Wedding Blog
I feel kinda weird about this so I thought I’d post… Sorry if this is rather unclear or messy, but I am posting as things come up in my head.
Wow. Interesting. Apparently my recent post regarding Videography/Lighting stirred up some interest on a professional videographer board. I noticed that a number of hits were being linked from this board and hopped on to take a look. Apparently my post was linked, and the videographers were slightly miffed about my “priorities” with comments like, “Who is going to remember her freaking lights????” I thought I had been clear about “to each their own” but apparently to them, my priorites were all wrong. *sigh*
I guess I have to realize the risk involved in posting publicly, but I didn’t think that it would spark controversy on another site!! Especially because the thread was started by the videographer of Tim & Rhea’s wedding video, which I absolutely LOVED and cried over, and thought was the most fantastic video. Ever. Did I not compliment his work? If I could afford it, I would have LOVED to fly this videographer in from the West Coast! But back to reality here…
Since I am still getting multiple hits from this board even now, I’d like to clarify. YES, I have come to the realization that videography IS important. I DO want my wedding recorded to watch over and over and show my future kids. I’m in the process of finding a reputable one with a style that I love and that is within my budget. However, I do not have a lot to spend on this, because it was initially not in the budget at all! So I am squeezing money from here and there, trying to make it work.
Why was it not on the budget from the start? Well gosh, I honestly have not seen a video that I liked until now! No one I know has had a videographer at their wedding! I didn’t realize that there was this whole new “groundbreaking” genre of wedding videography that is more cinematic and fabulous. Now that I’ve seen it, I don’t feel that I can settle for some relative’s camcorder anymore. Someone on the board mentions that he doubts any “high end” videographers will shoot for under 2K. Ouch!
On the other hand, yes, lighting and draping is important to me as well, and why should that be wrong of me? I’ve had a “vision” in my head of what my dream wedding would look like for the longest time now, and unfortunately that included lighting. I will remember my lighting, even if guests or others don’t.
Ugh, that’s all I have to say… for now!
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Ehh…don’t let them get to you. No one is ever going to agree with all of your priorities or your reasons for them. Personally I didn’t feel having a videographer was important AT ALL and they can quote me on that all they want 
At least you know who to steer clear of, as far as looking for someone’s services!
Your wedding, your decisions. Period. They can do what they want in THEIR wedding! And if they’re this catty about your choices now, I can’t imagine the pain it would be to deal with them if hired….
HAHAH. Hiiilarious. I’m sure if you wrote about not being able to afford a lobster buffet for everyone, SOMEWHERE, SOMEHOW, a fisherman board would rip you apart for not appreciating the value of lobster! Well, now you know not to use any of these vendors and now weddingbee readers can check this board too to see if they would like to use any of them as well!!
I think Miss Strawberry hit the nail on the head! Nobody should begrudge a bride or groom how they want their ceremony or their party. But to add to the controversy, I’ll put this out there: I’ve seen some absolutely gorgeous videos of friends’ weddings and I asked FI how he felt about getting a videographer. I talked about how fleeting the day will be how we might not remember the exact words and we might not catch all the great little moments that happen when we’re not right there. And his was response was that he didn’t want a video replacing his own memories of the day. He’s afraid that if he sees a video of the event, that the video will supplant his own memories. And I have to say, I think I see his point.
of course videography is a top priority to them… they’re videographers! 
they probably never thought you’d read that board, so it was easy to criticize your attitude/brides’ attitudes in general towards videography. i think more than attacking you or your decisions specifically, they’re discussing the state of wedding videography as a whole, and how it’s become a minor or completely omitted aspect of weddings. so try not to take it too personally.
what’s important to you, is what’s important to you, and if videography isn’t on the top of that list, there’s nothing wrong with that.
I’ve been listening to a lot of the shows on Wedding Podcast Network, where one of the regular hosts is a videographer. He repeatedly whips out this complete BS speech: “If you could see your grandmother’s wedding photos, or your grandmother’s wedding video, which would you choose?” Well, duh, the photos, because those are real. A video from 1935 is imaginary.
There’s a concept called technology orphaning. All those floppy disks and zip disks full of information you can no longer access? They are orphans. They are coasters. And someday, your wedding DVD will be the same.
Fifty years from now, will technology have advanced so little that today’s DVD will still be playable? I sincerely doubt it. Fifty years from now, will your grandchildren be able to look at a photo in an album? YES.
Sorry these folks jumped on your previous post.
Video is not a huge priority for me. Quite honestly the main reason I want video of some portions of the ceremony is to make a flip-book of the footage of our first kiss or jumping the broom or some other pivotal moment.
I don’t think it’s “become” a minor part of weddings — videography hasn’t yet become a Major part of regular people’s weddings. Face it, the videography folks cater to the people with an extra two, three grand to throw around on them. If your bank account isn’t limitless, you must go with an affordable solution.
Wow! I totally thought I was the only one who didn’t really prioritize Videography. Good to know. As far as those posts on the other board… yeah, they totally sound bitter. hahaha!!!!
