Is Wedding Videography Still Worth It?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
  • Today Im asking some deep questions about whether or not my wedding videography career is over, what Im doing wrong in my business, and measures im taking to try and turn the tides.
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    CHAPTERS
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ความคิดเห็น • 122

  • @WaywardNorth
    @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    What are some things you have been struggling with this year? Drop em below!

    • @manilamartin1001
      @manilamartin1001 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@WaywardNorth focused on corporate video this year. Mostly feel bored but trying to get myself accustomed because It's well paying and I have steady work.

    • @thedrunkweddingphotographer
      @thedrunkweddingphotographer หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@manilamartin1001 I hear ya. I used to photograph a good number of corporate events back in college and yes, these things have enough enthusiasm to power a Game Boy for 30 seconds. SO! I would just look forward to all the free food and wine they'd have. Only way to get it up for these things.

    • @BogFASTNFSMW
      @BogFASTNFSMW หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      This year it feels like pulling out teeaths just to do something good for them, always putting photos/video bottom of the list, i have to insist on taking some "extra shots" ( extremely necessary ) and it feels like i am paying them....

    • @joyphotography2511
      @joyphotography2511 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Price shoppers they don't understand how not every cheap photographer directly translates into a experience or high quality deliverable. But I think what really frustrates me more, are clients/leads that continously ghost you when trying to follow up

  • @marlonsidlacan7620
    @marlonsidlacan7620 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    I used to do video/weddings as my main stream of income. At times the money was great and at times there was simply no work/inquiries. Then the pandemic happened when so many of our clients had to re-book to a future date. It got me thinking that I wanted something more stable. I decided to go back to school and study Engineering. I am currently interning at a big utility company and scheduled to graduate next year. I still film about 5-10 weddings a year and take on side gigs here and there. I feel that it's such a good balance of stability while still being able to create and enjoy filming. I'm also getting married next year so I know what it feels like being in the wedding industry and being a customer. With the rising cost of living, wedding budget is the biggest consideration for couples. Entrepreneurship is no joke and I respect those who stick through it despite the struggles. Loved this vid! Thanks for sharing.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Stability is so important and one major inconsistency with being a wedding videographer. I have been diversifying with TH-cam and my Community but I have a ways to go before that dream becomes a reality. I definitely champion working a day job and doing weddings on the side vs the challenges and obstacles of making it full-time.

  • @SJYangProduction
    @SJYangProduction หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Right now for Wedding videography for most client. Is nice to have, while photography is always the main thing they want. It’s been quite rough this year. Inflation, and last min booking.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Very true - Photography is still very much alive and thriving. Video just isn't as necessity for a lot of folks.

  • @buckleysvideography
    @buckleysvideography หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Seeing this title made my heart sink. As a wedding videographer myself, you are MY dream wedding videographer! You will be one of the first vendors I reach out to as soon as I get engaged. I have learned so much from you in my video journey, so I can’t imagine anyone else capturing the day!

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@buckleysvideography You are TOO KIND!!! Thanks so much for the sweet words 🫶

  • @joshualelo
    @joshualelo หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    man....a lot of us talk about telling "authentic" stories with our couples, and even being our most "authentic" selves online with our personal brand/content. but very few are willing to be as honest as you were in this video. i'm so grateful for your transparency Jaired. Thank you for not just sharing the monthly highlights of your business, but instead actually giving us the full journey. it means more than you know. and i know you probably don't need to hear it, but just as much as you always try to instill belief in us beginners, just so you know, we believe in you too:) you got this bro

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks so much for these kind words Joshua. Really appreciate you and for always being an encouraging voice in the comments section! I need to frame this comment and use it as motivation moving forward!

