Sonder Retreat Ep. 1 Content - Vanessa and Tara
As we prepare to announce the location for Sonder Retreat Ep. 2, I wanted to share with you the some of the content from our first pilot episode in Iceland.
There are so many reasons to make travel a priority in your lifetime but if you’re a wedding or elopement filmmaker, this is a really good one.
Sonder Retreat is an intimate destination retreat for filmmakers. We keep our group size to eight. Intentionality and mindset is the theme of the week. Connections and heartfelt moments are experienced ten times over. Stay tuned for more info!
I watched too much LOTR on the flight home LOL.
#newzealandphotographer #newzealandvideographer #newzealandelopement #destinationelopement #adventureelopement #adventurebride
Sonder Retreat is a completely brand new venture and we are so excited to announce episode one next Tuesday the 31st! I have been offering 1:1 learning experiences for a few years now, but it’s time to start building community. Here is a short video highlighting a few filmmakers that I’ve been lucky enough to spend meaningful time with.
This retreat is for those who feel proficient in their craft, but are ready to elevate their creative intuition. We will focus on training your eye and and learning a cadence that allows you to shoot more naturally. All while enjoying yourself as a world traveler and sharing the experience with eight other like-minded people. It’s all about sharing great meals, seeing great sights, and growing together.
Info on our first retreat location drops on Tuesday the 31st. Location, lodging, and pricing info will be all there.
Applications will open one week later on February 7th. You must apply to be considered. We are looking for filmmakers who are in the same place of their business. That way context and content will resonate equally with everyone. Once these pre-requisites are met, we will go in order that we receive the applications. So if you’re interested in joining us on an epic episode one (we went all out!), definitely try to be one of the first eight in line!
#sonderretreat #sonder #filmmakerretreat #videographyretreat #weddingvideographerretreat #weddingfilmmakerretreat #destinationweddingvideographer
SONDER an intimate destination retreat for filmmakers. A one of a kind experience for eight. We will set the scene for meaningful conversations through beautiful expeditions across the globe. That’s right, you may need your passports to have a few blank pages. With a small group, we are able to be intentional and focus on personalized learning experiences. The travel experience will be nothing less of fancy, do you know me or do you know me? Haha! We will be staying in stunning homes and indulging in creative culinary experiences from a private chef. It’s a time to truly get away, to travel, to work on mindset as a filmmaker.
My barber told me this the other day, “so basically they’ve already learned how to go 0-60mph and now this retreat will pave the path for them to go 60-100mph?” The metaphor is pretty spot on. Thanks Eric!
The last few years I’ve really focused on the 1:1 virtual calls and in person workshops. I’ve wanted to keep the same energy, but incorporate community. That’s why it’s important for Sonder and to me, that we keep it to eight. It’s not about profit margins, it’s truly about curating the perfect experience. I’ve been working closely with my experience coordinator Kelsey, to provide you all with the best time. We want your cup to be full as a filmmaker, a person, and a traveler.
Our first destination will be announced next week on the January 31st. Applications will be open on the 7th. There are only eight seats. If you want to go 60-100 with a few other like minded people, let’s go!
#filmmakerretreat #videographyretreat #sonder #sonderretreat #goodcoretreat #goodcostudios
Find yourself a little spot in the mountains.
#mountainelopement #northcascades #northcascadeselopement #artistpoint #artistpointelopement #mountainelopementvideographer #washingtonelopementvideographer #oregonelopementvideographer
It’s official, I’m going to grow my YouTube channel! Link in bio! In 2023 I’m taking on less than half of the weddings I’ve been accustomed to. To be honest, 2020 was going to be my first year that I pulled back the number of weddings I worked. Then the world turned upside down. The next couple years proved to be a lot with reschedules and family health complications. I can’t keep putting things off though, the time starts now.
