Valueless Add-on... "The Unmanned Second Camera"We've all seen the commercials... you know, the ones selling the spectacular revolutionary product that is going to change your life. And, as an incentive for taking advantage of this huge opportunity, they are going to throw in a multitude of "extras" that seemingly sweeten the deal. But wait a minute... If the revolutionary product is so good, why are they throwing in the kitchen sink just to get the sale?

I had a phone conversation with a bride recently who asked if Hybrid Moon offered an "unmanned second camera for the ceremony", something we see amateur video person's offer as a cost savings.  I say amateur because any professional with experience in shooting weddings or  any type of event for that matter would know... Your just not hiring a camera... You are hiring a professional to man the camera! Any wedding day coverage should not be relegated to security or traffic camera coverage. Who would want to watch that?

This conversation took me back to the my early days of shooting when I was convinced that a stand alone 2nd camera in the balcony would sufficiently take care of the bride's needs for an alternative shot during her ceremony. Once the ceremony was over I quickly grabbed my camera and made haste to button down that balcony camera. Unfortunately, I ended up missing the most poignant moment of the wedding day... The bridal party and family expressing their congratulations and happiness just outside of the sanctuary. The moments after the bride and groom walk down the aisle happy and full of emotion are the BIGGEST PART of the day really... Think about it!
And what was I doing??? You bet, I was rushing and sweating trying to get to the reception!
Unfortunately, the moment was gone... But not the lesson. I committed from that moment on to provide the best-manned camera coverage to my clients. Only a keen eyed person can hone in on the amazing moments that happen in every moment of a wedding day.  Quality is always better than quantity!

Give Hybrid Moon a call to review footage of how an experienced video team it the only way to go whether your event requires a single or two camera manned coverage.

THE WEDDING... To Video OR Not to Video???Today, we received the following email from a potential bride:
"Dear Hybrid Moon,
I have been discussing the video option with my parents and wanted to get a better idea how it would work for us on the wedding day -- before we decide to do it or not. The main concern I have is I'm uncomfortable when I'm aware I'm being video taped -- so if this is something where you're in my/our view during the ceremony, or seen by the guests during the ceremony in the front of the church or the aisle, then I probably will opt out of the option due to the distraction. I know it's probably difficult not to be front and center to get the best angles, etc... which is your job!  But it's going to be an already-anxious day for me and I don't want to be aware I'm being video taped at the same time, if that's understandable. If this is something that can be done without the obvious notice of it, and still capture the memorable moments on tape, then I'd like to sign up for it.
Sincerely,
The Bride"

I had to smile a bit when I read her email because most couples can resonate with her feelings and desire to have a wedding day that doesn't feel like press coverage. It has always been our stance at Hybrid Moon that the wedding day is about the couple...not the videographer, the photographer or any other vendor they have invited to participate in their wedding day. While we only get a few clients who express their feelings about obtrusiveness before the wedding...ALL of our clients are amazed at the quality of footage we are able to get...without being seen.

I just met with a couple on Friday to review their edit who told me that towards the end the reception the bride turned to the groom and said..."Oh my! I haven't seen a videographer...were they here?" She laughed about it later because I was clearly in good position to capture all of the important moments without disturbing the couple or the guests experience at any point during the day. The couple also said that because they were unaware of the video camera, the footage felt natural and was fun to watch.

I have so many examples of this with our clients...it would take too long to write about all of them. We take seriously the sanctity of the ceremony, and the wedding day. We always put our clients and their guests best interest first and this has allowed us to be one of the only "fly on the wall" videographers on the west coast.

Link: hybridmoon.wordpress.com

Return from NYC and Bridal Fashion WeekHeather and I have just returned from shooting Bridal Fashion Week in New York.
Check out the opening looks from the "Press Fashion Show: Spring 2010 Collections" held at the world famous "Waldorf-Astoria". We will be airing more looks from the runway and interviews from world acclaimed bridal dress designers on our wedding planning show... "Weddings Portland Style" in the upcoming months.