WOW, those people have high opinions of themselves. Complaining about their customers? (love that customer service!) Whining about being ignored? (like the bride and groom have nothing better to do than chat up the videographer!) Threatening to leave the video biz b/c no one appreciates them? Go ahead!!
I agree will the above, you don’t have to defend yourself to them! We are not hiring a videographer for our wedding and have been to plenty of weddings without and those with were cheesy “say hi” for the bride and groom, “try to not look into the camera” type of videos. Do what you want, no pressure!!
If anything, I think that they have done a disservice to themselves by having negative things to say about a bride who posted their thoughts about HER own wedding. I wouldn’t care if he was just mouthing off but he posted the link to your blog! Not cool in my books. I would think twice about working with someone like that.
It’s your money and your vision and I think that whatever you do will look beautiful!
you know, honestly i don’t care too much about seeing my grandparents’ weddings so that argument wouldn’t fly for me. but i do want video and am trying to fit it into my budget. but i don’t remember any of my friends having videographers except one and that’s only because i saw her video…i totally forgot they were there [even though i now remember standing next to the camera at the rehersal and ceremony]…but even her vid was a little cheesy. i didn’t like it.
but the fact is that videoagraphy is almost always one of the first things to go when you’re making a budget. that’s just reality.
Instead of whining that you’re not convinced you need a videographer, they should (professionally) try to convince you, and thereby all the other naysayers out there.
If they really wanted your business, they would start off by saying that they know it’s an expense that’s typically unbudgeted for, but here are x number of ways they can help offset that cost. Give you some concrete persuasion instead of bashing you behind your back. Then, when you hire them and love their work, you refer them to more people than their advertising could reach (since, you know, you’ve got a whole fanbase of wedding readers eager to hear everything you have to say!)
I’ll be the first to say I don’t have $3k to spend on videography (or $2k for the ceremony alone - what a rip-off!) My catering isn’t going to cost $3k, and that’s for 130 guests, a full meal of DAMN good food, a champagne toast AND all of the service for the night!! Show me how videography fits into my budget and then we’ll talk.
The thing I hate about services like that is there’s not really a benchmark for what to charge. So these “experts” slap a price on it, hype it up to be this luxury that only the high-class can have (I mean really, if EVERYONE had it, would you still want it?) and then whine when they can’t sucker in those of us (like myself) who are paying for every penny of our weddings through our blood, sweat and tears.
Even if a videographer taped 6 hours of wedding-day coverage and spent an entire 24 hours (not necessarily all at once) editing that footage, that still comes out to $100/hr! Ladies let’s see a show of hands - how many of us make $100/hr? I know I certainly don’t.
It is true, a lot wedding videography is cheesy and lame. Want to know what else is lame? People giving you crap for making that comment. Your priorities are your priorities. If videography isn’t one of them why would anyone care? Oh yeah, the only ones who would care are the ones who stand to make money from you and people like you.
it’s YOUR wedding and you can hire a clown to make balloon animals for 2k if you wanted to! don’t even let their comments get to you — just a bunch of whiners
Haha! What if your “freaking lights” weren’t there? I’ve done some amateur videography in college (amateur as in shooting with a 2K outfit) and lighting is SO important with anything, photography, film, video, you name it. Sure you can shoot in dim lighting, but it will look like crap. I am not planning to get a video but my FI sort of wants it. We’ll see, doubt I have 2K to blow…rather just buy my own professional video camera with that money
Yeah, don’t let it get to you. Every vendor will feel that their service is of utmost importance, and every bride will see certain wedding aspects as more valuable than others. I know it’s hard not to take it personally when people criticize your blogs — but be confident in your choices and what’s important to you, and don’t let it bother you if others don’t agree. Where would the fun be if every bride prioritized in the same areas?
I personally would have liked a videographer if I could afford it — but it was too low on the priority list to make the cut. Could we shift things around to make it fit? Probably, but we’re happy with how things are now — we have a fantastic photographer and the nicest stationery set we could ask for — things important to me as a designer, and I honestly don’t think we will ever regret how we prioritized and spent the money. A videographer might feel differently, but I’m not one of them!
I’m sorry to hear that - that’s crazy!! As someone who takes other people’s opinions way too seriously (even people I don’t know!), I know how hard this is, but don’t let it get to you! It’s your wedding.
Well, take all the advice for what it’s worth. For or against videography is up to the individual - just as having a certain number of bridesmaids or just your one best friend as your maid of honor. It’s a choice - but like photography, video will be a record of the day as it unfolded, and having both photos and video of the vows if nothing else is important for so many reasons. Ignore those ‘university’ people! Post away, that’s what this is for!
Stand by your opinion. You owe nobody an apology for your decisions and perspectives RE your own wedding.
the power of the internet! all vendors need to be careful about appearing negative about potential clients on the web. web blogs are not private diaries. i’m sure there are plenty of talented artists that would have a better attitude about it (or at least have the savvy of not putting it out on the web). customer service is really important in this industry. shame on them.