  • @martydenson_mfm
    @martydenson_mfm หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You must be in a very decent location or near affluent people to ask those prices - good for you. I had no such luck living in Delaware (U.S.A.) Anything above $2,200 in my area and surrounding areas would be considered incredibly ridiculous. I did some basic cost analysis on how much time/effort I was putting into securing a wedding job, and let's just say, I could have worked at a local fast food restaurant and made more money. I quit the wedding industry abruptly and found corporate video work. I'm largely doing training videos and promotional videos for large companies and making 4x's more money in half the time it would take to invest in just one wedding. Go figure. Wedding filming is great If you are near the right clients or are willing to travel to get to those "high-value" clients. Best wishes to you.

  • @apcreativemedia
    @apcreativemedia หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks for your honesty and candid reflection. I’ve been filming 25+ weddings a year for the last 3 years as well as a full time job…the struggles you outlined are the reasons i probably won’t go all in on weddings.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Don't give up though! If it's an avenue that excites you I dont want this video to be a deterrent - just one voice about the realities of entrepreneurship and times of economic uncertainty. The wedding industry is certainly volatile and it's always smart to consider stable sources of income during those volatile seasons for sure.

  • @cbcinematics
    @cbcinematics หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    It's a rough year for us all, bro. You're not alone. Great attitude in your business. I've also been taking this time to refine the experience and services we offer. It's a time to grow, not grown. Dont give up bro. We will make it. ✊️

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Appreciate you friend! Seasons of Struggle are also a Season to Grow! We got this 💪

  • @mertkaracayil
    @mertkaracayil หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    As a professional wedding videographer of 13 years in Sydney Australia i've noticed there has been a shake up in the wedding industry here in Australia since covid. leading photography & video studios pre covid are no longer leading anymore and are struggling to stay relevant . they have been complaining on social media about other studios that are leading now that they are unprofessional photographers that pay vouge to be featured and people are now booking them because they have been featured on vouge etc blahhh blahh. this is there excuse. the truth is other studios are doing much better work. they are also heavily concerned about wedding social content creators as well. after covid under the radar small studios have risen and are leading now. majority of studios now are offering photo & video services combined and they are the ones that are booking and taking away the market share.. from what i see clients are much more smarter now. they research and compare to the smallest detail. its not about oh my friend highly recommended them or my sister had them for her wedding and we should book them anymore like 5-10 years ago its more about who the couple actually want today and they have so much to choose from. couples today actually see and understand the difference between the studios . people want different vendors today the real problem isn't budget. it has become harder to compete in the wedding industry. such a sensitive business that requires so much energy.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      It is definitely getting harder and harder to compete that is the truth. With this year especially considering the number of weddings occuring have decreased. This year Supply is greater than Demand opposed to pre covid and even just a few years, demand was insane which led to a ton of people raising prices and now that the dust has settled I feel that couples getting married are being more cautious when choosing. I agree the photo/video combo has ALWAYS been popular among couples even in my area. Which is why I started offering it back in 2018 but stopped last year because it just wasn't giving my much joy and return.

  • @MichaelLemley
    @MichaelLemley หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You’re not alone my dude. It’s been a struggle for me too. So refreshing hearing this genuine take.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      We're in this together 🙌🏻🫶

  • @FallenTimber
    @FallenTimber หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    When you find yourself getting the “we’ve decided to go in a different direction” line, it often means your target market is likely budget conscious and focused primarily on cost rather than finding the absolute best videographer.
    My advice would be to consider raising your prices. You’re stuck in between the budget videographer and the luxury videographer, which is a challenging place to be. Your work is phenomenal. You have charisma. You should easily be in the $8-$12k range, in my opinion. When most folks get rejected, they’re inclined to lower their prices or offer a discount. I’d suggest doing the exact opposite.
    Also, for the Zoom calls, for anyone it may help: couples don’t need another vendor pitching why they love weddings, love storytelling, or why they should hire them. Thats what your website / portfolio is for. During our own meetings with couples (husband/wife duo), we don’t even bring up the wedding day until 20-30 minutes into the conversation. We’re fully engaged in building rapport and connecting with them on a level that goes beyond their wedding planning. If you truly listen, engage, and take interest in them as people and not as clients, then they leave the meeting unable to envision their wedding day without you there.
    Just some food for thought!

