Neale James Videography

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’ve photographed and made stories about weddings for fifteen years, having shot over 800 weddings (mostly as stills and a mixture of stills and movie style) all across the UK and a selection of overseas weddings too

How would you describe your wedding videography style and your style of working?

I definitely have a natural storytelling approach. In terms of a unique factor, I worked as a radio broadcaster and producer for many years prior to photography and film making, so sound plays an important part of my films. I have heard it said consistently that couples choose to have a film as they don’t want to miss the key things said and spoken, so that is a strong consideration in my work. I’ve even been known to engage narrators to introduce story lines which I don’t think I’ve seen anywhere else?

What type of equipment do you use?

It’s important that I remain reasonably low key. I tend not to use lots of large tripods, cranes and the kind of equipment that can make guests feel uncomfortable or like they just walked on to a film set. I can and do use assistants, though many couples have chosen me for my unobtrusive approach. Working alone can often produce beautiful results.

Do you shoot in HD?

Yes and also 4K if requested.

What can you offer couples? Can they customise the package with you?

All my services can be bespoke in terms of times and locations.

What parts of the day do you usually capture?

This is very bespoke. Usually it’s prewedding preparations with a bride/groom and venue set up to the first half hour of dancing. Often this is extended and has been known to include the prewedding rehearsal meal the night before.

How long does it take you to edit?

Usually six weeks max.

How long will the final version usually be?

I’m working to produce fifteen minute cinematic style films accompanied by a shorter trailer version. I can also produce an audio documentary that is the full length of ceremony and speeches.

How far in advance should couples book you?

I book between two months and two years in advance! It’s advisable though if your date falls at a weekend and particularly during Easter, Summer or Christmas to book well in advance.

What are your favourite trends?

Hmmm. Trends come and go, that’s why the story always wins over trend. To take a photographic example of this; Instagram style yellow washes on pictures were a trend and some photographers and film makers added this to their work. You wouldn’t have seen it in the cinema though because these are films that directors hope to stand the test of time.

What are you expecting to see become more mainstream/more common in the next year or two?

I think it’s exciting that films are becoming more common. For a while they seemed lost. The wedding video traditionally became too long and unwieldy to watch. It’s wonderful to watch film makers think more about story telling.