That was such a mistake for them to do that! I mean Daniel did great work but after seeing what he wrote in that forum I’m staying well away from that type of attitude.
Don’t worry about what they wrote too much, it’s your wedding, your money and you are entitled to spend it how you like.
Miss Emerald,
First let me throw out there that I am a wedding videographer. I am also a videographer that frequents that “other” board that you saw that comment on. Let me make it super clear that I was not the one that posted on there about your comments here, and that I am a dialy reader of weddingbee to try to stay current with trends in the wedding market and get to know the ins and outs of planning from who better than the brides themselves. I very very rarely post here, but thought this may be a good time to do so.
Ok, with that said. I am so sorry that you saw that other post. I will speak only for myself when I say it is easy to get discouraged when the job you love to do isn’t seen as super important to every bride you meet. I know that sounds stupid and unrealistic, but I for one, really love what I do, and I love the product I provide for brides that want it. I wish everyone could afford me, and for a long time had my prices so low I couldn’t even afford to pay myself…at all! Actually, even now I rarely take a check, just to be able to open up my services to a broader crowd of brides. I guess my point is to take it all with a heap of salt. I’m sure it was never meant for you to see, and was never meant to be personal. It was just kind of venting I would imagine, just like many bee’s do here in the inner sanctum of this blog.
Please don’t let it bother you, just like us videographers shouldn’t let comments like yours bother us.
I think photographs worked just fine for so long… I’m not having a videographer. They charge too much, I think. And that’s all there is to it as far as I’m concerned, no matter what anyone else has to say… It’s MY wedding/reception, after all.
i had zero desire to have a videographer at our wedding. in fact, our photographers told us that in the past four years they’ve been shooting, they’ve only had ONE wedding with a videographer. For us, the reason we didn’t have a videographer was that we figured our great, greaet grandkids would haev a far better chance at viewing our wedding photos than our video. Photography is a medium we were willing to splurge on for its timeless nature. We also figured we’d look at our photos far more than watching the videos over the next few decades of our lives.
I can’t believe other people are making you feel bad (not directly, but still, you saw what they wrote an feel bad) about a PERSONAL DECISION. I’m not having a videographer at my wedding because I’m not the kind of person to sit down and watch a wedding video, and I am *GASP* spending the money on lighting instead, because I think it will have a bigger overall impact on the day than a video for which I pay a small fortune and is then viewed maybe twice in my lifetime. You should get what YOU want!
I agree with Mrs. Bee. They never thought you were going to read their board. I wouldn’t take it so personally. I’m sure they read this entry and realized that they need to be more careful when posting their opinions.
miss emerald…
i think you may be slightly over reacting on their comments. just like how all these brides talk about how overpriced those videographers are…they were joking around about “Who is going to remember her freaking lights???” just like you probably didnt mean for them to read your board, they probably didnt mean for you to read theirs.
I’m a video producer who posts on the board where your original post was mentioned. I read the post, and completely understood where the original poster was coming from. He was expressing frustration in trying to run a business where, even when considered to be exceptionally talented, your services are undervalued or deemed unimportant. That’s it. When he wrote “who’s going to remember the lights?” it wasn’t a personal slight. He didn’t send it directly to you and I doubt his intention was to hurt you in some way. He was just frustrated…
… and he has reason to be when you read the replies of other folks here. Many people say “video is not important.” And others say “They overcharge,” then do simple math to calculate $100/hr without ever giving thought to what actually goes into producing a video.
6 hours of coverage / 24 hours of editing, $3000 video = 100/hr according to the poster above, which would be great if ANY of those numbers were accurate and there were no additional costs of doing business.
For me, 6 hours of coverage means 8 hours of work, since setup and breakdown isn’t counted in your COVERAGE. I run with multiple cameras and have a second shooter, meaning 6 coverage hours = 16 man hours of shooting. 24 hours editing may or may not be accurate depending on the vendor. For me, it’s pretty close.
Still, that’s 40 hours of work, and that doesn’t include time spent capturing and logging your footage which is 1:1, meaning for every hour of footage shot, I spend an hour loading and logging that footage… add 16 hours and we’re at 56 total… but who pays for the $15-20,000 worth of camera equipment I bring to your wedding? Who pays to service it and make sure it functions properly before an event? How do I book clients? I pay for advertising… and it’s expensive. Who pays for that? I’m self employed, so who pays my health insurance at $700/month? Who pays my extra FICA taxes which you don’t see on your paystub, since your employer matches it for you? Who pays the insurance for all of my equipment? Who pays for the editing workstations I edit on when I go back to my office and hammer out that 24 hours of editing? Who pays the rent for my office space? Who pays the utilites? How about my server fees for the website where I host your highlights clip? Who pays for all of that? The answer is me, the business owner. I pay for it all… so $100 per hour isn’t anywhere CLOSE to $100 per hour.
If you don’t value videography, that’s fine. It’s your choice. You have a budget, and you have to make tough decisions. It just kills me to see people act like wedding videographers are getting rich off their wedding. It’s a grind… which is why I prefer to do corporate work whenever possible.