I’ve been wanting to connect with this community and honestly there isn’t a social media platform like Youtube. It has a clear identity. Instagram and TikTok have their place, but it is exhausting being on the beat sometimes. YouTube speaks to me in a different way. I feel like I can be a lot more intentional, share longer form films, dig deep on creative decisions, review fun products, etc.
I should probably have a better game plan on posting schedule, because they say consistency is everything, but I don’t have one lol. My days are still wrapped up in editing wedding films (which I still LOVE, don’t get it twisted haha). It was important for me to at least make this first video and to get the ball rolling.
So if you are at all interested in subscribing, I’d love for you to come join me on YT. There is a link in my bio for convenience. Thank you so much!
It’s finally here, the Iceland teaser. The daunting task of creating something that was worthy of a location that has been on my bucket list for years. Before I started this edit, all I knew deep down was that I wanted it to stay true to the couple and my style of storytelling. Not to get carried away with epic drone shots and all the footage of lush scenery (which there are plenty). Staying grounded and making it story first, like you were there celebrating with them is the most important thing to me.
#icelandelopement #icelandelopementvideo #icelandelopementvideographer #icelandelopementphotographer #icelandadventure #icelandadventureleopement #skogofoss #blacksandbeachiceland
“I had no idea I wanted a video like that and now I’m obsessed.” - John
This was a shoot from one of my 1:1 workshops I hosted. Husband and wife team A+J were actually doing photography for an elopement we had that weekend, but I asked if they would be so kind to model for us during our short stay in WA. Being creatives themselves, they didn’t often find themselves in front of the camera. I thought it would be a really fun experience for all of us.
The main goal of the content session of the workshop was to show how to make a shoot not feel like a shoot. Just two people hanging on the beach. Sure, there was some light direction, but keeping you in the moment is always going to yield the best and most natural content.
Pretty shots in beautiful light will get my attention, but making the moments feel authentic will wrap me up. That’s where the focus should always be.
#washingtonelopementvideographer #oregonelopementvideographer #washingtoncoastelopement #washingtoncoastelopementvideographer #oregoncoastelopementvideographer #pnwelopementvideographer #pnwelopement #elopepnw #elopementlove
Photo and video teams that get along and work well together will serve you better. If they can sing together too that’s just a bonus. Would you believe me if I said this was only our first or second run through of the song? You probably said yes cause I definitely missed the harmony on her run lol. Finished strong though!
#weddingvendors #photoandvideo #photographyvideography #weddingphotographer #weddingvideographer #weddingphotography #tennessewhiskey #tennesseewhiskeycover #acapella #singingtrio
Making wedding films is sort of like making movies, except it’s strange because there is no conflict. Which means there is nothing to resolve. The arc is completely different. Instead, it’s more like mileposts of different story points found throughout the day. Story anchors is what I often refer to them as.
You all know by now how much story sessions are a huge part of my brand. I loved using the morning hike and sunset beach scenes to help elevate the energy of this film. The song had a really cool build and I wanted to compliment that. It’s fun approaching every wedding film differently. Giving each new edit it’s own sandbox.
Music via @musicbed
#oahuwedding #oahuweddingfilmmaker #oahuweddingvideographer #hawaiiweddingvideographer #hawaiivideographer #mauiweddingvideographer
Running in your flowy dress for the camera puts you on the fast track to becoming my bff. I generally love more candid and natural moments, but here and there I like to sprinkle in some artsy fartsy stuff.
My first time to South Carolina. It didn’t disappoint! I enjoyed some good company and that’s enough for me to want to come back.
Photography: @daileyalexandra
Videography: @goodcostudios
Coordinator: @emeraldoxco
Florals: @honeycombflorals
Hair/Makeup: @mackedupbymo
Dress: @madewithlovebridal /Willow
DJ: @magic706
Cake: @heyhoneycakery
Catering: @newberryhallaiken
Reception: @newbridgepoloclub
Donkeys: @black_burro_events
Champagne: @buzzworthy_bubbles
Rentals: @allstartentsandevents
It’s almost impossible to quantify anything in this line or work. Everything is subjective. What separates a good film from a not so good film? How do you measure the smile curling on your face or the tear running down your cheek? That’s why messages like these mean so much. Creatives feel like they are shooting arrows in the dark sometimes and solely relying on our “gut feeling” for our income lol. Sounds terrifying now that I put it that way.
