https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/431934_10151466042453772_1856835985_n.jpg

After seeing that AND the wedding I did today, I am convinced 110% my decision to retire from weddings as of this year was the smartest decision I've made in a long time.
Imagine going out and getting 2 cell phones just to be able to shoot a wedding. I want to get rid of my 1 cell phone! Ohhhh I sound like a grumpy old man, ;-0

Don't leave me Don!

After seeing that AND the wedding I did today, I am convinced 110% my decision to retire from weddings as of this year was the smartest decision I've made in a long time.
Imagine going out and getting 2 cell phones just to be able to shoot a wedding. I want to get rid of my 1 cell phone! Ohhhh I sound like a grumpy old man, ;-0

As long as people are materialistic, the need for videographers shall remain.

People want to show they've spent money on their wedding, and what better way to show this by having a guy turn up with a big camera.

But I do agree, smart phones and consumer cameras can provide top quality footage if they are handled by the right person.

But will that ever happen? which brother, sister, cousin, relative or any family or friend wants to attend the wedding to WORK ... when they can kick back and enjoy themselves and have a paid professional do the job. It doesn't make sense.

What I do know is the need to provide top quality work has increased more than before ... you can't get away providing poor footage especially if another enthusiastic party at the event manages to capture something better than the paid professional.

At least they aren't shooting vertical video!

FYI, the picture is from a smartphone test, but I figured it was a matter of time before we see smartphones on tripods. Especially after the weddings I've had recently where people just have the need to stick their phones in front of my cameras. I'm still debating on how best to deal with it. It's very tacky.

That's why I am getting that iPhone sized BM pocket camera, slap on the 12-35 Panny on it and blend in with them. Can't beat em'. join them. But the difference is when the couple see the quality on the large screen on blu ray, the full day capturing of events that no invited guest has time for, the pristine audio quality and the polished edited look. See if uncle harry do that !

That's why I am getting that iPhone sized BM pocket camera, slap on the 12-35 Panny on it and blend in with them. Can't beat em'. join them. But the difference is when the couple see the quality on the large screen on blu ray, the full day capturing of events that no invited guest has time for, the pristine audio quality and the polished edited look. See if uncle harry do that

LOL, summed it up nicely to be fair!

Having seen and edited video footage done by those not familiar with filming, I can't say I'm worried about the competition just yet. What they need isn't a phone, but a camcorder that gives them basic instructions like "Stop fiddling with the zoom button", "don't pan too fast" and "don't go for close-ups of people's noses".

Having seen and edited video footage done by those not familiar with filming, I can't say I'm worried about the competition just yet. What they need isn't a phone, but a camcorder that gives them basic instructions like "Stop fiddling with the zoom button", "don't pan too fast" and "don't go for close-ups of people's noses".

Wait, I'm not supposed to fiddle with the zoom or shoot peoples noses? What am I going to shoot then? lol

But I do agree, smart phones and consumer cameras can provide top quality footage if they are handled by the right person. But will that ever happen?

It's been happening for some time now. Everyone sticks their smartphone into the aisle as the bride approaches, and everyone always crowds around the cake cutting to get their shot.

This is classic

It's been happening for some time now. Everyone sticks their smartphone into the aisle as the bride approaches, and everyone always crowds around the cake cutting to get their shot.

Annoying to say the least ...

Thing is though, as long as you state in your contract its the clients responsibility if any shots get messed up due to interruption from guests or the enthusiastic uncles with their handycams, they can't really whinge about it later.

Annoying to say the least ...

Thing is though, as long as you state in your contract its the clients responsibility if any shots get messed up due to interruption from guests or the enthusiastic uncles with their handycams, they can't really whinge about it later.

Yep, that line in my agreement is something that always gets questions. Now I have a good example of why.

It's funny because on the DJ side of things, there is always a very similar discussion, but regarding iPods: both from guests who want you to play their music over your sound system; OR bride's just using an iPod instead of a DJ. 15 years ago, for DJs, it was Napster and burned CDs...

It's exactly why it's important to have a clear unique selling proposition to get business in the first place, and in this case, quality will insulate you better than price because cheap competes against Uncle Bob. Plus it's always better to charge more and work less (... if you're worth it.).

At these weddings, we have to figure out how to dodge these folks (my recent experience was a mom filming the first dance with her iPad, standing about 3 feet away and in low light I can imagine how awesome that was).

We have good luck with our processional shots, so far, being low and centered. This Saturday I'll be trying a raised (8 feet) full frame 14 or 28mm lens from the side aisle going parallel with the bride (though if I don't like the tests, I may have it stationary and let her walk through and then have a follow camera behind her a ways).

Yep, that line in my agreement is something that always gets questions. Now I have a good example of why.