The guy was frustrated. He stated it in what he believed to be a pretty private community. Really, no reason to rake him (or anyone else) over the coles, as the replies to your post have.
Posts that read “people giving you crap over your decision” miss the point. Someone privately expresses frustration, which you essentially eavesdropped on. No malice aforethought.
Mrs Bee is exactly right. I posted it not to attack you personally. If you look at the title, that explains it completely. Your mindset is common and we as videographers are frustrated by it and have every right in the world to publicly vent our frustrations amongst ourselves about it. We believe that videography is misunderstood and that many people don’t correctly see the short and long term value of it. That forum is our place to talk about it amongst ourselves and discuss ways to change that mindset.
That video guy said it took 2 weeks to make that beautiful video. Do you guys really think you can just buy a camera and the video will edit itself?:)
I will say that we didn’t hire a videographer and we regret it so much. We even wrote down our own memories of the day as soon as we could, but by then we still forgot most of it. All the lighting, flowers,etc only lasted one day. Our photos are great but I cant hear my brother choking up in his speech, or see the feel of the day like you can see it in that video. I would gladly pay 2k if I could go back.
It has been a year and I bet none of my guests could tell you what my expensive centerpieces looked like. They just rememeber having a great time, and i wish I had video of them having a great time!
I was just at my friend’s wedding and her videographers ( I noticed becuz I was jealous that she had them) worked so hard all day, I dont even think they ate. All to preserve the memories of how every penny was spent. She now can look back anytime she wants and watch her husband cry when he hugged his dying grandfather. And I know the photographers didn’t get it because they were setting up portraits!
It does seem like a lot of money now, trust me I know. But even if you have 2000 photos, those are just miliseconds of your day. The video IS your day!
wow… and he’s still going… i too thought his work was magnificent, but the sheer nerve of him to still attack in further comments in his board shows how truly unprofessional he is. i love how he linked his company on his post above too. i know where NOT to go now… thanks.
No one has ever attacked you. You need to lighten up.
And I am not too worried about losing the “business” that you had no intention of ever giving me or any other videographer.
Daniel -
I am disappointed in your comments here and on the videography forums. Our brides have raved about your amazing work. I understand the frustrations of you and your fellow wedding videographers, and I learned a lot today about your perspective.
That said, I think it is going to take some time for brides to learn to value videography. I’m sure that day will come to pass… but in the meantime, I’m not sure you’ve been well served by some of your comments here.
All the best,
Mrs. Bee
PS. I think we will be writing a follow-up post on this tomorrow.
wow. for real? actually, i indeed DO plan on hiring a videographer and have always thought that they would be of value. i wasn’t insinuating that you were attacking ME in that post (unless you seriously think i’m miss emerald which i guarantee you i am not)… and well… just wow is all i can say! no more really needs to be said.
“Charging too much” is completely relative — it’s not necessarily a statement that you’re getting rich off of shooting weddings, it could just mean that you’re charging too much for her particular budget.
And just for future interactions with your customers and potential customers — talking of how Miss Emerald’s mindset is common and discussing ways to change that mindset makes me feel like you’re trying to manipulate us into using you. It’s one thing to try to show brides (and grooms — seriously, last time I checked there are two people involved) that videography can be invaluable in preserving memories of the day; it’s another to act like it’s an attitude that brides need to overcome. My fiance and I are both quite content with our decision not to hire a videographer (it’s just not something we value), and don’t see any reason to overcome that.
Also, please remember that the internet is public. No one was eavesdropping, and the way that a lot of people were posting was a complete turn-off. Please don’t shift blame to us.
wow. this was definitely interesting.
i had a videographer. i hired a video/photo package, but prior to hiring them, i was still looking for a separate videographer. i love my video and the way it came out, and i definitely think it was worth the money. that was my decision and i’m happy with it.
at the end of the day, miss emerald, you do what you want. because i also spent about 500 bucks on lighting and i couldnt have been happier with the way it made my pictures come out. yes, lighting does affect pictures and video! who knew? =) and it REALLy added to the entire ambience of the venue. i loved it.
however, i completely understand that videographers may be upset that their services get pushed to the bottom of some brides’ priority lists. they do a lot of work, and yes, they should feel that their work is important. i’m sure anyone would feel upset if you were told that your work isnt important. that’s just human nature.
if many brides have not seen how great a videographer can be, then that’s a shame, because many of them do great work and really capture the tender moments throughout the day. there were moments caught on my video that were not in the pictures and i’m so glad that i had one.
what i do not agree with, is that this particular videographer used your blog to vent about his feelings in a public forum. yes, his forum is one that caters to videographers so maybe he felt that it was a personal place to vent. however, it is still a *public* forum and we brides have just as much right to be there to check out their thoughts, as much as they are here checking out ours. i do think it was a very unwise move on his part, because now, brides who read wb will not book him based on his attitude.
which is a real shame, because his work is actually really amazing. it is very expensive (as mentioned above) to run your own business. so why bite it when free publicity is given? that’s no way to run a business! i am all for venting, i really am. but dont do it about a person who just praised your work. if you want to vent about the general attitude of brides, fine. but dont link someone’s personal site and use them as an example, especially when that person thinks highly of you.
its really a shame, because i really did like his video.
