Interview with videographer Gleb from Fokus Norr
Gleb av Fokus Norr
Photo: Bo-Sixten Andersson
In today's interview, I have the honor of sitting down with Gleb, a skilled wedding videographer whom I've personally had the privilege to work with on many occasions. As a wedding photographer, I often encounter confusion and uncertainty from my clients when it comes to booking a videographer as a complement to their wedding photos. Many are unsure of what a videographer entails and what criteria they should look for to find the right person who can deliver the video quality they desire. Gleb has a unique ability to capture the moments of the wedding day discreetly while creating a beautiful and memorable film. I'm delighted to hear his insights and advice on why a wedding videographer can be an invaluable addition to a couple's special day.
I asked Gleb to tell us a bit about himself:
“It's my seventh season in Sweden, and during these years, I've had the opportunity to film a variety of weddings with different cultures and traditions. For me, it's difficult to predict the final outcome of the film before the wedding. To do so, I really need to live the day together with the couple, capturing their emotions, excitement, and joy in the moment as they unfold.
I believe my style is quite unique and very creative. Since childhood, I studied in a choreography class where we analyzed various choreographers and their productions. Additionally, I've had many travels to different countries and cities since I was a child, which has definitely influenced me and made me appreciate the beauty in the smallest details.
After university, I had the opportunity to work extensively with people, and I believe this has helped me a lot in interacting with couples during their wedding day. I'm a very open person, and it's easy to get along with me as we spend many hours together every day. Many say that my presence is an advantage. I love to dance and can't help but get carried away when good music is playing!"
Here are some questions Gleb and I talked about. I hope you enjoy my interview with Gleb. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to know more or book me, or perhaps us, for your wedding.
Check out a wedding video here:
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Gleb:
A "Highlights video" is a shorter summary of your wedding day, usually around 3-5 minutes long, capturing the most memorable moments and emotions from the ceremony, reception, and festivities. It's perfect for sharing with friends and family on social media or keeping as a cherished memory.
On the other hand, a "Full-day video" is a longer film that spans your entire wedding day, typically 20-30 minutes or more. It includes full ceremonies, speeches, dances, and other significant parts of the wedding. It's more comprehensive, allowing you to relive the entire day in detail.
The choice between the two depends on your preferences and what you want as a memory from your big day. A highlights video is more compact and perfect for quick sharing and viewing, while a full-day video provides a more detailed retrospective, including the best moments from the entire day. I believe it's wonderful to have a full-day video to relive and share with your loved ones for years to come. -
Gleb:
How long you book a wedding videographer depends on your specific needs and desires to cover the wedding day. To get comprehensive coverage of the entire day, including preparations, ceremony, reception, and of course, the dinner with speeches, cake, and the first dance, it may be appropriate to book a videographer for around 10-12 hours.
As for the technical material, the videographer needs to film enough to cover all the important moments during the day. For a highlights video, less material is usually required since it's a shorter summary of the most memorable moments. For a full-day video, more material is needed to cover all parts of the day in detail.
It's crucial to communicate your expectations and desires with the videographer in advance so they can plan and film in a way that matches your needs and expectations. This enables them to deliver a result that exceeds your expectations and creates a memory that lasts a lifetime. It's always wise to have clear communication with the videographer before the wedding to ensure that everything is properly planned and prepared. -
My style... always evolving, but I know one thing for sure: every wedding video is unique to me. I choose different music for each video and try to convey every moment of your day in the most subtle way possible. So even many years later, when you choose to watch your wedding film, I won't be ashamed of it. My goal is for every video I create to be a timeless depiction of your special day, captured in a way that lets you relive all the love and joy over and over again.
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Gleb:
Take the time to read reviews and recommendations and find out what previous clients have to say about their experience with the videographer.
Another thing to consider is that today, many photographers also offer videography. While it may be tempting to go for an all-in-one solution, it's important to remember that each profession requires its own expertise. If you're a photographer, focus on photography, and if you're a videographer, focus on filming.
By considering these factors, you can find a videographer who will create a film that you will love and appreciate for many years to come. -
Gleb:
1. Experience: A professional videographer has extensive experience in filming weddings and knows how to capture the most memorable moments in a professional and creative way. They also possess knowledge of camera settings, lighting conditions, and other technical aspects that directly affect the quality of the film.
2. Quality and equipment: A dedicated videographer typically invests in high-quality equipment, including cameras, audio recording equipment, drones, steadicams, etc. This results in a superior end product compared to using a regular camera or smartphone.
