s film between 5-8 minutes that shows clips of the day in a non linear fashion set to music is the norm. It is a fun way to share a summary of your big day with family and friends that were not able to be there physically. Technology has changed quite a bit in the last ten years, and wedding Videography has definitely seen major improvements. However, so has the way Wedding Videographer's are allowed to use Music in their wedding films.

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Much like an artist displays their work in an art gallery, a Wedding Videographer displays their work online. The Internet is without doubt the most powerful tool to advertise and promote businesses. A Wedding Videographer would post their films online on their websites and social media sites, to display their work to future couples to see. However, this means that copyrighted and unlicenced songs cannot be included in contemporary wedding films.
 
2. Be aware of British Copyrighting Laws
One question I get asked a lot is...."I really like Ed Sheeran and Beyonce, can you put their music in my Wedding film?"
Unfortunately not, no – unless you’re willing to pay the records companies lots of money for it! Music licensing laws in the UK are fairly complicated. While there are many companies who will continue to use commercial music in their films illegally, there’s always a risk that the label who produce the song will take action through civil or criminal courts for making unauthorised copies of their songs and for loss of revenue. Or simply social media sites can just remove or mute the audio completely from the video that has been posted online. For that reason, I do not use commercial/popular music in my films, and instead use a database of independent music producers who I pay to licence their music (don’t worry though, the cost of licensing their music is included in my packages). 
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3. Check out music websites.
Wedding filmmakers purchase music for their videos on websites like Musicbed.com. You can browse the site and find the same library of music that your filmmaker will be consulting when they edit your video. Keep track of the tunes you like and let your videographer know which ones you connect with. Send these to your Videographer as suggestions. On occasion, it may not be possible to use particular songs that you want. This will depend on the style of edit your videographer is producing and the length of the video you have paid for. Many videographers will chose their own music at their discretion because of this. Often, the editing is done in synchronisation to the flow of the music and the vibes and atmosphere of the wedding day. Sometimes, some songs just ‘don’t fit’ with the flow of the Videographers vision and interpretation of your wedding day.   
 
4. Don't choose your music! -  Let your videographer do it!
You've hired a videographer to shoot and edit your wedding film. They're the expert and you should let them choose the music if there's nothing you're set on having. They are great at what they do and they are practiced in choosing the right songs and music to fit your unique wedding style and love story. 

Have a look at www.musicbed.com for some inspiration. 
For further information, visit https://www.musicbed.com/knowledge-base/what-music-license-do-i-need-for-a-wedding-video/44
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5 WAYS YOU CAN HELP YOUR WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER

3/2/2019

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This blog post is for the soon-to-be brides and grooms aimed at giving tips and advise on how to make your wedding day run smoother by helping your Videographer. I know you are busy planning your big day, and probably don't have time to read another Blog about weddings, but this post should help you with a few tips that you may not have even thought about. So here are my 5 tips!

1. TELL ME EVERYTHING!

I personally hate surprises, and like to be organised and know exactly what is going to happen and when. For the best possible experience, your videographer will need to know everything that is going to happen. Even the small details.

Are you having fireworks, or sparklers? Are you going to wear your grandmothers earrings, or some other sentimental items? Is there a surprise that the guests don't know about but perhaps the videographer should? Is your cousin Dave bringing his drone? Is someone making an impromptu speech? If they are, the Chances are, if your Videographer didn't know this, they won't have had the opportunity to give them a clip on microphone to record the audio. We Need to know these things to be able to capture these moments on film. The more we know, the more personal, and special your film will be and likewise, the better prepared we can be, and the better your film will be. The best rule to follow is: if in doubt, tell the videographer!
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In addition, make sure you keep the videographer informed throughout the day. I know there is going to be a lot going on, you are busy enjoying your day. – you won’t notice us capturing those intimate moments, and that’s the way it should be! But please don’t forget about us. When you’re going to cut your cake, just give us a heads up so that we can get cameras set up. It’s likely we’ll want to have more than one camera rolling for these important moments, so that we can cut between different angles in your film, so tell the DJ to wait for our nod before cuing your Ed-Sheeran-first-dance-medley.

​Additionally, if you’re going off with the photographer for some shots, it would be great to let us know, too. Sometimes the photographer forgets because they’re so focussed on getting some beautiful photos of you, which is absolutely fine by us. But chances are, you’ll want some beautiful shots in your film too, so just give us a heads up. Maybe the photographer wants 15 minutes alone with you – that’s cool! All we ask is that we get some time alone with you, too.

2. GET READY NEAR A WINDOW

First of all, before you get ready, turn off all the lights! - Yes that's what I said! turn them off! A lot of indoor lighting has a yellow tint to it, which is unnatural. On video and photographs, the yellow light can look horrible. Everything will look weird and unappealing, and it will make your skin tones look unflattering.  Natural light however, is both flattering and will show true to life colours. 