Wow…lots of drama…I actually had something really similar happen to me with a photographer and it was a deciding factor for me on why I DIDN’T hire somebody. I also felt somewhat violated and the e-mails I got from the vendor were so unprofessional IMO b/c even though they were nice to me they were belittling other brides who didn’t recognize the “value” of his services. Instead of just showing me all the reasons why his services were valuable and how talented he was he chose to blame others for their lack of appreciation. Major turn-off. I hired someone in the same price range but with better customer service skills.
I’m sure if we had some lighting people here they could weigh in on why their services are super valuable too - they are all valuable services, it just depends on what your priorities are.
What comments are you specifically disappointed with Mrs. Bee? Be specific. What did i say that was so wrong?
On the other hand, she has called me unprofessional and accused me of using this forum in a spurious manner to get more business . ( i just put my website in when i signed up having no clue it automatically gets linked with my name when i post!)
I have done absolutely nothing wrong at all but a little harmless venting about the state of videography in general amongst other videographers.
i know i said that i wouldn’t say anymore, but i feel like i should clarify that it was not my intention to say that he was “using this forum in a spurious manner to get more business.” that thought honestly never occurred to me and i honestly apologize if that is how it sounded.
my comment was merely referencing the later comment on his forum even after all the drama that his original post has already stirred… but enough of that. let’s get back to being the happy weddingbee community we were before.
I think people are overreacting a bit to Daniel’s original post. He didn’t say anything bad about “Miss Emerald” - he just said it’s frustrating to run a business where you’re a low priority for someone even when they are emotionally moved by your work.
I can understand being a bit miffed about having someone discuss your wedding plans on another message board, for sure. I can’t understand people thinking it’s a personal attack though, given the location and context of the original post. In a community of videographers (Daniel’s peers) he expressed frustration that his services are deemed less important than lights. What’s so wrong about that?
I just don’t see why all the replies have bashed the guy. It clearly wasn’t meant to be hurtful.
That last comment you are talking about was just me pointing out the irony that we both found out about each other from checking our website traffic.
With all due respect, Miss Emerald, I do believe you need to get a thicker skin. The videographers are entitled to their opinions, and you are entitled to yours. Agree to disagree, and be done with it.
Thats exactly it Dan. Thanks for expressing it for me. I personally think that (quality) videography should be a higher priority than lights because of its long term value. However, as I said in reponse in the other forum, I am not denegrating anyone’s rights to have their own priorities for their own wedding. I made that VERY clear on the other forum yet people are leaving that out here.
But they shouldn’t be surprised at all when we disagree with those priorities. I appreciate very much her comments about my work and am flattered by them.
But the very thing that makes me a good videographer– sincere passion for what i do—is what they are misinterpreting as attacking people personally.
happy weddingbee community? i know this is a public forum for brides to give different opinions and options, but mrs. bee…maybe you should start screening the bees more or at least the posts. i used to love this site but these days, there seems to be so much complaining and drama both with the bees and the readers. i would really hate to see this becoming like theknot.
btw. what ever happened to miss broccoli?
dually noted. i apologize for having jumped to conclusions. it looks like there has been a lot of miscommunication and hurt feelings… and regardless of who was “wrong” or “right”, we’re all adults here… and i’m sure at the end of the day, no one really wants to hurt another person. intentions are hard to gauge in print and that is a lesson that i definitely learned tonight. daniel, i apologize if i have offended you. i also apologize to miss emerald that this whole situation had to ensue in the first place, because obviously her feelings were unnecessarily hurt too. keep smiling and posting girl. i look forward to reading them every day!
Thank you for your post. I too apologize for comments that could be construed as disrespectful towards you.
I honestly don’t think it was either of our intentions to be mean or rude
I am a firm believer that all things can turn to good and this may lead to better understanding for both sides of the other persons position.
For me personally, I have received so much attention from Tim & Rheas post on this site, that Apple shut my site down temporarily from so many downloads. I have also received 35-40 inquiries in the last few days because of it and have secured at least 3 jobs so i am very grateful for a community like this and don’t take it for granted.
And yes, I will watch what I post in the future on VU.
Good luck to you and the rest of the “bees”
Daniel It’s like a personal attack when you actually link someone’s blog post rather than just starting a thread with your thoughts in general.
BeeReader..I don’t see it that way for reasons already hashed out but regardless I apologized and deleted the posts.
Video can be a very lovely way of remembering your day, just like photography, but in trade-off for some of the artistry you get with still images, you get motion and sound. Very nice. And if you can afford the high quality stuff, very very nice.
But lets keep some perspective- no video is going to capture your entire day. It’ll capture some, hopefully most of the important parts, but not all. And if it captures too much you’ll be bored out of your mind watching it anyways. Do you really want to watch a 6 hour video production? No, you’ll just have to be content with having lived it. And remember as much as you can. And when those memories fade look at the amazing person you’ve married and realize that it doesn’t matter if you remember which flowers were in your centerpiece.