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Love a good plot twist! This is insightful and Im in favor of this take. I agree Im definitely stuck in the mid range market which is a blood bath right now with over saturation/decrease # of weddings/Im in the works of elevating my business to hopefully get to this ticket. Appreciate these thoughts!

    • @kowalskivideos6476
      @kowalskivideos6476 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I second this comment. You should be towards the higher end, you got a premium product at this point. Mid market couples seem to be budgeting for lower market value sadly when it comes to wedding videography.

    • @joyphotography2511
      @joyphotography2511 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I just have one question though. Besides raising prices, what other way can you break into the high end market? In my neck of the woods, the premium client segment is quite small. And unless you have certain connections with high profile people, or maybe you are a smart marketer and socialite photographer, you'll hardly break into the premium market easily despite your high end looking portfolio or website

  • @samvargasimages7905
    @samvargasimages7905 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It’s going on in all parts of the film & production industry. It’s being felt by everyone. You’re not alone! Commercial work and wedding work.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Refreshing to hear! I know even my parents industry is affected so I know theres struggle across the board. Tough times for business owners right now.

  • @philcupper
    @philcupper หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I think part of it is the increased ability to do hybrid photo and video as one person. When you're already there, it's not that much more work to make a highlight video on top of doing photography of the day. While making videos used to take a ton more gear/etc, it's gotten much easier to deliver more to a client with less effort. With the current economic situation also, people are looking for more cost effective options.

  • @purpleweddingfilms
    @purpleweddingfilms หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love your videos and suggestions; they have really helped me in my wedding videography business. I come from a corporate videography and documentary background, but when I moved to Canada, the corporate work wasn't there as nobody knew me or my work. I had the gear, and the fastest way to make money was through weddings. I'm slowly trying to build connections and get back into corporate work. My advice for you would be to consider doing the same.
    You've mentioned in your videos two complaints or issues you sometimes face: burnout from repetition and just now the challenge of ghosting or not booking couples. In your mind, you're progressing, and you are. You feel that your pricing should reflect your growth, and you're right. However, you have to understand that these couples are often young and getting married for the first time. While they love your work, they may not be able to afford higher rates. The wedding industry is a consumer-driven business, so there's only so much you can increase your prices.
    In corporate work, there's recurring business. Companies have budgets and expect price increases after a year or so. With corporate clients, a good experience can lead to bigger and better projects, whereas a wedding client will move on with their life after the event. Trust me on this.

  • @nwilsonvideo
    @nwilsonvideo หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Ayyyy! Much love for the shoutout, man. I was definitely in a rut where I went a few months without any inquiries, bookings, etc, but things have been turning around for the better. Re-evaluating your process, and not being afraid to try new things is the only way any small business can survive.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You bet man! Giving the rest of us inspiration to keep moving the needle forward 💪

    • @riisparklover
      @riisparklover หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@nwilsonvideo what have you been doing to turn it around? How do you get new inquiries?

  • @StephenDeLosRios
    @StephenDeLosRios หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Bro! Thank you. Am not in the Wedding industry as much as you are, but this was super encouraging and I can’t thank you enough for the transparency. I’ve taken lessons here that I can apply to my business and once again really appreciate you letting us in on the downsides of video work. I hope that the lessons you learned will help you make it come back in the future and keep you going!

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Appreciate you and the kind words man! Really means a ton and glad this video was encouraging in some way. 💪

  • @JaySea
    @JaySea หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Your clients are a lot nicer. Mine never tell me my work is nice but they decided to go with a different direction. They just simply ghost me. I much rather they tell me so I can free up the date and move on

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@JaySea I’ve definitely experienced a ton of ghosting as well. I don’t think you can ever fully avoid it.