Ladies, when your make-up artist arrives, chances are they’ll sit you by a window (after all, it makes sense for them to have loads of light too in order to work their magic). But if they don’t, maybe try and suggest moving. Some make-up artists will bring their own lights, and will prefer to work in front of them than in front of a window, and that’s okay! Any worthwhile videographer will be able to work in artificially lit conditions – all we’re talking about here is how to foster the ideal conditions for the best Wedding Film your videographer can produce.
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Gents, chances are your videographer will spend less time with you when getting ready, simply because it doesn’t take as long for you to get ready, and there are only really a few shots we want to get. For example, a shot of you (or your father/best man) doing up your tie is always great, as is a shot of you putting on cuff links and throwing on your jacket. These can be relatively mundane shots in a dimly lit hotel room. But stand by a window, and we can position you such that there are all kinds of interesting shadows occurring, and it’ll just make the shot much more interesting and appealing. Plus, it means we can get some awesome silhouette shots, too!
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3. Make sure you turn and face each other in the Aisle.

At some point in the Ceremony, the officiant will ask you to turn and face each other, usually for the vows/exchange of rings. Now, whilst this is a fairly straight forward thing to do, all I ask is that you PLEASE fully turn. Don't just turn your neck towards each other, or twist to face each other, please, please turn a full 90 degrees, where your feet and toes are pointing at each other. A lot of videographers, and photographers, will be filming from the back, and this is probably the most important part of the Ceremony itself! The videographer will want this shot to be GREAT. If you just twist to face each other, chances are we will mostly have the back of your head still in the shot for this moment, so make sure you turn to face each other head on, look into each others eyes and it will make a world of a difference!

4. Have an unplugged Ceremony

Okay so you have planned everything to perfection, done the rehearsals, and everything to going to go to plan. However, just because you have the day all planned out perfectly, it doesn't mean your guests won't get in the way still!
Whether it’s Uncle Pete and his new flashy Canon camera, or Olivia, the Serial Instagrammer there will always be somebody watching your ceremony through a screen. And while that’s a shame for you because you invited them there to be present in the moment and enjoy your day, it’s an even bigger shame for us, the videographers, who have to try to shoot around the DSLRs and the iPhone's leaning into the aisle. There have been times when guests completely get in the videographers way, to get that all important iPhone shot. Please be advised, if a guest for example, decides to go into the centre of the aisle or lean into the way, I will firmly advise them to move!!! 
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It’s for that reason that I always recommend an ‘unplugged’ ceremony. In essence, this is a ceremony where you ban people from taking photos or videos. It might sound a bit extreme, but it is becoming more and more popular. When sending our your invitations, request that the guests leave their phones turned off in the bag, or car. - Leave the capturing to the professionals!! Seriously, this is what the professionals have invested thousands of pounds on their equipment for!

It will be a much better experience for everyone, to see the day through their own eyes, rather than through their phone.

With an unplugged ceremony the effect can be fascinating: people actually sit and watch your ceremony with their own eyes! And I can get a clean shot of your ring exchange without having to have a word with Uncle Pete!– win-win!

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5.  Be true to yourself

This one applies to men more than women; because of the whole ‘man up’ thing. I don't subscribe to the idea that all men, need to act tough and be a 'ruddy bloody bloke'.  Men are generally reluctant to let their emotions show. and I have found this is no different on your Wedding Day.  When they see their significant other gliding down the aisle, radiating beauty, a lot of men do want to cry, but only a courageous few let that happen. The rest of you try to bottle it up, which results in some of the strangest faces you will ever pull (which isn’t ideal on what is potentially the only day you’ll ever have a professional camera pointing at your face). So don’t bottle it up… let it all out and cry like there’s nobody watching – it will make your Wedding Film ten times better. Plus, it’s a fact that the sight of a man crying is more likely to set somebody else off than the sight of a woman crying; so chances are that, once you start, someone else in that room will join in before long (and, if they’re anything like me, it may well be your videographer).

So there you have it – 5 ways you can help your Wedding Videographer to make your film the best that it can be. Again, these aren’t essential, and they won’t ruin your film if you neglect to follow them, but they will help to foster the ideal conditions for your videographer to work their magic and make you a fantastic Wedding Film that you’ll be proud to show family and friends for the rest of your lives.
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How Wedding Films have changed over the years

24/7/2018

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Still picturing wedding videography as the 4 hour long, boring video shot from the back of the room filmed by Uncle Bob? With terrible audio and shaky footage, that would make it worthy of submitting to You’ve Been Framed? Think again.
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Your film does not have to be like a wedding video from the 1980’s, - four hours of long, drawn-out footage. Today, a short highlight’s film between 5-8 minutes that shows clips of the day set to music is the norm. It is a fun way to share a summary of your big day with family and friends that were not able to be there physically.
Gone are the days of bulky cameras, cheesy interviews and poor quality films.

