The Wedding Biz

Brent Holland
June 2008

» Next Image Previous Image « Click to Enlarge Click to Enlarge Click to Enlarge Click to Enlarge Click to Enlarge

So you want to capture weddings on video? With the growing popularity of wedding videography and the affordability of professional video equipment, running a wedding video production business is very attainable and can be very lucrative. For years, the mention of the words "wedding video" brought flashbacks of Uncle Steve's shaky camera work at the family wedding. But in recent years, as videographers have raised the standard, the wedding video is being seen in a new light. Though wedding videography is gaining much popularity, it's still a wide open field, and in this article you will find everything you need to get started and avoid getting sidetracked from the path to success.

Choosing your equipment is a vital part of starting your business. You don't want to come up short and crash before you take off. You also don't want to go overboard and end up with unnecessary equipment and a bunch of debt. A 3-CCD camcorder is a must. You don't have to go all out, but you definitely want a broadcast quality camera. Remember, we're trying to get away from the bad wedding video image. High Definition is also a good option to have in your arsenal. Most clients won't have the ability or need for it yet, but it's better to be ready for it when they do. Plus, it looks great on the brochure. Also look for good low light performance. Most weddings are dimly lit, and sometimes even downright dark. You want your clients to see what is going on, and night vision is never an option.

Shoulder-mounted cameras and handheld cameras both have advantages and disadvantages. A shoulder-mounted camera is very handy for getting stable shots; it'll also save your back after a long day of shooting by distributing the weight. But a handheld camera is less obtrusive and more portable. It really comes down to personal preference. If you use two cams, they should be of the same model, or at least in the same brand and family. There will be a noticeable difference between two cameras from different manufacturers. Sound does matter. The audio you record is important, so don't be cheap. XLR audio inputs on your camera will make your life a lot easier. A good wireless microphone is perfect for placing in select areas to pick up clear audio while giving you the freedom to move around for the best shot. When choosing a microphone, make sure you get one with a tunable frequency so you never have to worry about interfering with the DJ. Also, an omni-directional mic (wide pick-up pattern) will give you flexibility over a cardioid mic (narrow pick-up pattern). And, don't forget your headphones.

A sturdy, lightweight tripod is also a must. Nothing makes a wedding video look amateur faster than shaky camera work. A lightweight tripod with a fluid head will allow you to move around while maintaining stable shots and smooth pans and tilts.

Since most wedding receptions also tend to be dimly lit, a camera-mounted light comes in very handy - especially on the dance floor. It also lets people know where you are so you don't get knocked over by an overzealous dancer. Don't let your video look cheap by introducing gain noise or dark footage, get a light.

Every reputable business has a business license. They generally don't cost that much and are easy to get. It will make your clients feel more comfortable knowing that they are dealing with a licensed professional.

Another must for every professional videographer is a legitimate sales contract. You don't need to hire an attorney to make up a contract. A simple statement of the services you are providing and a list of instances that you won't be held responsible for is sufficient. If you need help figuring out what to say, a Google search for "wedding video contract" brings up many examples from other videographers, or check out mine at www.bluelabmedia.com/wedding_contract.pdf. You can also find contracts, invoices and other forms for sale on Videomaker's website).

Take a minute to read up and get ideas for your own now, and save yourself grief later. The very first wedding I did for an actual client, rather than a friend, I got stiffed. Since I didn't have a contract to show proof of our agreement, it was tough luck for me.

You've gotten everything together, now you need to start getting clients. There are all sorts of ways to get your name out there, and believe me you'll have advertisers beating down your door and wanting you to advertise with their product soon enough. But they don't all work. Print advertising and the phonebook are helpful in getting your name out to the community and making yourself known to the other wedding vendors, but they don't seem to yield a lot of results. Your best bet is to get involved with other vendors. Get out there and meet them, find out if there are any cross promotional opportunities. Other vendors, such as photographers, DJ's, caterers, etc. will be your best marketing tool, and you can get a fair amount of business just off of recommendations.

Another good source of business is wedding expos. Almost every city or county puts on an annual wedding fair to introduce potential brides and grooms to all the vendors out there. These are perfect events to showcase your product and get your information into the hands of potential clients. It's also a great networking opportunity, since almost every other vendor will be there, too.

• Digg This!
• del.icio.us
• Technorati
• StumbleUpon
• Reddit