  • @nbfilms_
    @nbfilms_ หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    THEY WENT THE WRONG DIRECTION!!! No one does it better than you!! Thanks for your vulnerability, you have a community of people (that you've fostered and created) who are behind you!!

  • @Burritosarebetterthantacos
    @Burritosarebetterthantacos หลายเดือนก่อน

    A perfect example is that the most booked photographer in my area charges a minimum of $6000 to shoot a wedding regardless of size. I have many friends that have mentioned to me that her customer service is horrible and she never gets back to them. Her ego has created a space for guys like me that can shoot for half the price for 95% of the result and I still feel very well compensated because I also have a fulltime career and they feel like they got more value. As a creative scales up so should their communication. The automation of everything has taken stress off of the business owner but has also alienated the people paying the bills. I talk to people on the phone which at this point is apparently unheard of at least in my area.

  • @PNWMOTION
    @PNWMOTION หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Hey so one thing I have noticed for me at least, is drone is a HUGE selling point. I live in a small town in Washington and as far as local videographers there are like 4 of us. I am one of the only one who does drone. I have A LOT of people wanting those venue drone shots and picking me over the others. I found when you are dead locked with your competition as far as being hired, you need to find something that adds just a bit more to your value then what they offer. So having drone as an option for them is a MASSIVE win. But moral of the story is find something new to add value before discounting your prices. just my 2 cents. great video.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      This is great! You also want to be careful how much you add for the sake of booking as well. Drone is a great value add! Ive gotten trapped in adding Doc Edits, Longer Videos, Raw Footage just to seal the deal when I should've tried to be more mindful of what the couple truly values and sometimes they have no idea until they see it for themselves. But theres no one size fits all approach and every market, demographic, budgets will be different. Its been a wild year!

    • @FTONYProductions
      @FTONYProductions หลายเดือนก่อน

      The only one in our local small town huh? 🤣

    • @PNWMOTION
      @PNWMOTION หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@FTONYProductions haha my bad I forgot you did drone, the others don’t though.

    • @PNWMOTION
      @PNWMOTION หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@WaywardNorth for sure, and yea my last wedding I made the promise of recording all toast speeches and sending as a separate video, and I regret it because they continued to ask for
      More pieces of footage after I had given that to them. You give an inch they take a mile.

    • @FTONYProductions
      @FTONYProductions หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@PNWMOTION Allll good bro keep up the awesome filmmaking bro, I saw some of your latest, they're GOOD!

  • @tristanscottfilms
    @tristanscottfilms หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Man, this hits hard. I've utilized my digital marketing and sales experience in my business, and it isn't easy to see my website not even converting. And, if it does, they aren't using the scheduling page or responding to my follow-up. I say that having a handful of weddings in my backlog, but it feels different when there's no revenue and no prospects coming in.
    Compared to competitors in my markets, I'm giving a competitive starting price for my customer experience and product quality. With all that being said, I'm not willing to pursue a race to the bottom when it comes to pricing unless it can expand my opportunities in the future, like filming in another state or country.
    As always, I appreciate the tips you share. I've been using all of the tips you shared, but my business is new and I likely to stay on track and focus on creating my portfolio.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      I feel this! I have 5 weddings in my backlog. 7 more for the year but it's 2025 I worry about. Im with you on not being willing to race to the bottom, we should be moving forward and have more respect for the product we've worked so hard to cultivate through the years. We go all through Seasons, this is just another one that we will weather and make it through.

  • @jamesmountain3571
    @jamesmountain3571 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This is such a refreshing video to watch as someone in a similar position

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks for watching. We aren't alone friend!

  • @benjamin.kelley
    @benjamin.kelley หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    #1 Getting inquiries. #2 Pouring so much into meeting with couples and preparing proposals, only to get those dreaded emails back, if any, after a few "hey I haven't heard back from you" emails. #3 Realizing my other interests and how I can "marry" them with visual storytelling, and that maybe I should "let go" of and let them become a smaller part of my visual storytelling work, even though that's how I got started and it's hard to let go since it feels like I'm giving up.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      1000% Its been a year to reflect on if this is something I truly want to continue full-time or consider diversifying towards something else.