All this to say… thank you T+J for sending me this, it truly means the world.
#reactionvideo #reactionvideos #weddingfilmreaction #weddingvideoreaction
This is the first sneak peek of “The Ever After Series.” We are capturing stories beyond the wedding day. This particular film is a crossroads between love and travel. Claire reached out to me with this idea because she doesn’t have much knowledge of her biological past. Creating some sort of video heirloom was really important to her. Not only is it something her and Joe can look back on years from now, but for their great grandkids to know their story.
I hope to continue to evolve my work in this way. Where it can be less production, more stories, and boundless adventure. For clarification though, The Ever After Series doesn’t imply that you have to go to exotic locations. Stories can be captured in a thoughtful way in any place! I expect each project to look very different from one another.
One of my favorite memories from this trip was drinking the common wine in Frascati at the local bar, which has been there for centuries. The local cheese and sausage perfectly complimented the wine and loosely spirited conversations. Reliving moments like that are so invaluable.
Hiring a filmmaker to come along with you on adventures like this may not actually be that “extra.” It’s an amazing way to make the most out of any trip. These memories will sink even deeper in your mind.
I will be offering these Ever After films starting in 2023 and beyond. However, don’t hesitate to reach out now if you have an idea as my calendar is starting to already fill up. Cost will vary heavily, but I will say, I intend it to be very preproduction and planning heavy. These will not be mini session type films. Some projects might even take multiple days interviewing family members, culling through old home videos, or whatever the vision might be. It’ll be interesting to see where this takes me creatively and how it will inspire me for my elopement and wedding films.
#goodcostudios #theeverafterseries #everafterseries #honeymoonvideo #couplesvideo #weddingvideo #elopeme
The recipe for a perfect wedding: Get up for a private sunrise vow exchange. Take a break/nap the rest of the morning. Then celebrate with a few of your closest people over good food (@essen_catering) and music the rest of the evening. Doing it near a national park is extra credit. Hiring @maeandco_creative for styling and planning is gonna kick it up 10 notches too. Bringing me along is going to be the final piece of the puzzle. It was also such a pleasure working alongside @dionnekrausphotography, would hang again 😉. @colortheorydesign.co worked her floral magic once again!
Planning and Styling @maeandco_creative
Photo @dionnekrausphotography
Florals @colortheorydesign.co
Catering @essen_catering
DJ @thepremieraustindjs
Bar @laurynmaciazmua
Venue @thewillowhouse
HMUA @helloflawlessartistry
#texasweddingvideographer #bigbendelopelopment #bigbendintimatewedding #bigbendwedding #bigbendweddingvideographer #texaselopementvideographer
Did you know that you can no longer view videos in landscape mode on Instagram? No more turning the phone sideways for full screen. I think this is the final sign for me to finally start an active YouTube channel… a video app that doesn’t have an identity crisis lol.
This video was shot in s-cinetone, not my usually slog3. What do you think? I’m going to still use slog3, but for those of you who’s want a quicker workflow, this is a great option for Sony users. The black and highlight curves are pretty interesting and are actually different than the standard profile which I didn’t realize. I personally prefer more dynamic range and the incredible flexibility of slog3, but s cinetone is going to amazing for many people and for some of my workflows.
Footage from my 1:1 workshop in Kansas w/ @thebrightnessproject
#videographyeducation #videographymentorship #videographyworkshop #engagementvideo #proposalvideo #weddingvideography
No one had speeches prepared for the rehearsal dinner, however, it turned out to be an incredibly emotional evening. A’s brother put us to our knees with his sweet words. I left that evening reminded how important and special it is that to play historian. Core memories were made that night and I was at the right place at the right time.
