The Biggest hurdle?

 

“I really would like a videographer, but we haven’t budgeted for one”

I’m sure I’m not the only videographer to ever hear this said. For me, this is one of the biggest hurdles because I know the work that goes into capturing that wedding & I know what it should realistically cost.

But here’s the problem – It’s the “I really would like” that causes me to start to worry for that couple. Because I know that the couple in front of me are going to be the one’s telling me how much they regret not having their day filmed in just a few months time. And regret is a horrible thing, it always leaves you with that nagging doubt.

So what’s the answer?

So is there a way to get what you really want? Can you really have your cake & eat it, so to speak?

I think the answer is “what are you prepared to sacrifice? Are there any non essential items on your prep list or any other items that could be swapped out for cheaper alternatives?”

Is it worth risking hiring someone just starting out? They maybe able to produce a wonderful film for you, or they may make a few mistakes, you certainly can’t be too critical. Are you willing to take the risk?

When I first started out, it was just me, one camera & two sound recorders. I look back on it now & cringe a little, but I charged £150. The business has come a long way from those days, with a four camera setup & six separate sound recorders & of course, there’s now two of us. Sounds like overkill? you have no idea. My motto is to pray for the best & prepare for the worst.

There is a very old parable that sums it up:

A giant engine in a factory failed. The factory owners had spoken to several ‘experts’ but none of them could show the owners how they could solve the problem.

Eventually the owners brought in an old man who had been fixing engines for many years. After inspecting the huge engine for a minute or two, the old man pulled a hammer out of his tool bag and gently tapped on the engine.

Immediately the engine sprung back into life.

A week later the owners of the business received an invoice from the old man for £10,000. Flabbergasted, they wrote to the old man asking him to send through an itemised bill. The man replied with a bill that said:

Tapping with a hammer: £2.00

Knowing where to tap: £9,998.00

The moral of the story is, you can’t put a price on experience. There’s a good reason that we charge what we charge. I served my apprenticeship filming & editing wedding footage. There’s a good reason for everything we do.

That’s why when it comes to what you’re willing to sacrifice, it really is up to you ………..

The Memorybiz x