    • @oakridgemilitary
      @oakridgemilitary หลายเดือนก่อน

      Time to Pivot. We are. Not going to continue to chase clients that are only considering you because they had extra money in the budget. If you were a photographer or a dress maker you would be an absolute need. They don't need video. The ones that do want video, want it for less, and they want content creation quick 10 second videos for social. THATS it. People don't watch the cinematic films. This generation can't even watch a 30 second video without thinking about the next video to watch.

  • @sambalyfilms
    @sambalyfilms หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great video, and well done for being so honest with how it's feeling right now.
    Content creation is about immediacy and social sharing. Although it could be used for keepsakes, I doubt anyone would see it that way - they're vertical for one thing. Its not a replacement for a crafted wedding film, so I dont think that's a trend that will usurp the pro wedding film.
    I think its much more about affordability in the current economic climate and video still isn't seen as the mainstay like photo is. I've had plenty of couples say they much prefer their video to photos, that they look at it much more often. It will take time but I believe we'll end up with video being booked a lot more than it is now. I do both photo and video. Offer them both and boost your profits. Keep pushing through everyone, it will get better.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Instant gratification, less of an investment, no wait time, I like to call wedding day content creation the amazon prime of wedding videography. It's enticing for ALOT of people because of that. I agree it definitely doesn't replace for the wedding film and I agree with your points below as well. It's just another season and this to shall pass.

  • @jamessmithfilms
    @jamessmithfilms หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Dude...love the intro edit..You got the context 100% correct as well

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Had to add all the drama lol

  • @moorememoriesvideo7070
    @moorememoriesvideo7070 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    “A different direction” is ALWAYS the verbiage 😂

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@moorememoriesvideo7070 Always lol

  • @echoesofophelia
    @echoesofophelia หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I’m right there with you. This video is a breathe of fresh air.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Appreciate you! We're all in this together [cue high school musical soundtrack]

  • @AverageDadMTB
    @AverageDadMTB หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Always good content my dude.
    I feel I am priced spot on for my area with hopes of moving up and outward.
    Most of my consults are face to face, if I can meet them in person… I can close.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      You are a closer my friend! They take one look at you and your work and instantly know, "that's our guy!"

  • @aaronguerrerox
    @aaronguerrerox หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Dam that intro hit me in the feels.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      You hit me in the feels.

  • @northparkfilms3045
    @northparkfilms3045 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    thanks for being transparent

  • @Eightpspi
    @Eightpspi หลายเดือนก่อน

    Do you stack your money? When everything was good did you save over 50%, maximize limiting your taxable income?
    Also diversify the types of shoots you do, especially if this is your full-time. And with all that extra money during the good times invest in different areas to generate revenue. (Stocks, RE)

  • @riisparklover
    @riisparklover หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I was connecting with this video so much until you rolled the Uncut Gems ad. Lol😅 Kick back log in the face? I wish I had a back log to worry about. Those ads need to make sense within the context of the videoJarid

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@riisparklover Good point lol I wanted to try to add some brightness to the dark cloud this video is but you’re right 💪

  • @sjcproductionsandmedia
    @sjcproductionsandmedia หลายเดือนก่อน

    At least they let you know. I don’t even get that. It is a terrible feeling.
    Here’s my vent:
    At one of my weddings the bride and groom treated me like I was a necessary evil. They treated the photographer like gold. Idk if they think video is something they want until it actually happens? They were laser focused on pictures and the photographer didn’t care if I got anything beyond recording them getting photos made. How do you deal with this? Surely I’m not the only one that has had this struggle?