I’m embarrassed that I’m spending as much as I am on photography, at less than 2k, because I really sincerely hope that I’m too busy and too happy to look at those photos very often. And that I won’t waste too much time trying to remember every detail. I’d like to just be content knowing everyone had a good time and that we’re still really and truly in love. I don’t think we’ll bother with a video.
miss emerald, i read the boards earlier and didn’t get the sense that daniel was attacking you at all. he posted a link to your public blog post to emphasize his frustration with how interest in the wedding videography industry is declining.
i believe that comment about the lighting was made in jest. i recall there being a smiley after it. it is his industry, his passion and his livelihood…. why would he not defend it and prefer it over something like lighting? just as you are entitled to your opinions and priorities, he is as well.
Ms Mouse.
I am very happily in love with my husband, more than on the day I married him.
This blog is about videography and some people are saying it is not worth the price. (It might be relative, but someone called it a rip off, which might be unfair)
I was trying to point out that after the fact, when the memories start to fade, it turns into something priceless , especially when edited as nice as Daniel did.
I realize it is not the whole day, and I wouldn’t want to watch my WHOLE day!!! It is an edited version of it , just like a movie.
And I wouldn’t sit around watching it everyday!!But I wouldn’t mind having something to look back on years from now to jog all my own memories of the day I married the one I love.
The point wasn’t to remember the centerpiece if you read my comment correctly…
It can be really embaressing to hear people talking about you, isn’t it? (I’ve been there). And I am a person who always takes stuff like that to heart, so I totally feel you!!!
But I really don’t think they meant to personally attack you. I read the posts on their message board, and I just got a sense that there’s as lot of frustrated videographers who feel undervalued, and your post just kind of confirmed what they were feeling.
Brides vent about all kinds of things on this site, and I think they felt safe venting about their frustration on thiers. It’s unfortunate that you guys found each otehr.
Quite frankly, I am not having a videographer at my wedding. No offense to videographers at all, as I have quite a number of friends who do that for a living, but I personally have never found anyone’s wedding video interesting. People can say that I would feel differently about my own wedding. But unless it’s a feature length movie complete with car chases and plot twists, I doubt I will have the patience to sit and watch a video of my wedding. I just know that about myself. Other people like it - that’s totally fine. But each person has their own priorities on what they must have on the day of.
I say all of this this, because if you know this about yourself, then don’t let what those people say get to you. It’s your wedding dammit. Who the hell cares what people think or feel. If lighting is important to you, then by golly it’s no one else’s business.
Mind you, he is entitled to share his option on his own site. And I do respect that.
But I’m just trying to reinforce - don’t let someone whose opinion ultimately doesn’t really matter affect how you feel about your decisions. It’s between you, your hubby to be and whoever holds the checkbook.
From reading both posts - I don’t feel that either Miss Emerald or Daniel were wrong and as Jen said, it is unfortunate that the two of you found each other.
Weddingbee is a happy place to be so with apologizes exchanged - let’s move on to happier times.
Dan,
I know I was hasty in estimating the amount of work that goes into videography, and I appreciate your more thorough breakdown. I’m still not convinced that it’s worth the cost of paying for things like your independent office (my photographer works from home and saves tons on not having to pay twice the rent and utilities) and decision to work free-lance as opposed to in a company, but those are your personal decisions and just because I can’t justify them doesn’t mean it’s wrong. If you can do what you’re doing and make it work, good for you.
That said, for those of you with the budget to hire a videographer, congratulations, I’m jealous. Those who aren’t interested, good for you for being able to make a decision regarding priorities. Those who would like to do it but can’t afford it, think about getting a friend to use your own video camera, like we are. After all, the home movie route may not be as “polished” as the professionally edited version, but it will still function in capturing those “moments” that everyone fears the photographers will be blind to. If it really is just about the memories and showing future generations, and not about the artistic value, then save the money.
I never gave much thought to videography until after two instances. 1) watching the amazing video one of my girlfriends had of her wedding and 2) watching my niece beg to watch Mommy and Daddy’s wedding day on the TV again. She can’t get enough of it- how cute is that?
I have decided I definitly want a videographer, now!
I’d still hire Daniel if I could afford him! Besides, he apologized and honestly, I do not think he said anything worth this type of ire.
it’s pretty awesome that everyone apologized to each other, and tried to see each other’s perspectives. we can hash this out in a constructive, amicable manner. we do have a wonderful, thoughtful community here!
I would just like to help out on a couple points here for everyone who is considering how they will remember their day.
No media goes out of date or is unable to be used (or seen) if someone remembers to have it updated to new media.!
It doesn’t cost much to transfer to dvd. Photo restoration which could cost a lot but can be done too, so copy them now and get them on disc too. Hopefully everyone is copying precious photographs and videos. I’ve fixed a couple of old important photos and it’s very time consuming to rebuild a photo due to mildew, fading, tears, scratches, aging, acid browning, etc. My own wedding photos were beautiful when I got them, now they look horrible, dull and the colors are funny. I hope to have the time to restore them someday, but I’m too busy working on capturing new images.
