I need some advice. In the past few months I have been trying to get video opportunities where I will offer my services basically for free in order to build a portfolio. So far I have relied mostly on word of mouth - and so far no luck. My nephew just had a huge wedding but the mother of the bride paid over $2000 for the videography as a gift. I will be interested in seeing that finished video (been 3 weeks) as they did not appear to shoot all that professional at the wedding and reception - they didn't even capture audio for the vows and the house system wasn't working very well - it was a cheap hand-held mic that you couldn't hear. From what I have studied and read on the boards they broke just about every so-called rule. They must be making up for it artistically in post.

Anyway, should I put word out through a flyer (to wedding planners/venues) or some other method that I am willing to shoot a multicamera production - preferably for a couple that otherwise would not be able to afford it in order to start building a portfolio. We're getting into Summer here so I imagine wedding season will slow, but I need a plan of some kind.

For examples, I only have a 60th Birthday celebration that was a 2 camera shoot and a pretty major event, but between the low light and the fact that it was my first major shoot it probably isn't much of an example. I also have the Reverend Cherrie series, but that just shows I know how to light the scene, frame the shot, and steady the camera. At this point I believe I have the basic knowledge, practiced many of the "artistic" techniques, and really think I can deliver a nice package.

On a side note, my wife Cherrie has a Canon 50D and shot some pics at my nephews wedding that just blew everyone away! Over the last 2 years she has become quite the photographer. Ironically, in many cases she was standing in the right place when the pro was off talking to his girl friend.

By the way, I didn't take my video camera to the wedding because the bride asked me not to since her mom paid for the videographer. It was easier for my wife to slip the camera in and shoot pics and her family really appreciated it. The family, and the bride and groom, had professional looking pics posted on-line within a few hours while they are still waiting (after 3 weeks) for the pro's.

I would appreciate some thoughts and discussion on this.

Thanks

Tom

Tom.... I'll toss in my two cents worth.

I have been sitting on the fence on this very issue as well. I have no qualms that I have the skills and equipment to shoot it, it's constructing it after in post and "telling the story" that I have personal doubts on.

So like you, was thinking I'd like to try it, and would freebie one or two to see if it's a viable avenue for me.

When I began shooting, it was with bands, and my philosophy was "there had to be something in it, for both the bands and me" to make it worth my time and effort. They got some early freebie web clips, I got experience and some name recognition. I considered that a fair trade off for all concerned.

I now look at taking that same philosophy of "something for both of us" into this route of getting my feet wet at weddings. Like you, I would be happy to give this to a couple that would otherwise not have the opportunity to have their wedding captured. What I would want in return, would be the experience and the possible word of mouth promotion of the service. In my limited exposure to those I have encountered from "the marrying age" group, those that are not able to afford a videographer, hang around and associate with, mostly people just like them, more that couldn't afford one either.

OK.... Now I am down to only getting half of what I want from this deal, experience and no referrals.... and that isn't enough for me to go forward.

You though, with all your connections in church, and probably with other ministers, are in the perfect place to locate those people both you and I would love to make a gift to, of our time.

IMO, if you could find a young couple that is at least moderately active in their church, yet not of the means to be able to afford video, they probably will know or associate with some people who may be able to. Also IMO, that same couple would probably be more appreciative of whatever you presented to them, than many others may be. Appreciative is the beginnings of rave referrals too, BTW.

So, if I had your connections, I would be talking with pastors and ministers about who they know, who might fit the type of couple you would want to make a gift of your time to.

What has stopped me from pursuing this further, I don't have your connections. My fear of going any other route is I will find either:

A. A couple that has squandered a $5,000-$15,000. wedding budget on stupid crap and ran out of money and will take me up on my offer because I am free.

OR

B. A couple that has no money, and comes from families that have no money and never will, and come complete with an "entitlement" mindset.

I think for me, the chances of me finding one couple I described "involved in a church" is far less likely than me finding several or more from the descriptions I would NOT want to work with.           

I have done a few weddings in the past and generally enjoyed doing them. Generally, if it for family or close friends...I am willing to do it for free. I did one a few years back for my brother in laws mothers neighbor. That wasn't free but I didn't charge cash. They helped me get my XH-A1 for about $1500 less than I could here in Canada at the time, so that was all the incentive I needed.

I find in general though, that it is not the kind of thing that anybody should expect to get for free, or for 1 or 200 dollars either. For some unknown reason they generally tend to expect that though. They have no problem with spending $1000 to $2000 for photographers, yet hem and haw when it comes to a few hundred bucks for a videographer.

If I was wanting to get into the wedding video business in your scenario Tom, I would consider maybe not putting a pricelist on your brochure. Maybe you could take it on a case by case basis with some pre-established guidelines. If you wanted to build your portfolio you could offer your services at a discounted rate if the couple agreed to let you show their video on a website you create for your business. If they don't agree, apply the going rate. I don't think $500 is at all out of line as a starting point because wedding videos can become extravagent productions that take a lot of time and effort. More effort than the photographer(s) will be putting in for his check. Best of luck with it Tom!