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@sjcproductionsandmedia It’s weird for couples to treat ANYONE they hire for their wedding like scum. I’ve worked maybe a few weddings where the couple didn’t really care at all that I was there. It happens when there is no personal relationship that has been formed or nurtured. That’s why I do zoom calls with the couple during the consult, follow on socials and comment on their posts/stories, schedule a story session with the couple to connect before the day, send them a thank you gift before and after the big day. There’s so many things we can do for our couples to excite them and our work and even create a genuine relationship

  • @lukeydable
    @lukeydable หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great video! I am curious how you are creating your custom proposals?

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@lukeydable I created a template page on my website and just use this to generate a custom proposal for each couple.

  • @angelicatheresefilms8728
    @angelicatheresefilms8728 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Love this! I'm in the same boat, but this video gives me hope. Thank you! :)

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks so much! Im glad this video brought some hope your way. We got this 💪

  • @filmsbymattlan
    @filmsbymattlan 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Love the honesty! I can RELATE to this for sure! My bookings have gone down 82%! What are your thoughts on paid social media ads for booking weddings?

  • @davidgwolk
    @davidgwolk หลายเดือนก่อน

    So true, I had 10 leads in 3 weeks and no books bro!!!

  • @greyhousevisual
    @greyhousevisual หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Definitely feel this so much this year!!

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Its been a rough one for sure

  • @michaelgrace8042
    @michaelgrace8042 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great video. Bang on with the points.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Appreciate you!

  • @1imanni1
    @1imanni1 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Undercutting really hurts. In the end you really do get what you pay for!

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Hurts my heart but I also understand alot of businesses all start somewhere and it's easy to judge when we see it but we don't always understand the facts of where each individual is in their journey. I am trying to get better at not letting customers decisions affect me personally. Im a work in progress 🤪

  • @manilamartin1001
    @manilamartin1001 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This is ghost month in Philippines. I feel you.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Hopefully 2025 wont be ghost year 😔

  • @photomagique15
    @photomagique15 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video…where I am in Florida clients are wanting more for far less or both photo/ video on a shoe string budget

  • @munoe
    @munoe หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    the Same Situation is in Germany. It is an economic Problem

  • @Bathingwookie
    @Bathingwookie หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I am 3 years into weddings and I’m really good at it, but I fucking hate it.

    • @bingbong4848
      @bingbong4848 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Don't worry that's pretty much the case for most jobs 😉

  • @49erfan916
    @49erfan916 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You do an excellent job on your wedding videos, but there’s something to keep in mind. You talk a lot about providing value, which is good and wanting to make a connection with the clients, but remember that inflation is crazy right now. Money is too tight right now, everyone is cutting back on expenses. You are pricing yourself out of jobs. People probably want to use you, just at the end of the day, what you want and what you can afford are two separate things.
    You may feel like it’s not worth your time to bring your prices down and you rather live in poverty, but trust me, you don’t. It can always get worse.
    And you might be ok with not working for a month or two, but you’re banking on the economy improving, which I don’t see happening anytime soon.
    I don’t say anything to put you down and hope it doesn’t offend you, but just know, a lot of other businesses are in the same boat as you.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@49erfan916 no offense taken at all. I probably should have been more expansive on that topic. Going on 8 years in business, 11 years filming weddings altogether. I’ve spent so many years charging less having to pull 2/3 weddings a weekend just to make what I needed to pay bills and survive. This is simply not sustainable.
      I’ve definitely discounted my services for couples but within reason. I can’t film a wedding for the same cost as my monthly expenses because one wedding wouldn’t cover that since the way most couples invest is through installments or 50% down etc.
      So I would at the bare minimum HAVE to charge my fixed costs and have to book or film atleast 2 weddings a month just to break even. So for me I definitely consider what I’m able to afford but I have to be mindful as a business how much it costs me to film a wedding and what I need in order to take care of my responsibilities
      Price is a fickle foe in this industry but it’s important to weigh your individual factors: Market, experience, fixed costs, general needs, etc.
      I’m also always willing to work with my couples within reason. But If they can only afford $1000 for a wedding film. It’s irresponsible of me to invest my time because I’m basically paying the couple to film their wedding and the amount of work involved in my process isn’t worth missing time with my family. It’s not a matter want vs need it’s more being smart with the very limited time we all have in this world and choosing to say no to a wedding that isn’t the right fit for me.

