I feel like I produce a solid wedding video. Good quality video with good quality sound, but I feel like I am stuck at that level. Any tips on how to take it to the next level? I am doing this part-time and am averaging 15-20 weddings a year. Here is my Youtube Channel where I upload my videos. What do you guys think? https://www.youtube.com/user/TNYVideography/videos

3D is the future.

Tyson ... if your clients are happy paying what they do and you seem to be getting a lot of bookings considering you are part time.

Why bother changing ?

To take it to the next level, you realistically need to up your prices to compensate the extra effort, equipment etc you will spend.

And as above ... you can start filming with 3D cameras to offer a 3D wedding video or you can buy 4K cameras and start offering 4K ...

Plenty of ways to take it to the next level. But I would personally stick with what im doing if it's bringing in the clients.

I'm guessing that's not what he meant, guys.

Tyson, my wife and I are considering moving to your area in 2 or 3 years - Bloomington is our first thought - to escape the frozen hellscape that is Northern Minnesota/North Dakota, but while keeping the midwest feel.

Do you want specifics for you? May I ask, what do you deliver to the client? On you channel, I watched two of your 4 1/2 minute trailers. I assume there is longer material, but is it just a full length video of the ceremony, speeches, etc.?

Mostly I watch the work of other people who are much, much better than me, and pay attention to what it is I like and don't like. This includes structure and sequences, and composition. Color grading and picture style is sort of last on my list, but I think it's still important, too.

Just off the top, nothing at the front of your videos grabbed my attention and pulled me in.
*Can you get in tighter during vows with your side cameras so that, instead of a 3 shot, you've got an over the shoulder of just the bride or groom? It will give you a great sense of intimacy. Same sort of problem during their first dance.

Those are the first two things that jumped out at me.

I feel like I produce a solid wedding video. Good quality video with good quality sound, but I feel like I am stuck at that level. Any tips on how to take it to the next level?

Hey Tyson, Robert's advice is good, but two things that jumped out at me -- (1) you don't need to fade to black between each shot; it breaks up the flow too much; (2) your shots could be more stable. But if you're shooting handheld, no need to change -- you'd lose the flexibility of handheld.

I'm guessing that's not what he meant, guys.


Do you want specifics for you? May I ask, what do you deliver to the client? On you channel, I watched two of your 4 1/2 minute trailers. I assume there is longer material, but is it just a full length video of the ceremony, speeches, etc.?

Just off the top, nothing at the front of your videos grabbed my attention and pulled me in.
*Can you get in tighter during vows with your side cameras so that, instead of a 3 shot, you've got an over the shoulder of just the bride or groom? It will give you a great sense of intimacy. Same sort of problem during their first dance.

Those are the first two things that jumped out at me.

I offer the short Highlight Film as you see on Youtube, a Full Doc edit and a Short Form Film.


I shoot with a Panasonic Gh3, Gh2, and a Sony NX70 for my helper. I recently got the 35-100mm lens for my Panasonic so that will help with the close-ups.

But ya thanks for the input.

Hey Tyson, Robert's advice is good, but two things that jumped out at me -- (1) you don't need to fade to black between each shot; it breaks up the flow too much; (2) your shots could be more stable. But if you're shooting handheld, no need to change -- you'd lose the flexibility of handheld.

I shoot most of my video from tripods, the only time I don't is the Bridal Entrance. I try to be as inconspicuous as I can so I don't like to set up in the center aisle until right before she enters, I slip over and go hand held for the entrance and then back out as soon as she reaches the front.

Thanks for the input, I know I need to work on stuff and thats why I asked the question.

Sounds good, Tyson. If you want to show off a short form, I'd love to watch one.

If you want examples, I know there are plenty of trailers available on this site, in the example gallery. I've got a few of our 15 minute highlight films on our website here: Wedding Videography | RNB Weddings by Robert & Nomani Benda (http://rnbweddings.com/rnb-weddings-dj-and-videography/wedding-videography/)

The five examples I have on there do sort of show my evolution over the past 18 months....both in editing and shooting. I'm finally to the point where I'm reasonably happy with our work, but its not consistent enough.

