[Al Herr]

The photog and you must share a lot of the same space. A LOT of times they resent each other but it isn’t necessary. Meet with them (or at the least call to intro yourself) to discuss where you think yuo will set up and how you might work together so that you don’t get in each other’s way etc.., This is mainly just to break the ice and to stress teamwork not that you will be working so much together as a team.

My preference was always to defer to the photog since they are usually hired first and make more $ from a wedding. It is easier for the videoguy to shoot from anywhere or from behind the photog etc.., They are usually directing the bride and groom where to stand for photos etc.., so they can be very very sensitive about who is doing what and where. This is more crucial in terms of the ceremony – given church rules you both might have to be positioned in the same spot.

Often photogs got in my way intentionally just out of resentment of a videoguy being there. Most of the time no problems. I film them when they get in the way …..and make sure they know I have film of them.

Others will have advice as well I am sure.
Al

[Al Herr]

First time wedding?

Find the photographer far in advance of wedding.
Buy him coffee, dinner, a new car or whatever…. get to know him
make him your friend whatever it takes.
Ask him how he shoots, how you can work together, convince him you are
a nice guy.

This will have a HUGE impact on a wedding video turning out well.
I AM NOT KIDDING.

AL

[Al Herr]

Wooo I am feeling better. Fortunately our fam is spread out on the East Coast and I don’t see them too often. When I tell them I have done my last one I think they will understand. I love to help though especially at a wedding where it is all about experience as I am sure with the Mitzvah as well. Fortunately all of my nieces and nephs are married except 2. I am going to tell them that I like certain people better in the family and thus I must stop doing the projects since it won’t be fair.

Al

[Al Herr]

Thanks fellas for the replies.
I think it will be a blessing in disguise – no one will ask me anymore.
And I have 3 sisters each with 2 kids – all of whom are getting married and having kids etc.., I am going to work on saying no on the spot just as teh event is starting.
Al

[Al Herr]

Hey Mark,
thanks for the excellent advice. Especially on the voice over – had not thought of that.
Al

[Al Herr]

Thanks everybody for the suggestions.
I tried the head cleaning tape and no go.

I use 2 Sony cams and only Sony tapes… fortunately this was not REAL important footage but still…. It was the back up camera or I would be really nutso. From the way the tape is performing I would say it was blacking the tape that did me in.

I typically reuse a tape 3-4 times max. But now I might change – but then again this is the first time in 7 years of biz ….

Al

alchemyvideo.biz

[Al Herr]

Thanks Don. I have reused tapes for years and never had a problem.

Al

alchemyvideo.biz

[Al Herr]

Thanks for the words Mark.
Man this video biz stuff is often like this…. one of the reasons I stopped doing weddings as similar stuff kept happening. I need to find a niche.
Al

alchemyvideo.biz

[Al Herr]

Well well well…. how crazy was I expecting to get paid… The guy wanted me to do it for FREE as they have never paid for it in the past. He was never explicit about this in our conversation but I should have asked when he said the previous guy stopped doing it because it wasn’t worth the time for the amount of $ he made.

Part of the reason I got fooled is a friend who got me the contact with the guy is a very reliable friend who used to do that guys job so he knows they have money etc.., My friend was under the impression they always paid but in fact no. Partly my fault though as I didn’t pick up on some clues during the meeting. In retrospect though I think the hiring guy was trying to see what he could get out of me for free. He said they wouldn’t even pay for my lodging or even food if I did the gig! But he said, if I did it they would try to hire me for another video gig in the future!!!

I learned a lot and thanks Mark etc.. for the input.
Al

alchemyvideo.biz

[Al Herr]

Excellent advice thanks.
I hand in my proposal this week and will go from there and will post back when I hear something.
Thanks,
Al

alchemyvideo.biz