3. Focus and presence: A professional videographer is fully present to document the wedding and can focus exclusively on capturing the magical moments. This is not always the case when a friend or acquaintance is responsible for the recording.
4. Editing and post-production: A dedicated videographer also offers video editing and post-production services to create a professional and polished wedding film. This is something that a friend or acquaintance may lack the experience or time to perform satisfactorily. -
Gleb:
1. Cost: A common misconception is that hiring a wedding videographer is very expensive and is beyond most bridal couples' budget. But the fact is that the cost can vary depending on various factors such as the length of coverage and what services and packages are offered.
2. Film length: There is a misconception that wedding films are long and boring to watch. But a skilled videographer can create dynamic films that capture the entire day in an engaging and entertaining way.
3. Prioritization: Sometimes people believe that a photographer is sufficient to cover the wedding and neglect to include a videographer. But a film can offer a different dimension of memories and emotions that photographs alone cannot convey.
By openly communicating with potential videographers and clearly clarifying your expectations, many of these misunderstandings can be avoided. This enables the creation of a wedding film that is perfectly tailored to the bridal couple's vision and needs. -
Gleb:
"Content creation" and reels are part of the growing trend where video clips can include everything from humorous sketches and fashion shows to product reviews and quick tutorials. Creating content is about regularly producing and sharing material to build a following and engage an audience.
On the other hand, wedding videography focuses on creating a longer, more cohesive film that captures the entire day of a wedding in an artistic, creative, and emotional way. The goal of a wedding video is to create a timeless and memorable documentation of the bridal couple's special day, which they can relive and share with their loved ones for many years to come.
While both types of video productions involve creating visual content, they differ in purpose, length, and content. "Content creation" and reels are usually short and focused on quickly capturing viewers' attention, while a wedding video aims to tell a cohesive story of a significant life event in a more comprehensive manner. -
Gleb:
1. Communicate with your videographer: Be clear about your expectations and desires for the wedding video. Discuss which moments and details are important for you to capture and share your vision.
2. Plan ahead: Take the time to carefully plan the wedding day so that there is enough time to capture all the moments and events that you want to include in the video. Communicate the schedule with your videographer so they can be in the right place at the right time to capture the most important moments.
3. Be present in the moment: Try to be present and live in the moment during your wedding day. Don't forget to enjoy every moment, as these authentic feelings will shine through in the video and make it more memorable.
4. Trust your videographer: Give your videographer the freedom to be creative and use their expertise to capture the best moments on your wedding day. Trust in their professional judgment and let them guide you through the film process to create a unique and personal wedding video.
5. Don't forget to show your emotions: This is the most important detail for an excellent result. Don't be afraid to show your love and emotions on your wedding day, as these genuine and authentic moments will make your wedding video special and unforgettable. -
1. Drone photography and videography: The use of drones to capture spectacular aerial views and panoramic shots of wedding venues is becoming increasingly popular. This technique provides a unique and impressive perspective on wedding videos, creating memorable scenes that capture the moment from above.
2. Creative use of lighting: Videographers are experimenting with different ways to use light and shadows to create dramatic and atmospheric images. By playing with brightness, color temperature, and lighting effects, they can create artistic and unique videos that enhance the magic and emotions of the wedding day.
3. Live streaming of weddings: With technological advancements, it's becoming more common to live stream weddings to friends and family who cannot attend in person. This provides a fantastic opportunity for people from all over the world to participate in the wedding celebrations in real-time, creating a closer bond between everyone involved.
4. 360-degree videos: Videographers are exploring the use of 360-degree cameras to create interactive and immersive wedding videos. By allowing viewers to pan around and explore the scene on their own, these videos create a deeper and more engaging experience for those watching, making them feel like they were there on the wedding day. -
1. Schedule: Create a detailed schedule for the wedding day that includes all the important events and moments you want to capture on film. This helps ensure that no important moment is missed and that everything runs smoothly throughout the day.
2. Site visits: If possible, visit the wedding venues in advance with your videographer to identify interesting backgrounds, lighting conditions, and other technical factors that may affect filming. This gives both of you the opportunity to plan and prepare for the best results.
3. Sound quality: Check the sound quality at the locations where the ceremony and speeches will take place. Good sound is crucial for capturing speeches and vows clearly and memorably.
4. Equipment and backup: Ensure that your videographer has enough equipment and backup gear to handle any eventualities on the wedding day. This includes cameras, lenses, microphones, and extra batteries, etc. A good videographer is prepared for all situations and can ensure a smooth recording process.
5. Communication: Maintain open communication with your videographer throughout the planning process to ensure that all details and expectations are clear and concise. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that the video turns out exactly as you desire.