Does anyone have super 8 film, digital 8 or vhs sitting around with precious home movies on it? Get it transfered now. I just transfered a HS state baseball game from about 25 years ago and the tape barely worked, it was a battle and the footage is damaged. Transfer!
Just write yourself a yearly memo on your calendar every year. Do I need to transfer my memories now?
All media has a shelf life so please remember to have your precious memories (however you choose to capture them) preserved on the latest media when it comes out, photos included. Also, make copies and have them in
a safe box and with family. Moving damage, fire, moisture/water, unsupervised children and forgetful adults are our precious memories worst enemies.
Also, I’d like to add that quality videographers are miles apart from what most people have seen. While the concept of movies are almost as old as photography, the art form of capturing special events professionally has just burgened in last several years. The talent and investment of time and equipment is extensive when done right. Do your homework when choosing who captures your memories and you won’t be sorry. No two videographers or photographers are created equally.
Congrats to everyone and wishes for lots of happy memories!
Hey, did they delete the post on the videographer board? I tried to get to it and couldn’t.
I know this issue is technically over and resolved and everyone’s happy - but I just can’t resist commenting on who I will NOT be using as a videographer.
Hi. I’m one of the moderators of the video forum in question. Yes, the controversial thread has been taken down.
I’m sorry our member’s post caused such a stir, and glad to see that the misunderstanding’s been straightened out.
I encourage brides to continue to visit our forum, though…it can give you interesting insights into some of the challenges we videographers face. More, there are often links to clips from outstanding videographers…ones that their own peers think are a cut above the rest.
hotgirlbride- I think you may have misinterpreted what I meant. I just wanted to reassure people that even if you can’t afford a video, or your memories fade, it’s okay as long as you have what actually matters. I certainly wasn’t directing it at you, just jumping off of the idea (which is everywhere) that somehow if we don’t have a perfect record of the day that you’ve lost something. That might be true, but only to a point.
I’m really sorry that I wasn’t clear enough and that it upset you. I’m sure you love your hubby lots.
I would just like to add (and it somewhat has been) that not everyone can afford all the things they would like to have for their wedding. I’ve had several friends get married the past two years, and they have had very small weddings (no video, no dj, no dancing, etc. One didn’t even provide any food other than the cake and punch b/c they are poor college students who paid for their own wedding while still in school and had a short afternoon wedding in a park.)
While I would like to have these things, I have seen from my friends that you can’t always have everything you want. I would love to have an extravagant wedding, but probably won’t be able to afford all the extras (anything more than bride, groom & officiant, technically speaking) that I have in my overall ‘vision’ for my wedding.
For most brides, there is a budget, and that means you have to have priorities and make cuts, even if you wish you didn’t have to. (ei: I got the dress of my dreams for a decent price, but i’m not too concerned about the cake b/c honestly I’m not a cake fan. We are considering not having a cake. I’ve seen some gorgeous cakes out there, but it’s just not my thing. Maybe we’ll have a giant wedding brownie, hehe!)
I read a comment on a site the other day where someone was speaking down one several lines of bridal gowns saying they were cheap and poorly made. (lines costing around $1000-3000, a price range that includes the price of my gown.) I felt that comment was not justified b/c many people out there can’t even afford that much on something that is supposed to be one of the most important days of their life. We can’t all afford Vera Wang gowns. And we can’t all afford wonderful videos. I personally would love to have a video of my wedding. But I’m also an artist at heart and would rather have no video than one that wasn’t made well.
My fiance and I haven’t fully discussed having a videographer, but honestly we probably won’t be able to afford the quality we would like to have. (My father does video editing for a living for major companies and does beautiful work, but obviously he has other important things to be doing that day.
I think the main reason photography wins out in the budget over videography is that photography is much easier to share. Esp with technology. We can print photos to give to people we see, make enlargements, change to b&w, frame them and put them on the wall, send to relatives that couldn’t make it… those aren’t things you normally do with videos. You don’t hand someone at work a complete copy of your wedding day on disk, you pull a pic or two out of your purse, show them, and move on with the day. It would be lovely to show your children a video of your day.. or your grandchildren. But to each their own.
And isn’t that the bottom line? Individuality. Every person is different, every bride is different and every wedding is different. That’s what makes our own wedding so special, b/c it is ours, our vision (what we can afford of it) for our special day. And we hope to hire vendors who can help us fulfill that vision.
I also want to add that I think it’s great that apologies went all around. I don’t think anyone intentionally wanted to offend anyone else.
Thea you said:”I think the main reason photography wins out in the budget over videography is that photography is much easier to share. Esp with technology. We can print photos to give to people we see, make enlargements, change to b&w, frame them and put them on the wall, send to relatives that couldn’t make it… those aren’t things you normally do with videos. You don’t hand someone at work a complete copy of your wedding day on disk, you pull a pic or two out of your purse, show them, and move on with the day. It would be lovely to show your children a video of your day.. or your grandchildren. But to each their own.”
