THE VIDEOGRAPHER: JAMES MICHAEL SMITH

James Michael Smith is a videographer located in northwest Arkansas. We met James at a wedding this past summer, and really enjoyed his work. Like us, James is very professional at every event he does, but he also is able to have fun and make people comfortable. His work has an artistic edge, and because we enjoyed working with him so much, we thought we would feature him on our blog.

So we decided to have a little Q & A session with James and post one of his videos as a sample of his work. Here is some insight into James Michael Smith, and please keep him in mind for your videography needs by checking out his website at: http://www.jamesmichaelsmith.com/weddings/index.html

Evin & Susan's Reception from James Smith on Vimeo.



Q: How did you become interested in videography?

A: Video has been apart of my life for about as long as I can remember. I think I've always had a love for capturing things on film. I remember as a young boy I used to make stop motion movies with my lego men and the home video camera. Since then I've been hooked. ;-) I count myself very blessed to be able to do what I love for a living.

Q: Do you have an artist statement, motto or slogan for your wedding videography business, and if so why did you chose it.

A: My slogan is "Your Memories. Forever." I chose it because it was simple, to the point, and very true. My main goal in wedding videography is to beautifully capture memories that will be cherished forever. It's such an honor to be able to create for a new family one of the most cherished videos they will ever own and it's not a responsibility I take lightly.

Q: What is your favorite moment during a wedding?

A: That's a great question. I think probably my favorite moment is the look on the groom's face right before and while the bride is walking down the aisle. I don't know what it is about that moment, but it's always very special to see.

Q: How do you handle stressful situations?

A: When it comes to weddings I over prepare and have backups for everything. There's no do- overs when it comes to a wedding and missing the moment is not an option, so I have backups for everything and I always way over prepare. I typically don't get stressed very easily and when I do I take a deep breath and carry on :-)

Q: Describe yourself in 5 words.

A: Personable, Creative, Passionate, Trustworthy, & Entrepreneur

Q: Do you believe in love at fist sight?

A: When you attend weddings every weekend, you tend to become fairly desensitized to all things romantic. However, with that said I do still believe in love at first sight. I don't think it always happens, but I definitely think it's possible.

Q: What has been your most memorable wedding and why?

A: Having filmed weddings in nine states, I have so many good memories. However, I'd say my most memorable wedding was on the roof of a 5 star restaurant in Long Beach, California that overlooked the bay and the Queen Mary cruise ship. Oh... and I forgot to mention it was the 4th of July, complete with fireworks over the bay. It pretty much doesn't get anymore picture perfect than that.

Q: What sets your work apart from other videographers?

A: There are several things that set me apart from other videographers. The first, is that I film in a very non-obstrusive style. While some videographers can be very obtrusive in their filming, I truly believe that beautifully capturing the moment can be done without shoving a camera in someone's face. Secondly, I don't believe in cheesy music and effects. You won't find slow motion, black and white shots set to cheesy love music in my work. I strive to create wedding videos that capture the fun and excitement of your wedding in an engaging DVD that you'll actually enjoy watching over and over. Finally, wedding videography is my full-time job. While a lot of other people just film weddings on the side, I actually do it full time, which means I'm fully focused on delivering exceptional videos to all my brides.

Q: Why should someone hire you?

A: Instead of going on and on about why I think people should hire me, I like to let my past brides do the talking:

“Our video was unbelievable. Perfect in every way!!”
“Your work was so seamless and never intrusive.”
“James did such an AMAZING job on our wedding video!!”
“I loved working with James!”
“If your looking for someone to do a wonderful job James is your guy.”
“My wedding video is perfect.”
“I will definitely recommend you to anyone.”
“We will treasure our wedding video forever!”

You can find these testimonials and a lot more at my website.

Q: What are some other just random facts about you?

A: I'm obsessed with Dr. Pepper.
I used to work at the Paramount Pictures lot in Hollywood.
I sold my '66 mustang to upgrade my video gear to HD.
I was once a groomsman for a groom I didn't know.

Remember to check James out at:

http://www.jamesmichaelsmith.com/weddings/index.html

EMAIL: James@JamesMichaelSmith.com
PHONE#: 479.633.7773