An interview with Johan & Miranda done by celebrations.co.za.
How long have you been a videographer and what made you decide to become a videographer?
John & Miranda have been Videoing for over 20 years, in fact almost since Video cameras came on the consumer market. We are both creative and artistic and like to tell a story. Videoing satisfies these abilities… Filming our Children and their activities as family records, then filming friend’s children. It was sort of a natural progression to weddings! John has the musical ear, and a gift for choosing the right music for fit the scenes, Miranda has an excellent eye for composition and attention to detail, and we therefore make an excellent team.
Tell us more about your job and what you do before, during and after a wedding?
Before the Wedding Day, we like to get to know the Couple, and often offer to do a free pre shoot at a place of their choice, e.g. the beach or play park. If they are at all shy, this helps them feel comfortable in front of the camera, and is a real benefit on the actual Day. We like to attend the Wedding practice as this also helps us relax, as we are primed and properly briefed on the proceedings, and don’t get caught offside! At the wedding we seriously concentrating on the events as they unfold, our day will average 10 to11 hours. We will then spend hours and hours at the editing suite joining all the bits together in the correct order, laying the sound track etc. Good editing will make the story unfold smoothly and easy on the senses. It is an accepted axiom that it takes 3 to 5 hours of proper editing to produce 10 minutes of finished tape. Any movie is made or ruined in the editing process!
What do you love most about being a videographer?
We are very passionate about our work and proud of what we do. We love meeting interesting people, and sharing in the magic of their special day, and capturing all their memories for posterity.
What is the best advice you can provide a bridal couple when choosing a videographer?
It is terribly important that whenever possible they meet the Videographer beforehand, and are comfortable with them. Also they must see examples of their work, we mean a proper DVD, not a Highlights package or Demo. Check the quality of the edits, sound and picture. The action must be SMOOOOTH! If you can’t meet and view, ask for some recent references, and CHECK UP!
Why should a bridal couple use a videographer at their wedding?
So much time, money and effort goes into organising and planning the perfect Wedding, and the couple are usually on cloud nine, and don’t really comprehend all the details. The day flashes by, and it is usually impossible for them to catch it all. It is our job (and the Photographer’s), to capture all the sights and sounds for them to enjoy at leisure. The Video is a proper moving, talking record of the whole day.
Any tips for the bridal couples?
Think of the camera as the eye and ear of a guest, and treat it as you would a guest with a friendly smile.
Just for laughs
What is your most memorable wedding event / bridal couple that you will never forget?
All our Weddings are memorable, whether big expensive ones, or just the Couple taking their vows in a howling South Easter on the beach or on top of Table Mountain in swirling clouds! We firmly believe that all Brides are beautiful, and have an inner radiance, so we will remember all our Couples, each for the privilege we had of meeting them and filming their special moments!