Just done a wedding this weekend an Indian one infact ... chaotic is an understatement. The brides brother (who hired me) told me if any one gets in the way, to basically demand that they move, to raise my voice if I have too !!!

What do you say to that when you've basically been given permission to do what ever it takes to get the shots!?

I read this post and immediately thought of this video!

Vertical Video Syndrome - A PSA - YouTube

As long as people are materialistic, the need for videographers shall remain.

People want to show they've spent money on their wedding, and what better way to show this by having a guy turn up with a big camera.

But I do agree, smart phones and consumer cameras can provide top quality footage if they are handled by the right person.

But will that ever happen? which brother, sister, cousin, relative or any family or friend wants to attend the wedding to WORK ... when they can kick back and enjoy themselves and have a paid professional do the job. It doesn't make sense.

What I do know is the need to provide top quality work has increased more than before ... you can't get away providing poor footage especially if another enthusiastic party at the event manages to capture something better than the paid professional.

This is totally true. Couldn't agree more. Thanks. And whew, what a relief :)

Just done a wedding this weekend an Indian one infact ... chaotic is an understatement. The brides brother (who hired me) told me if any one gets in the way, to basically demand that they move, to raise my voice if I have too !!!

What do you say to that when you've basically been given permission to do what ever it takes to get the shots!?In my experience Indian weddings have the most video friendly guests always happy to move or even call you over for good shots. The first Indian wedding that I filmed as second shooter to an Indian colleague of mine I was amazed when he had us line up three tripods in a row between the guests & the mandap where the ceremony is held. We got great shots but most guests had an obstructed view but nobody complained

In my experience Indian weddings have the most video friendly guests always happy to move or even call you over for good shots. The first Indian wedding that I filmed as second shooter to an Indian colleague of mine I was amazed when he had us line up three tripods in a row between the guests & the mandap where the ceremony is held. We got great shots but most guests had an obstructed view but nobody complained

I make it sound like ALL indian weddings are the same.

It was just this specific family ... the extended family anyway.

I'm not sure why people are worried about the threat to wedding videographers from guest filming, after all good quality still cameras have been around for 150 years and I don't see any shortage of wedding photographers :-)

Roger

Hi, I would like to add my comment to this, I am so busy with weddings, we work every weekend and I see more and more family friends doing the photos (not a professional) and we the videographers are in charge on the day, feels good, now I have done this for just under 10 years now. What I think we need to do is tell couples that there are no phone and video taping during the ceremony. (We do it at dance concerts) Gee it is 20mins, they should put there phones away., sit back and enjoy what's happening. Next, it's time to move to Hd USB drivers and social media, I have had people want the footage uploaded to the net so the family on the other side of the world can download it of watch it on Vimeo. Last we are now looking at live streaming , lets see the dslr boys try streaming a ceremony live, at least with a real professional camera that can be done., Real Wedding videographers are here to stay!!!!!'

Hi Rob

Already happens over here. At our main Anglican Cathedral the priest announces that there is an official videographer and photographer during the services so guests can put away they cameras as pics/video by guests during the ceremony is forbidden.

It is a step in the right direction!! With one wedding (another Church) we had some wannbe guy with a tripod and Canon 5D actually pushing the photog and myself out of the way to get a prime position...that was until we joined forces and moved him on!!

Let the people who are being paid to do the job, do it ...all celebrants/ priests should actually announce that before the ceremony begins

Chris

What I think we need to do is tell couples that there are no phone and video taping during the ceremony. (We do it at dance concerts)


At our main Anglican Cathedral the priest announces that there is an official videographer and photographer during the services so guests can put away they cameras as pics/video by guests during the ceremony is forbidden.
Chris

Robert, I think the big difference between weddings and concerts is that with concerts you have a strong legal grounding to stand on. You can say "sorry, copyright does not allow it" (of course you can only say this if you yourself are properly licensed through APRA/AMCOS or whatever your regional performance rights licensing body is). Same goes when I get requests from couples to put videos up online - "sorry, I can't license the music for web use so it would be illegal."

With weddings, particularly those in public spaces, you really have no true authority. You can ask the couple to relay your request to guests, but you still have to rely on the guests to have the common courtesy to follow both your requests, and the brides requests.

Of course, as Chris points out, it's a different story in churches where a priest will often request no photos or video be taken. You'd have to be a pretty obnoxious guest to disobey a priest in his own church!

So may me i have something like this read out. (Feel free to re word it)

Please at the request of the Bride and Groom can you not take photographs as the Bridal Party enter and also at the End as they are walking out. They have asked if you can keep the Isle Clear, leaving room for the professional Photographer and Videographer.

I read this post and immediately thought of this video!

Vertical Video Syndrome - A PSA - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt9zSfinwFA)

Ha, thanks I needed that laugh.

I'm so happy I retired from wedding video!