Essential Gear for wedding creatives
The concept of "essential gear" is a myth we've been conditioned to believe. While there are foundational tools that many might agree upon, the reality is that creativity doesn't hinge on owning the latest, most expensive equipment. This is a sentiment we've often echoed on our podcast and in conversations with fellow creatives.
Let's reference our Filming weddings on IPHONE!!! chat with "A Girl And Her Phone" from episode 095 of the podcast, where she effectively shoots entire weddings on an iPhone. The disbelief around using consumer-grade gear for professional work highlights a crucial point: it's not about the gear, but how you use it. She charges thousands of dollars because her clients value the stories she tells, not the tool she uses to tell them.
In her own words: "The demand for my services is what has set my price. I didn’t set my price... Once we get over that mindset... it’s just the basic law of supply and demand... There is a low supply of me with a high demand, so what does that do to the price? The price goes up." Her success story underscores the importance of focusing on storytelling and client relationships over mere equipment.
This episode was a personal favourite of mine. I made sure to balance this discussion with the importance of quality audio gear, which is undeniably crucial. Crisp, clear audio can elevate a production, creating a more immersive experience for the viewer. Investing in reliable microphones and audio recorders like the Tascam DR-10Ls ensures your stories are not only seen but heard with clarity.
Investing in Quality Equipment
Investing in quality equipment is a wise decision, but it’s vital to remember that being creative isn't about the gear. As we've often discussed, great storytelling and the ability to connect with your subject are far more critical.
Sav emphasized that her success was built on her ability to tell compelling stories and connect with her clients, not the sophistication of her gear. Starting with an iPhone and gradually increasing her rates based on demand, she demonstrated that quality work and client satisfaction are what truly set a professional apart.
She shared, "My clients don’t know what depth of field is, they don’t care what kind of sensor my camera has... we're focusing on the wrong things. Don’t get too caught up in the gear, get more caught up in the story and loving on your clients and serving them well."
Invest in gear that enhances your creativity and supports your workflow, not just because it’s the latest trend. Prioritise items that solve specific problems or improve your efficiency. For instance, while upgrading to a camera with better low-light performance might be necessary for some, others might find investing in lighting equipment more beneficial.
Balancing Gear with Creativity
Balancing gear with creativity is a delicate act. Overemphasis on equipment can stifle creativity, leading to an endless cycle of upgrading without improving your actual craft.
Our guest's journey from using an iPhone to potentially exploring more advanced lighting setups exemplifies this balance. She focused on mastering her current tools, solving problems as they arose, and continuously improving her storytelling. Her approach underscores an essential truth: mastering the basics and pushing the limits of what you have will always outshine merely having the best gear.
Creativity thrives within constraints. Often, the limitations of your gear can spur innovative solutions and unique perspectives. Embrace these constraints and use them to your advantage. Focus on building strong narratives, capturing genuine emotions, and delivering a product that resonates deeply with your audience.
If It's Not About Gear, What's It About?
What truly matters is your ability to tell stories, connect with your clients, and continuously refine your craft. Invest wisely in equipment that enhances your work, but never lose sight of the fact that creativity is your most valuable tool.
It's about the storyteller behind the camera. True craftsmanship lies in your ability to capture emotions, convey narratives, and connect with your subjects. It's about understanding light, composition, and timing, and using these elements to create compelling visuals. Most importantly, it's about the passion and dedication you bring to your work. Whether you're using the latest high-end equipment or a simple smartphone, your unique vision and ability to tell a story are what truly matter. Great gear can enhance your work, but it's your creativity and skill that ultimately define it.
The Importance of Wedding Films and Photography
This brings us to the broader importance of what we do. Why have a wedding film or professional photographs? In many ways, they serve as time capsules, historic caches of good times, family, friends, and love. They are visual legacies that we leave behind, resonating deeply with future generations.
During a recent best man speech, an American labor leader and civil rights activist, Cesar Chavez, was mentioned. Intrigued by the unknown individual, I took little time to research the man and found a quote that again is rather apt: “True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire.” In mentioning the legacies we leave behind, Cesar Chavez was right! For in film and photography, we have the ability to communicate through generations, to inspire those with the goodness in our lives, in the demonstration of love, of living, and of celebrating those things.
In my youth, as many do, I had a carefree attitude toward time. Perhaps this is an honest aspect of youth, to have a disregard, a naivety towards the inevitable end, but as I’ve aged and my role in life turned to husband and then to father, I realize how cavalier I was. There seem to be darker tones which linger in my mind these days. It’s the juxtapositions in life, a fear found in the loss of the things I love because there are beautiful moments in life but equal pain that comes along with them.
It is the reason I continue to create the films and photographs I do, to celebrate the joyous moments so as to balance the sad. Not capturing my wedding day on film was certainly the spark that imbued Cinemate with life, but as the years have passed and I have had the privilege of being invited into the fold of many incredible family moments, I have gained a certain perspective of the important role I play for these families in the present and in their futures. It is an honor and a responsibility I hold in the highest regard.
In pondering the importance our visual legacies have to the generations we leave behind, my mind pivots to the more selfish aspects of the visuals we invest in and capture. How do our own films and photographs affect us? There are many avenues I could write about and from a plethora of scenarios, but I want to focus on those that personally strike me as the most devastating and that I fear the most: the loss of loved ones.
In conclusion, creating wedding films and photography is not merely about documenting an event with the best gear. It’s about capturing the essence of the moment, the emotions, and the connections that will become invaluable memories for the couples and their families. It’s about leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and bring joy long after the day has passed.
Addressing the Doubters
For those who doubt how one can justify charging $3000 for shooting on an iPhone, it's essential to understand that the value lies not in the equipment but in the skill and artistry of the filmmaker. As discussed on our podcast with "A Girl And Her Phone," the price is a reflection of the demand for her unique storytelling ability and the exceptional quality of her work, not the specific gear she uses. She explained, "The demand for my services is what has set my price. I didn’t set my price... Once we get over that mindset... it’s just the basic law of supply and demand... There is a low supply of me with a high demand, so what does that do to the price? The price goes up." Clients are willing to pay for her services because she delivers beautiful, emotional films that resonate deeply, regardless of whether they are shot on an iPhone or a high-end camera.
Moreover, the emergence of content creators shooting quick, high-quality content on their phones has become a significant trend. This shift has validated the use of smartphones as legitimate tools for professional work. The ability to create engaging, professional-grade content quickly and efficiently on a phone is now its own respected genre. This trend underscores that the power of storytelling and the quality of the content are what truly captivate audiences, not necessarily the type of equipment used. Whether for social media, marketing, or personal memories, the focus is increasingly on the creator's vision and execution rather than the gear.
If you found this blog helpful, consider joining us on YouTube and Instagram @perspectivebycinemate and feel free to reach out for support. Together, we can navigate these challenges and continue creating awesome work!
Stay positive, keep creating and in the mean time… ENJOY YOUR LIFE!
Simon
Cinemate