I'm now focusing on color grading, since we have a good grip on our basic style and fundamental shots. I'm still practicing my composition, but mostly I experiment when I'm not being paid - I'm also an MC/DJ. I will say, missing the darn focus aside, I'm really happy with my shooting style during dancing, and am starting to nail speeches. Those 4 minute dance/reception highlights (I use to promote me as a DJ) can be seen here:
Wedding DJ Robert Benda | RNB Weddings by Robert & Nomani Benda (http://rnbweddings.com/rnb-weddings-dj-and-videography/wedding-dj-robert-benda/)

Hi Tyson, I have to ask -- what sort of tripods do you use? (I've got a suspicion you're using photography tripods rather than a video tripod with a fluid head.)

I take it you do work solo? Just watch 2 of your videos and what I miss is the creative part of camerause, like you said you have got your basics right but the addition of steadicam and slider moves will certainly give your videos a higher production value.

The only problem when shooting solo is to find the time to use this type of equipment. I have a blackbird steadicam which I use a lot starting from the reception, before that I just don't have the time to use it and I have a simple slider that I actually hate using as it's so cumbersome to drag around and use throughout the day but a sliding shot looks much cooler then a panning shot from a tripod.

Especially for your trailers that are online steadicam and slidershots will make your video appear more professional and that can be a reason to increase your prizes.

Hi Tyson, I have to ask -- what sort of tripods do you use? (I've got a suspicion you're using photography tripods rather than a video tripod with a fluid head.)


I use Manfrotto with fluid heads.

I take it you do work solo? Just watch 2 of your videos and what I miss is the creative part of camerause, like you said you have got your basics right but the addition of steadicam and slider moves will certainly give your videos a higher production value.

The only problem when shooting solo is to find the time to use this type of equipment. I have a blackbird steadicam which I use a lot starting from the reception, before that I just don't have the time to use it and I have a simple slider that I actually hate using as it's so cumbersome to drag around and use throughout the day but a sliding shot looks much cooler then a panning shot from a tripod.

Especially for your trailers that are online steadicam and slidershots will make your video appear more professional and that can be a reason to increase your prizes.


I do all the Pre-Ceremony stuff solo, so yes its hard to find time to use sliders, glide cam, etc. Those shots definitely add to the video. I used to have a Blackbird but ended up selling it because I just didn't have the time to drag it around by myself.

It's solid work. Here's a couple things I'd do if I were you:

1) Less weddings, more money. Every year raise your prices a couple hundred. I went from $800 a wedding to $4000 by just aggressively raising every year - and I offered less final product. You mentioned you were part time, imagine if you only had to do 10 weddings a year for $2500. Be sure to keep all the editing work the same and don't do anything different work load wise or purchasing equipment. It's tempting to want to give back or do more when you raise your prices but it will just make you back track profit wise. If you feel like you could make a jump by buying X or Z that's fine, but again protect your profits as you raise prices. So do this until you feel like you are dropping in income one year and hit a ceiling.

2) Find other revenue streams. Especially being part time I'd find other ways to make money without shooting more weddings. If I was doing wedding's as a main gig I would focus on the venders and creating one minute montages for each of them. You could probably sell those for around $200 - $500. And then ontop of them offer to go to their place and shoot an interview with them to make promo's. Especially as you work with the same vender you could make some really nice promo videos. So at weddings when you are getting footage keep in mind that you can make videos for the makeup artist, hairstylist, photographer, dj, wedding venue, caterers, etc.

3) You could try to go more 'cinematic'. I would loose all fades. I think if you strive to capture more dynamic broll you could really add alot more to these highlight videos. You've proved that you can shoot a great 'base' for the video (prep, ceremony, toasts, dance), now try to add more frosting.

Tyson, I've grown by doing contract work and being mentored by others. Also look into workshops and education.

