Why Families Love My Wedding Films
My First Paid Video Gig
In the year 2001, I picked up my first camera and made a series of skate edits, and never stopped. I decided to major in psychology, but by sophomore year I had switched to studying video with an emphasis on art. Despite creating hundreds of skate edits for YouTube, I had never had a paid video job until 2009 when my skater buddy, Brad Oz, hired me as a 2nd shooter for his uncle’s wedding.
Traveling for Work
Typically, when you have to travel an excessive distance, 50 miles from your home or workplace, there would be an additional fee. Normal rates can be found online per state per mile driven. In 2024, Michigan’s standard rate is 67 cents per mile. Since this was my first job, I was more interested in the experience than the money.
Arriving Early to Video Gigs
It’s important to arrive 1.5 hours early to ensure you have your gear ready and are not rushed. This wedding was a few hours north in the thumb of Michigan. On the way up the highway, I was booking it 95mph and my tire exploded. I pulled over and threw on the spare and continued my journey.
Upon arriving, my buddy and I did what we do best. Filmed skate edits. The wedding wasn’t until tomorrow, so we bounced around town filming a pretty badass skate video throughout the weekend.
Weddings Are Long Days
I was working every night at the local newspaper while commuting to school full time, finding sleep here and there. If only I knew how long weddings are.
The ceremony was at a church, just like your typical wedding. Brad and I owned our own mini DV tape cameras, which were the standard professional camera at that time. Brad was a year older and had been progressing in his video career quickly. We coordinated about capturing the wedding footage from different angles, and felt good about our work.
The day was October 31st, 2009, and the wedding reception was next. The bride and groom were in their 50’s and did not rent a party bus or have a wild and crazy wedding party. After the ceremony guests went home, returning 2 hours later in full halloween costumes at the reception!
Having Fun Is a Part of the Job
Most contracts state a start and end time to video services. But since this was a family wedding, Brad and I stayed until the end. We were zombies, figuratively and literally. Once we felt like we had enough video, Brad began to drink and I laid my head down to rest for a bit. Not much time past before I was awoken by a very large and scary prisoner clown lol. It was a fun party.
10 years later, Ron’s sister hired me to record his nephews wedding with just 3 days notice. I was now a seasoned professional, so my rates surprised them. But they really wanted me back, so I collected the deposit and purchased a new audio recorder specifically for their wedding.
What 10 Years of Video Experience Looks Like
The mother of the groom was very happy with the video, and agreed that she got her money’s worth.
What 15 Years of Video Experience Looks Like
In my career, I’ve produced nearly 100 weddings. Clients find me online or by referral. In 2019, I nearly started a wedding brand, but it lost momentum with the covid pandemic. I am still available to produce wedding films for those who ask.
Years later, the Teasdale’s could not afford to pay my full rate, so we negotiated a trade. The groom agreed to assist me on 2 occasions for a $1,000 wedding discount. He photographed an art event and skate party for me. I had actually forgotten the agreement so when we were short staffed at the skate party and he showed up to help, I was very thankful!
The bride and groom were so happy with this video that they gave me a $500 tip.
If you need a wedding film, contact the Digital Nomad!