This is precisely why I automatically include a story session in my wedding collections. It’s about the bigger picture. Whether that’s toasts at rehearsal or a sunrise private vow exchange.
Silverleaf was a jaw dropping venue, but the most beautiful moments were the smaller ones, like L in the first frames, realizing that her wedding day has finally arrived and that she will forever have an adventure buddy after that day.
Rehearsal Catering @kendrick_bbq @whiskeybentbbq
Event Design, Planning & Florals @bloomandblueprint @iamplannererika @iamplannerkindred @iamcreativemama
DJ @voxdjs
Rentals @dang.finerentals
Linens @bbj_latavola
Photography @alexes_lauren_photography
Videography @goodcostudios
Venue/Catering @silverleafclub
Hair/Makeup @lebeigebeauty
Lauren’s Dress @altamodabridal
Aaron’s Custom Suit @uwmmensshop
Bridemaid Dresses @bhldn @jennyyoonyc
Her Rings @jbrooksjewelers
His Rings @thorumco
Games @azboardsource
Day-of signage and paper products @pageandparcel
These vows…WOW. Queue the emotions. This celebration was years in the making. Reschedule after reschedule, we were finally able to witness this level of love. <3
film score: @musicbed
florals: @brierandivy
hair/makeup: @kellithomsen @embeautyyy_
photo: @tarabethphotography
video: @goodcostudios
venue: @blockhousepdx
tita’s ensemble: @banderajones
kirstin’s suit: @sharpesuiting
rings: @marrowfine
dessert: @1927smores
#lgbtqweddingphotographer #lgbtq🌈
#queerwedding #loveislove #portlandweddingphotographer #queerlove #lgbtqcouple #lgbtqweddingvideographer #lgbtqelopementvideographer
Content from my 1:1 workshop! Let’s talk about lighting for one minute. This session was shot around 10:30am to noon. Commonly known as “probably the worst time for lighting” o’clock, lol. Here me out though… it’s not so bad! Like every other person I love a great sunset. It’s so fun to work with those velvety colors and soft tones. However, being truly comfortable with lighting and composition is so freeing, even under the harshest conditions. I want to show my mentees how to see light and storytelling with confidence.
Shooting in s-log3 or any log format does surely help with dynamic range, but that’s a story for another day. I also hope you notice the edit is linear/chronological, straight cuts only, no effects, harsh sunlight, and the fact that I only slowed down the last shot. Most of the shots were filmed in 24p anyway. Post stabilizer was only applied to maybe a couple clips, most of it is just handheld and the active stabilization in the Sony body. All of this to say, you can create nice content with less than you think you need. The scenery was helpful for sure, but I believe simplifying your process will still allow you to create great material no matter the backdrop.
I’m full on 1:1 workshops until November. Next year I plan on launching some even more immersive learning experiences, so definitely stay tuned!
#mentorship #mentorshipsession #workshop #videographyworkshop #harshlight #goldenhour #lightingtips #videographystorytelling #videostorytelling #goodcostudios #oregonelopement #oregongorge #governmentcove #columbiariviergorge
I have an announcement! Several weeks ago @musicbed asked me to be one of their ambassadors! Musicbed is the only music licensing platform I use for all of my work. So when a brand reaches out that you 1000% believe in, there is no better feeling. It really comes down to the quality of music. There is nothing on the market that can compare. This might be hyperbole, but I feel like Lebron James and Nike or maybe more accurately Jared and Subway LOL.
Having a background in music, things like production quality, lyrics, and instruments matter so much to me. There is plethora of songs on Musicbed that I could see myself listening to on Spotify or other streaming services. If you click on my links page on my bio, there will be a button that takes you to either my affiliate link to sign up or my Musicbed curated playlist. Yes mom, I’ve made it, I have a MB playlist :P. You can see which handpicked songs I love to get a good feel for what their library has to offer and a window into my brain.
Let’s face it, music is a foundational piece of a wedding film. Don’t skimp. Do the right thing.