  • @beau__
    @beau__ หลายเดือนก่อน

    It’s your pricing dude. It ain’t the same right now with all the inflation.

  • @TheFascinationFilm
    @TheFascinationFilm หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thank you for the video. Can you give me an example how a custom proposal looks like?

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You bet! Here is my current example - waywardnorthfilms.com/experience/

    • @TheFascinationFilm
      @TheFascinationFilm หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@WaywardNorth Thank you so much!

    • @vothography
      @vothography 29 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@@WaywardNorth Thank you for the honest video!
      Is there another example? Couldn't open your link.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  29 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@vothography hey sorry the link is down. I have a new website so now I’m reworking the experience link. Hope to have it resolved soon 🙏🏻

  • @thedrunkweddingphotographer
    @thedrunkweddingphotographer หลายเดือนก่อน

    3:49 Yes if you market to the normie, main stream wedding clients. But no if you niche down to a very specify type of client and offer/cater to that specific audience.
    7:37 Louder for the people in the back please. Yes, I know, we all have our polices, contracts etc., in place to not get burned by a client BUT! Sometimes we gotta bend the rules a bit to one, put money on the table, two, keep the client happy and three most important! Not get blasted on social media ala 'Sepia Bride,' which I'm taking the client's side on this one simply because the photographer was too stubborn and ego driven to just make the client happy, nip the situation on the butt quickly and move on.
    8:50 Zoom calls are an absolute must these days.
    9:13 I used to do custom proposals for a while but didn't work for me. I went from by the hour, to custom proposal to now a flat rate based on guest count and my three tiers are clearly posted on my pricing page. And what I found over the last two years was that in both initial inquiry and Zoom call, price and price negotiation no longer comes up.

  • @chrispelleyfilms
    @chrispelleyfilms หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Wow, you got a voicemail? Lucky, usually it's just an email for me lol

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@chrispelleyfilms haha no this was recreated from an email - a voicemail is much more gut wrenching perfect for creating dramatic tension to really drive the heartache home lol

  • @JakeWeisler
    @JakeWeisler หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    UNCUT JAMMSSSS

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@JakeWeisler 🤣 I need to use that meme next time. Too good

  • @MoanuuR
    @MoanuuR หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    completely off topic but you live in the most cloud state ive ever seen lmao every video its a beautiful overcast

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Haha gimme all the overcast weddings! Get that sun outta here

  • @WesleyB0891
    @WesleyB0891 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I always say this to my wife, but if you REALLY loved my work, you'd have not gone in a different direction. Just say that I'm out of your budget.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Its the worst when they hype you up only to break your heart lol

  • @oakridgemilitary
    @oakridgemilitary หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Wedding videography is DEAD. Doubt it will bounce back as trend is pushing towards inexpensive content creators to go film shorts on their iPhone and deliver to couple same/next day. Also the there are 10X more people filming weddings and half the couples getting married, having big weddings, or spending money on cinematic films. The low-mid range wedding industry to moving towards all inclusive wedding venues, where the venue charges one big amount, and pays the vendors way less to complete the wedding. Get out while you can, long term I don't think it will be a business that can make a decent amount of money. We had this same problem years ago when drones came around. We use to be able to charge $15K+ or more for half day of filming by helicopter, now people don't want to even pay $1000.00 for drone work. In order to make it you must charge at least $4000.00 per wedding or it's not profitable. No one can do 20+ weddings a year at 3K or less and make it financially. You can for the first few years, but by year 6-7 you see it's just not worth the effort. We've done 350+ weddings with 84 in one year alone charging $3K price point. I can list off more things that align wedding videography mostly not being profitable unless you are in the high-end $10K+ markets. Final note, wedding clients are not repeat clients. After all that work of getting them, they won't ever pay you again. Corporate clients come back. Cash flow.

