It seems to me that it is emerging that there is not really any definitive national style trend other than the video business is maturing and videos are slowly getting better due to better exchange of information about techniques on sites like this and better equipment. Just like real estate, the business is driven by local market forces and expectations, and no two markets are exactly the same.

There will also always be a high end segment and a low end segment in video.

One financial trend I think I see is that the clients are getting more than ever for the cost they pay. Some of us have a $25,000+ USD equipment overhead, yet only get $3,000 (or much less) for a project. I believe in general, videographers ROI and margins are shrinking or stagnant at best, as the industry is suffering the same as the wedding photography industry. That is, the proliferation of digital cameras and lower equipment costs has a dilution effect on the industry by introducing lots more shooters of both Uncle Bob style and startup companies.

Artistic and cinematic pieces that are well done are a pleasure to watch. To me, a key aspect of being well done is to have a cohesive storyline that ties it together and gives it meaning. I don't appreciate some that I have seen that are just an assortment of video "stunts" thrown onto a timeline. When all the pieces are there including a relevant and moving story, they are very powerful.

For us the best way to keep up with the Uncles and the Craigslist players is to show talent and execution. Without the ability to outshine the amazing gear of the average consumer, we have to show why it's worth it to hire a pro.

I feel like our company needs to put together a pithy promo that explains why as quickly and powerfully as possible. Our demos are great, and potential clients are impressed, but if they forget that feeling and feel the pressure of their budget, they need bullets to remember, and video has the power to make that indelible mark.

Does anyone have a informative video spot to share?

One trend that needs to go is adhd shooting. It's so annoying to watch someone talking on TV and the shooter has to get every strange angle possible trying to be cute. when I talk to someone I don't do that. Can you imagine someone doing that while you're talking to them?

I thought it would be short lived, but then I thought reality tv would be short lived.

Talking about trends, one of the strongest trend I perceive is the "cinematic" look derived from DOF's DLSR cameras.

The point is: previously, people looking for a film look was worried about the 24 fps. Film look has many more issues than this, everybody knows (Gamma, aspect ratio, etc.). And now, everything resumes in DOF. Thats the trend, if you have DOF, as swalower as possible, you rocks, you have a cinematic look.

Yes, I'm being generalist. But, what i want to to point is, cinematic does have much more to do with composition and narrative than tech aspects. It's my point of view, of course.

Thats the reason why I study hard camera work, blocking, use of light and, specially, editing. I belive one can make a film despite the media. If we can lay our hands in good tools, thats nice.

What you think, guys?

Hey Cristian,

Thanks for posting. I agree with what you have to say.

I haven't seen any wedding work from Latin America. What is going on there? Are many wedding videos shot down there?

I'm curious about off-cam lighting. The only time I do this is when I pop my light off to make the diamonds sparkle. Are shooters using stands at the Reception?

@Christian,

It's nice to have you here! I think you're spot on that we can do amazing things with inexpensive gear. That's what it's all about. I'd also love to hear/see what's going on in South America.

Hi Ken.

As one could expect, there's a lot of wedding work in these lands. People love to marry - and this is great! (business, hehe).
The mainstream, in Brazil at last, is the photojournalism aproach. I haven1t seen nothing appeling to a cinematic aproach.

Curently I work as editor of College graduation cerimonies (very boring...), and I'm moving to start my own business next year, focusing wedding cerimonies. That's the reason I'm here, to learn and exchange with great and professional people at this nice forum.

Dana

I think you understood what I think. Despite the gear, knowing the cinemacraft, one can do a beautiful work.

Well, if you guys are curious about what happen in here, I can post some reels. I'm just very busy with my daughter at the moment. Later I can post and discuss market and aesthesits differecies.

See ya!
Cristian

Well is nobody is doing cinematic you can corner the market. Godspeed to you!