I stand corrected...

So last year you were able to hear me rant and rave about how videography needed to step up to the plate if it wanted to be considered as important as photography.... well- now that I am planning my own wedding... I am singing a wee different tune. I have been exposed to some AMAZING videographers over the last couple of months! Their prices are comparable with wedding photography... but then again, so is their product! They have taken their craft to the next level and so I am thrilled to introduce you to them:

1. Simply Cinematic
They are located out of Orlando and do great work. They describe themselves as photo-journalistic, unobtrusive... but with a slightly editorial twist. There are no giant lights in the guests' faces... no staged false memories... just a cleverly edited product that is reflective of the day as it unfolded. I love that they focus so much on all of the little moments that go into the overall celebration. The way the flower girl pouted in the corner, the expression of mom when she is frazzled... a bride that is a little nerveous- I love that each wedding is different and it seems that there is not a set structure of "shots" that they aim to get, rather they let it unfold as it may... BRAVO! (And their trailer sites... shown above are equally cool! photo by Agnes Lopez)

2. Four Seasons Films
This team of videographers is so amazing... they start with arial views of the entire area- they bring all of those elements that went into planning the theme (location, season, climate) and tie them into the wedding itself through an intricately woven video. I love how amazing their shots are, how fluid and grandose their overall execution is. This is a GREAT videographer if you are having a wedding at a resort or a weekend of festivities... their transition and ability to include so many elements in a seamless manor makes them one of my top three.

3. Cinematic Bride
Joshua has taken videography to the next level- I warn you that should you choose to visit his site, you will be there for hours... as each and every trailer and bridal video draws you in closer and closer. These videos do not only tell the day, they connect with their audience and provoke emotion- they aren't a wedding video... they are a cinematic masterpiece! Don't be too overly frightened by the HUGE price tag on the largest package, if you are willing to make way in your budget, there are more modest but equally substancial packages offered- and he'll travel... anywhere!

If I was a video which would I be??

Alright... a few posts back I promised a little number on wedding videography... here it is...

A few weeks ago I posted on Well Spun Wedding Films- my FAVORITE wedding videographer- but within that post, I mentioned that I did not feel that videography was necessary on a modest budget- that an amazing photographer would suffice. My comment inspired one videographer to respond- in the wee small hours of the morning- and spark what became a series of emails throughout the week back and forth, all within the wee small hours of the morning... my insomniac friend and I both plead our cases and found that we generally had the same beliefs.... generally. We both feel as though videography is so important but that the lack of quality within the industry is directly related to the fact that talented videographers must go into a commercial or art sector to find real money- leaving a hand full of sophmoric videographers with little interest in innovating the artform. You see- the talent is out there... but the market is not. Until brides become knowledgeable enough to buy-in the the artform, then there will not be quality products to choose from. A mere decade ago, wedding photography was NOTHING like it is today. We have the choice of digital or film, fashion-forward or photo-journalistic... the options and styles are endless... such COULD be the same with videography.

The first step is understanding that there is more to it then just soft edges and overlapping fades in and out of shots... just as with all vendors there are cheesy dated options and more modern ones as well. You should approach finding your style for videography much like you would choosing a photographer. To help, I have put together a sampling of what kind of bride would like the following videography techniques (and also a list of wonderful videographers below)

First up- my favorite- the vintage Super 8... This is an option that you may want to entertain if you are going for a vintage/casual feel.




Next- a "movie" quality- 16mm... Brides that are looking for a more modern wedding with colors that "POP" will enjoy this option...



And now- a mix of 8mm and 16mm- this is perfect for the bride who is looking to have those little remnents of vintage qualities, while keeping it very modern and NOW... this is the option for the contemporary bride (not too mod, not too vintage)



And now for the big boys (and girls) within the industry.... hand picked and presented to you on a silver platter... enjoy.

Well Spun Wedding Films- Amazing Super 8 quality videography! VERY affordable!Based out of Philly

Bliss Video Production- They do it all- but I especially like their 8mm and 16mm work- you MUST request a demo, if not for anything other than the amazing packaging- they are on the higher end of the budget scale- but as soon as you receive their demo you will soon see why! Based out of Cali

Jason Magbanua- He is based out of the Philippines, (my fiance and I are both half-Filipino)... so if you are seeking a destination wedding then book him early as his schedule fills fast!

Leyda Cordova with Rockmelon- she is the lovely videographer that inspired this post... and how talented she is! Based out of New York

Spencer Lum of Iris Cinemas is based out of New York and does lovely work for the contemporary bride...

DVideography- this is a videographer that is a bit more traditional in the shooting, but still worth a looksie..

It's Here! Hooray!

I am sooooo excited... my sample DVD just arrived for Well Spun Wedding Films... if you have not had the chance to check these guys out then you simply must! We are so torn on so many aspects of the wedding (we still have not even committed to which ring yet).... but I am absolutely certain that these guys are going to be a part of my special day.

My most favorite television series of all time has got to be "Wonder Years"... I idolized Winnie Cooper... and I will forever remember the opening credits with the montage of home videos... when I found Well Spun at the beginning of this year... their work was remnicent of this.... there is a vintage and honest quality to their work... and for anyone whose day has long past... and you are a bit unhappy with your videography choices- or if you have a collection of VHS and DVDs shot by guests... then I urge you to take a look at the service that they provide where they re-work the content and look at it with an artists eye... they are amazing!

I know that I have been known to openly profess my opinion on the importance of good photography... and now I will share my thoughts on videography. I do not think that it is necessary. I do not think that you should fit it into a modest budget. It is not that I do not like video- on the contraire (I just told you that I LOVE my future videographer)... it's just that wedding videography has been a bit slow to evolve into the new generation of standards and expectations. I have found a select number of video-artists that I respect (to the right in my links)... but in general it seems that this sector of the wedding industry is lacking in creativity... thus I do not feel that the cost will always be justified by the product..... All of that being said... I really hope that in the next few years that new talent emerges and the standards are raised... as video is becomming so easy to share via the internet, emails, and dvd's.... hooray for pioneers like Well Spun for taking it to the next level!

I would love to share a sample of the video, but I just don't know how to get the video feed from the dvd to a file on my computer in order to upload it... (if anyone is a tad bit more tech-savvy then I would appreciate the help)... in the mean time... just visit their site