Technology has changed quite a bit in the last ten years, and wedding videography has definitely seen major improvements. We have listed a few ways that things have changed to give you a high quality, beautifully watchable wedding film.
​1.            The equipment will look similar to your photographer’s camera.
 
Videographers do not have to use bulky camcorders to capture your big day. Even though the equipment is small, the footage is captured in HD. The equipment is now so compact that they can move as freely as your photographer, without interfering with the festivities.  In fact, during all the festivities, most of your guests will not be able to tell your photographer and videographer apart!
 
2.            Your videographer won’t be glued to a tripod.
 
Without having to use a tripod for the entire day, the videographer has a lot more freedom to shoot from different angles. This cinematographer is using a monopod for stabilization, which allows her to move around freely while still getting beautiful, steady shots. You will be able to get fun, creative shots without being limited by bulky equipment! If you want to get adventurous with outdoor shots during your photo session, your videographer will be able to join in the fun!
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​3.               Having more than one cinematographer will give you more angles for your film.

Why should you have to choose between seeing yourself walk down the aisle and the reaction of the love of your life waiting to marry you?  Having more than one videographer gives you a chance to see multiple angles of the big moments throughout your wedding day. When all of those shots are combined, your film will showcase the full story of your big day in all its glory!
 
4.          Videographers can also carry extra, compact equipment that allows for even more creative shots.

Just as your photographer may take some time to get some creative shots outside of the traditional posed pictures, your videographer can do the same. Fun, creative shots of you and your wedding party make a great addition to a trailer or feature film!

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5.                      There are several ways to watch and share you wedding film

We are living in a time where the majority of media is now digital. DVD’s are no longer sought after, with online streaming services getting increasingly popular. That is why we deliver your Wedding film on a USB stick. You can watch you film on a modern, HD Television, just plug it in and enjoy. Not only can you also put it onto your computer, and save it to your hard drive, why not upload it to social media, so that all your friends and family can watch it. Share you wedding film with your distant relative’s around the world. – Instantly.

Lasting between 5 and 8 minutes long, a highlights film allows you to relive all of the best bits of your day in a format that you can sit down and watch whenever you like, with whomever you like. It is perfect for sharing online with friends and family who couldn’t make it (or those that could make it, but want to see it again). This is sure to have you laughing, crying and feeling like you are right back in that aisle all over again.
Another benefit of the digital age is that your film will be available in a mobile format, so you will be able to watch it anywhere!
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WHY NEWLYWEDS REGRET NOT GETTING A VIDEOGRAPHER

24/6/2018

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35% of brides say that not hiring a Wedding Videographer is their #1 regret from their wedding day, and 25% of couples that DID hire one wish they had spent more money on one.  

So, after finding this out, I wanted to set out and attempt to elaborate on why 1/3 of brides regret not hiring a videographer, and why those that did wish they had invested more in it.

“I wish I’d hired a videographer.” - Two big reasons couples don’t get a videographer? 

Budget and “we already got a photographer.”

There’s only so much budget, and it has to be stretched or allocated.  You can get this DJ and these flowers or this band and get WAY less flowers.  Then there is photography.  The reasoning sometimes goes that if you are getting a wedding photographer, do you really need a wedding videographer?

My answer to this is that  BOTH a wedding videographer and wedding photographer are key in documenting the day.

Wedding videography captures your love story in such a different way.  Visually it is different, but it also incorporates audio and emotion in a way that really shouldn’t be compared to a wedding photographer’s craft.  I love photography, and I do think that a lot of photographers are storytellers by their own right.  To compare the two though is such a misstep.  They are different things, and will mean different things to you when you get them.
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“I wish we had spent more on video.”
A lot of couples wished that they had spent more on photography as well. I have always believed that you get what you pay for.

There isn’t a magic number here. Some people charge more than others. Just keep in mind that if you are shopping for a wedding videographer with a low budget, all of the quality work is going to be out of reach.

So what?
So, the wedding videographer writes a post about how you should hire a wedding videographer. Not surprising – I get it. The great news is that more and more couples ARE getting videographer's, and I do think we are headed for a time that it will be rare that a couple doesn’t want one.

Documenting your day is, in my opinion, one of the most important investments that you can make in your wedding day. Don’t find yourself 10 years or 20 years into marriage wishing that you had spent more on things you can show to your kids, instead of flowers that you don’t have anymore. Photographers and videographers create family heirlooms – they document your love story.

Does that mean you need to scrape more together, start shopping sooner, get your photographer and videographer first, or re-allocate expenses that you have already made?

​In my opinion, whatever you have to do to make it happen will be worth it.
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