Well yes and no Thea.
I believe the real reason that photography is often rated above videography is tradition, not technology. It has been traditionally much more accessable than videography and for a long time, yes, much easier to share. That is changing dramatically. Also, videography’s place on the buget is changing. I have repeat families now that book me before they know where the kids are getting married and as far as two years in advance!
Videographers now have the technology in their hands to share your wedding with everyone who can look at a computer. Have you seen a wedding movie trailer? They are sort of like a hollywood movie trailer that shows what is to come on dvd. Or perhaps you have seen a highlights video on a wedding web page that the videographer puts up? This can be seen by family and friends around the world. Last year we posted one that was seen by lots of members of a Canadian family that couldn’t make it to the wedding and they were so greatful that was available. Plus many videographers offer highlights thank you or share you moments videos at a reasonable price. Then there are mp4’s for your phone or iPod. There is just so much you can do with it.
I hope you don’t have to do without a quality video. Have you shopped around a little? Sometimes too, if you are on a tight budget, you can find a burgeoning artist at a good price.
Photography is a wonderful medium for capture and just like video it takes talent (which can cost you more) to be able to give you a quality product.
You are very right though, a persons priorites are their own and that is the way it should be. Finding vendors to help fill that vision is important as you said. I hope you are able to find someone to capture your wedding that suits your budget, you would probably be surprised at how affordable it is and even more surprised at how thankful you will be when you see it again 10 years down the road.
As far as I am concerned every bride I film is beautiful on her wedding day, every groom handsome. I cried the last Saturday in March when an ailing grandfather left his walker behind to dance with his granddaughter, so I’m kind of mushy that way. To me, that is the good stuff.
May all of your wedding moments be “the good stuff”!
Don’t forget Same Day Edits Mrs . Video. Nothing can compete with a powerful highlight of the prep and ceremony that is shown at the reception on a big screen.
That is the type of sharing with your guests that no slideshow, photo album etc can compete with.
Mrs. Video- I have seen videos of other’s weddings online, most recently tim & rheas. (lovely, btw) And i’m not anywhere near far enough along in my planning to be hiring anyone yet, haha, so we’ll see. (planning is on hiatus til we set a date. and pick a state to get married in, haha. we are from different states and living in a third state while fiance finishes school. so no active planning, just gathering ideas at the moment. we’ll get there eventually.) And thanks, I hope I’m able to have a quality videographer too.
And i do realize that videography has become more available and ’shareable’, and it’s almost to the shareableness (completely not a word, but oh well) of photography. However, I was only speaking from my personal experience since my great grandparents are among those who never even got a computer, let alone internet. So I completely understand the traditional point there as I know they are more likely to see photos than video. Tho for most people, seeing a video online is much more feasible than for my great grandparents. (That’s so sweet that that grandfather left his walker to dance and that u teared up. Moments like that and the fact that relatives like my great grandparents won’t be around forever are why I would love to have video, to capture their voices and facial expressions and dances. And those little things are what makes weddings worth it.) And tho you can upload to a more portable device (ei: laptop, ipod, etc.) not everyone has these things just yet. But no worries, things have definitely picked up for video in recent years. And I think the younger generations that are more aware of the advances and availability of technology will continue to further it’s use.
And may all the weddings you film be full of mushy good stuff. (and possibly a kenny chesney song [the good stuff], haha.. or brad paisley’s ‘little moments )
oh, and ms. mouse, ur engedding ring is so pretty! engedding.. haha.. that sounds like such a funny word.. like, the engeddingsburg address or something.. (i’m weird, i know.. )
Daniel is right, wedding day edits are so cool. They let everyone see the highlights of the day that have flown by, right that evening!
Thea you are right, not everyone has those devices. However, for all of you out there who have loved ones far away or in care facilites please remember to ask your videographer how you can share your wedding video. Nursing centers, hosptials, group homes, assisted living centers all have dvd players and would absolutely love to have your highlights video or even full wedding to share with your loved ones and their friends. Portable dvd players are as low as a $100 dollars so that is an option. Also dvd players are as low as $35 so you could easily buy one and have someone near by hook it up for greatgrand parents or better yet, go visit them. It’s highly portable.
If any one has questions about what to expect from a videographer or would like some insight on how to search for one I would be pleased to assist. Otherwise I’ll sign off and let you brides to bee to your buzzing!
Have fun designing your day. I’ve been married 23 years and am looking forward to alot more!
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Mrs. Emerald, Chicago
Age and Occupation: 26, Wedding Planner
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Paralegal
Engagement Date: October 8, 2006
Wedding Date: September 2007
Blogging Since: November 29, 2006
Venue: Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook IL
About Me: I have been dreaming about my wedding forever, and flipping through bridal magazines since high school, so I am in my element! I am calling our theme "Vintage Inspired French/Asian Fusion." Mr. Emerald is very involved in the planning process, but of course he generally defers to me cuz I have a strong opinion of how I want everything to be :-).
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