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@oakridgemilitary Great points for sure! I agree that if you want to make a profit, you need to commit atleast 2-3 years. The first few years is impossible to price yourself at 4-5K without any kind of brand presence/portfolio/reputation etc. you CAN still turn a profit in the 2500-3500 market but it will cost you your time. Because the volume needed to turn a profit would be like you said. Some find a lot of success doing that but in order to scale and grow you’ll want a team to delegate events so that you can have rest.
      I think with content creation becoming more widely known - it is turning heads with couples. They see a smaller investment, faster turn around, this alone diminishes the value of high production wedding films. That’s the change we are seeing occur right now. Some brands are pivoting and offering this service which is great. But for those like myself who find more fulfillment and joy in curating story driven documentary style films, this service doesn’t appeal to me. It would be a disservice for me to offer a product I don’t enjoy or find fulfillment in.
      But yeah I’ve been considering other avenues of video production. Diversifying is a beautiful thing. For me I think weddings were always meant to be a short term venture. I still enjoy them and will continue to take on those that feel like a best fit. It’s an interesting time for sure!

    • @iampioneer81
      @iampioneer81 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Just curious.....how can an industry that seems like it was just beginning to really emerge all of sudden be dead? With social media it seems like there are more outlets for couples to share their wedding videos and relive their day.
      Not trying to be a jerk here, really just looking for insight. I did a decent number of weddings last year and only one couple had a content creator. The bride had a pretty sizable following as an influencer so it makes since that she would want one. For the average couple though, are they really choosing a content creator over a wedding videographer most of the time?

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@iampioneer81 It’s a valid thought and I definitely don’t think it is dead, it’s just going through puberty. Video is expanding in how it’s captured, packaged, and felt. I think we are experiencing a lull period mostly due to economic uncertainty over saturation/lack of demand etc. But there’s arguments towards an even split for sure! I think this is a broader topic we could analyze and unpack further because it is Interesting!

    • @jeremyfoster8726
      @jeremyfoster8726 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@WaywardNorth THere's going to be a lot of buyer's remorse in the next few years over content creators -- and that word will get to planners and other couples. I do see a rebound

    • @Kiwireels
      @Kiwireels หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I'm so glad that I took the time to watch this because I honestly thought that the lack of interest from couples was 100% me alone. I only have 2 weddings left to do this year and one of them is for my step daughter. I've been really stressing out' loosing sleep, trying to make my budget stretch along enough to survive. NZ is probably one of the toughest countries to make a living as a videographer yest alone a wedding videographer. We are going through a major ressesion in this country.
      However im fighting hard' trying not to give up, im analyzing my brand and trying to strengthen things up, looking at trends to evolve. To know that it's not just me' but it's the entire industry does put me slightly at ease.

  • @edwink0
    @edwink0 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Jaired, based on your experience, what % of couples are getting or thinking of getting video for their wedding?

  • @MsAlyalya
    @MsAlyalya หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    cool

  • @mouctardiallo9062
    @mouctardiallo9062 หลายเดือนก่อน

    ❤❤❤

  • @HowToFilmWed
    @HowToFilmWed หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    🫶🏻

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@HowToFilmWed 🫶🫶🫶

  • @user-sh8op2ku3c
    @user-sh8op2ku3c หลายเดือนก่อน

    So you've reached my problems, here's the heel of Achilles for you, do you want the truth about this? They decided to intercept your clients and put you in a dry place, that's all the psychology, they probably have the best cameras and the whole system for this.Wedding video is being updated and all old materials are no longer in demand

  • @wh4tevercomest0mind41
    @wh4tevercomest0mind41 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Are you a believer?

    • @WaywardNorth
      @WaywardNorth  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@wh4tevercomest0mind41 I am