Videography, like photography, is an art form. And, as with any art form, every artist has his or own personal style. Since wedding season is coming up, I want to take a few minutes to talk about my wedding style.
I approach all video as storytelling, so my wedding style tends to be documentary in nature. I’m there to document the event as it unfolds, to tell the story of the day. So I tend not to direct or pose any of my subjects. I try to capture everyone just being themselves.
I like to shoot a lot of candids, often times from across the room, so that those in the shot are unaware that they’re on camera. I will, at certain times, intentionally put photographers, DJs, waiters and other vendors in the shot, because they are all integral parts of the story.
When I shoot a wedding I go in with a plan, and then try to be open and flexible. Every event has little surprises, little unexpected opportunities. And every wedding has it’s own feel and flow. I look for the little details that make each wedding unique.
I don’t go looking for people to talk to the camera, but I never turn down anyone who wants to. I prefer shooting people when they don’t know I’m watching, but the occasional “mugging” for the camera can be fun, too.
The moral is, if you or anyone you know is in the market for a wedding videographer, take the time to meet with each of the prospective vendors; ask them what their style and philosophy is. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you are looking for and make sure you see copies of their work. Not just a 3-minute sample like the one I have posted here, but a couple of samples of the full, finished product.
Dave Waldman is a video storyteller and owner of Treasured Memories Video and B2B Video Solutions in Bedford, New Hampshire. He can be reached at (603) 566-3075, [email protected] or [email protected]. His website is davidwaldman.com.