Wedding Videography
Wedding Videography: Q&A With Noah From Hollins Films…
We recently sat down with Noah from Hollins Films to find out about the ever-changing world of wedding videography. Gone are the days of long, boring documentaries. As Noah explains, today’s videos are unique and personal love stories, and they are filmed with true cinematic skill.
How did you get involved with videography?
My mum is a photographer, so I would use her equipment to make videos of my family and our pets, then post them on our family YouTube channel. When my grandfather died, I started to make funny videos of my grandmother to keep her busy and occupied. Those videos went on to became very popular where we lived at the time. My favourite had to be when we pretended to put her on a zip-line, but we actually dressed up in her clothes and filmed it from the back. My grandmother is 82 so everyone loved it and of course my grandmother thinks she is a celebrity. Well, she is to us!
Why did you decide to specialise in wedding videography?
A wedding planner saw my videos and asked if I would film a wedding for her. The couple didn’t have much money and as I was only 13, I agreed to do it for the experience. It was amazing and the wedding planner was so happy with the results that she went on to book me for many smaller weddings of couples coming to our island from the cruise ships. I learned so much that year. I always work with my mum (which is useful because I can’t drive yet), and we became a great team. I was able to buy all my equipment with the weddings I shot and I have been mentoring with a videographer in South Africa who has literally changed my game. I love weddings because I enjoy capturing the emotions and everyone is so happy. It’s pretty cool. Once the music is added it actually puts a lump in your throat.
Describe your work in 5 words or less
Fun, creative, loving, emotional and romantic.
What sets you apart from other wedding videographers?
I am only 16, so I know I have tons to learn but I feel that working with my mum (she has been a wedding photographer for hundreds of years, ha ha) teaches me a lot. We edit together and she critiques me so I can continue to improve. For each wedding I like to try different things, which helps me find out what works for me and more importantly what doesn’t. I love learning and trying to better myself, so I spend a lot of time on tutorials. I try to learn something every day.
What are some things couples should look for when looking for a videographer?
I feel that the highlight videos should almost make you feel that you are there. When videographers tell your story it should be emotional, and I love it when the couples message me and say they cried. That’s when I know I have done a good job. Audio is also a big deal. I have learned that while capturing the vows or certain aspects of the speeches, it is important to capture this clearly and also include the reactions of the friends/family and the bride and groom. I like to show off the venue – the location meant a lot to the couple for them to have brought all their guests there, so it should play a big part in the video. Once the couple go home, the video will remind them of every detail of their special day.
What is your favorite part of the day to capture?
Dinner time! Just kidding. The portraits of the bride and groom are by far my favourite thing because capturing them is what makes the video so dynamic.
What keeps you inspired?
I want to be very good at what I do and I am very grateful for the opportunity to have started young. I know that this industry changes so much and I love the challenge of growing each day. I can’t wait for the next wedding because it is exciting to keep meeting fun new people and filming in new venues.
How do you feel videography has changed in the last few years?
The equipment has changed immensely. The cameras are much smaller and makes it easier for people to feel more comfortable while being filmed. I watch videos from the “olden days” and the films were more about the whole timeline, not missing a single second, whereas now it is more about capturing ever single emotion and putting that together like a film trailer so that you are captivated. Capturing the wedding in a more documentary way rather than like a directed film makes it so much more emotional.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Editing!
When you’re not producing wedding videography, what do you love to do?
I love sailing, spending time with my family. We have a crazy big family. I love rock climbing and I like to cook, too.
What are your favorite locations to work with?
I love the private villas in the mountains and I love the beach locations so you can get a wide variety of shots. Everywhere in Spain is beautiful, so that is easy.
Based on your experiences, what would you like every couple to know before contacting a wedding videographer
Be natural, it is the best. Don’t worry about the filming because we cut out all the rubbish. Be all gushy – it makes great footage.
On the technical side, let the videographer choose the music. Most music is copyrighted, so if posted on social media it will be taken down. We choose copyright free music so you can post and, also, it is not dated.