I was thinking about this a bit yesterday, as I was livestreaming a Catholic wedding from the balcony and had zero things to do....

Many of the best wedding films have certain things in common:
*good technical ability
*good composition
*good audio

But, we often overlook
*finding a way to show the B&G's personality
*showing the emotion of the day itself (like the shot of a nervous groom right before the ceremony, in some room, foot tapping, or something similar).
*shots that give you, the viewer, a sense of intimacy. Tight shots of faces, eyes, hands, or other elements help. It's why the partially obstructed shot of a B&G, like through the leaves of a tree, like we're seeing something private, work so well in the right moment.

Anyone else?

I feel like I produce a solid wedding video. Good quality video with good quality sound, but I feel like I am stuck at that level. Any tips on how to take it to the next level? I am doing this part-time and am averaging 15-20 weddings a year. Here is my Youtube Channel where I upload my videos. What do you guys think? https://www.youtube.com/user/TNYVideography/videos

Hey Tyson,

Something that has always served us well was the simple thought - Weddings are nothing. People are everything.

Get to know the people. Build and tell a strong story that celebrates them and you won't need any conversations on HD, Bluray, 3D, or any other junk.

Make art, not fashion. Put people first. Create an experience.

We have a blog post here on how to find your voice as a filmmaker. It may be a good starting point for you.

How To Define & Build Your Filmmaking Style. You Are Not a Tripod (http://stillmotionblog.com/voice/)

P.

Hi Travis

I certainly cannot argue with one of the masters like Patrick, but for us lessor mortals who have not yet reached the level of Still Motion I like you idea of extra revenue. Actually I was on my current Directory and was looking at other vendors and realised, "Hey, I should make promos for these guys during the week when I'm slack" I started off a day or two ago and emailed all our local celebrants and got my first shoot tomorrow ...but I only read your post today, after I had sent the emails out.

Tyson, I don't think it's an easy hop, skip and jump to get to the Still Motion level BUT we all have to make a living in the meantime and being practical most brides tend to choose a Saturday so that's only four gigs a month so Travis's idea of extra income is a very sound one!!

If you target wedding vendors who believe in promoting themselves they are quite likely to be interested in doing a promo ... find the vendors that advertise on a fairly high end site like the Knot or Wedding Wire ..if they are prepared to outlay cash with the bigger directories they will also be prepared to pay you to do a promo and it's nice bread and butter money and fills in the time when you are not busy!

Chris

If you can, attend a seminar from a renowned videographer. I thought I was on the right path about a year ago and attended a seminar. I was thoroughly humbled and now have the motivation to keep improving and a much better understanding of creating get a wedding story.

Find videos you like and study what you like about them. Then, find your own style. Never stop experimenting while keeping the essentials (good coverage of the ceremony, toasts, etc). Patrick's statement that every couple has their own story is a great way to approach their video. While every couple may not have an epic story of how they met or experiences, you can always bring out the unique aspects of their wedding day through video.

Thanks for all the input guys!

One thing I could suggest to improve on making a better wedding video, which is what I do is watch movies and study the cinematography. It's a real fun thing to do. That is what I do. I want a very cinematic look like someone is watching a film. :)

While every couple may not have an epic story of how they met or experiences, you can always bring out the unique aspects of their wedding day through video.

So true, and so important.

This is really the impetus behind the idea that 'The best storytellers are the best listeners.' We need to take the time to dive deeper, to find those little things. Not everybody will be epic and obvious in their uniqueness, but it's always there when you take the time to listen.

And as we get started and deal with lower budgets and people who don't gift wrap crazy stories for us, it just means we need to listen that much more.

P.

It takes some guts to move out of your comfort zone to try something different from what you've been doing for so many years. Reason could be fear of screwing things up and receive complains from couples. However you still have to do it if you think it is better for your business. Of course the best way to learn is to look at the works of those you admire in the industry and see what and how they do and analyse it yourself. That's the way to improve yourself isn't it?