'About me' video feedback.

You're very good at staring directly at the camera, I would not be able to do that lol It might be just a personal thing but I thought because you were so direct with the camera it felt a little staged/static rather than relaxed. It depends what kind of air you want to give off, so do whatever fits for you, but I know I'd be moving around all over the place!

I know what you mean, it was actually really difficult for me. It also feels really strange just talking to a camera but you kind of get used to it.

I like it, it is good to see the different styles while you are talking about them and showcases some lovely pictures too.

Ok forgive me but I am going to be blunt and honest.....

I think your pics are truly awesome but I think the video really sucked.

For the following reasons-

You look and sounded bored I did not feel that your passion for photography came across (as it dos in your pics)

Not sure if it is because you are nervous or worrying about it sounding cheesy but it was a bit rabbit in the headlights at some points and other points looked a bit forced (Tony Blair style hand movements ?)

In places I really felt you were just reading the auto cue, around 'the big day' section in particular.

There are quite a few umms and errs throughout which doesn't make you sound confident about the topic you are discussing.

Sorry if that comes across a bit harsh, I just feel you need to shake it loose crack a smile and just enjoy yourself, I don't think the Vid does your work justice.

There were a few umms and errs because I wasn't reading from a auto cue! ?

I knew I wasn't going to be a natural, but it was much harder than I thought it was going to be.

Might try again some time, but perhaps just stick to a strait forward introduction or something.

Wow Funky, that is the kind of appraisal people pay for.

I think that's what the kids term today as 'owned'. ?

Thanks for the critique Funky, it was what I needed. ?

Opinions were asked for, opinions were given...

Can't see on my phone, will have a look later. Like the idea though, you can almost 'meet' your tog before you actually do! Maybe try a few very different styles to see what you are most comfortable with... talking at the camera, looking to one side as if being interviewed...?

Yep that's the idea. I've just done another vid, but much much shorter. I figured I was going to struggle just as much to take a decent picture of myself as do a video, so thought I might as well do a vid. I thought about trying the old looking away interview type video, but strangely I would feel like I was not being honest or something.

Below is my latest attempt.

Link

Rhys I really like the new link. It isn't 100% perfect (GCSE Speaking+ Listening assessor hat on) but is more natural and appealing and you come across as very honest by looking directly at the audience. Your photos at the end are stunning, I love the one of the couple between the tree branches and the one kissing by a fence.

Thanks Pandorasbox, and glad you like the pics. ?

Considering the first vid, I was just happy get something half decent. It's weird, it's like when you talk to people in real-life you don't even notice yourself, but when speaking to a camera I suddenly become really self conscious. I imagine it's similar to public speaking?

I'm going to be honest, I haven't seen the first attempt but from watching the second it would be nice to see you SMILE . I did find you to sound slightly bored, as if you were just saying what you need to say.

I do really like the fact that you are doing a video, think that's a fab idea as it gives the bride and groom an instant feel for the photographer

That's partly why I opted for a video, I'm have the worlds worst fake smile, so I don't bother trying. I think coming across as slightly bored is better than coming off as false.

Hi Rhys.

I thought after all help you gave me with my AWOL photographer that I shouldn't read and run.

Your work is amazing, and I understand what you are trying to do with the video.

BUT, like Pandora, I'm looking at it from what I'm trained in and I'm wondering whether it fulfils the purpose?

'About me' - what does your video tell me about you? Nothing :-(

It tells me how to find out details on your website that I should already (and can!) easily find / access myself.

As a complete side note, I think it would be nice to split the images so some are at the beginning then some at the end (with background music?).

Are you trained in video production / editing? Would you ever consider a pro to help with it?

One of my favourite 'about me' videos by a photographer is this one: http://www.lisacarpenterphotos.com/info/meet-me/

Why? Because its fun, interesting to watch, and most importantly I have learned about the photographer and their passion for photography.

I don't really feel the video 'adds' anything to your already fantastic website, in all honesty, but I do think a couple more trial runs and you could get there.

I think its worth really thinking about what you want the video to cover - is it so people know more about you, or is it so they know how they can book you etc?

Could you get a friend to help out and get them to ask you loads of random questions about you and your passion for photography?

Your responses might be more natural, there might be some real laughs / smiles in there, and you could probably pull some decent footage out of it at the end?

Just an idea.

The first video talked allot more about my style and approach, but there was too many umms and errs etc. I also have the lurgy at the moment, so I can only talk for smallish amounts of time before coughing which isn't helping.

Now that I have shortened the video, I was planning to explain how I work etc in writing and pictures etc underneath the video, at least for the time being.

That video you posted was really cool, but I doubt I'll be able to pull off anything like that for the time being. Video production is alien to me at the moment.

I normally shoot weddings etc on my own, but I guess I could maybe hire a second tog to record me 'in action'.

Thanks for the feedback.

I just think it would be nice to know more about you - your pictures speak volumes about your style etc.

Maybe you could talk about why you went into photography etc, but make it snappy.

What else you like to do outside of that.

I just think it adds a nice personal touch, and they always say you should only book a TOG you have 'clicked' with so to speak!

I also think it'd be a great idea to get someone to ask you questions so you seem more relaxed. Love your photos - especially the one where I think they're sitting on a boat.

Hi Rhys,

Have skimmed through some of the other responses and didn't see the original video but here's my gut reactions.

You sound like you are reading from a script (because you are!!) and you're not actually coming across as massivley friendly/approachable for this reason.

I absolutley think having a more au natural feel to it would be good, having someone either interview you or just someone behind the camera so you can feel more like you are just having a chat with a potential customer.

I work a bit with video production, producing interview clips to be played at events and it is notoriously difficult to do what you're trying here so don't feel disheartend.

I really like the idea behind what you are trying to achieve. I was actually quite put off by my tog's website. I felt like he probably wasn't the one for me just from layout etc but he kept in touch to see if I'd found anyone yet so I arranged a meeting - this was actually just so I could validate my decision about another tog, more of a formality! Actually when I met him he came across very well and had a fantastic passion for wedding photography.. totally different style in person to his website.

Re getting some shots of you in action, did any of your recent couples use a VOG? Have you considered approaching either the couple or the VOG to see if they got anything of you that they might let you use? My tog appears in some of my video and vice versa. Guests also got some pipctures with them in..

HTH and good luck

Hi Rhys

We love the idea of an 'About Me' video, what a great way for couples to find out who their photographer is.

We are shooting a wedding in Coventry today and we will be passing through Oxfordshire tomorrow and wanted to offer a suggestion. I tried to find your contact details, but I can't seem to access them on my phone. Would you be able to drop me a quick email ****@*****************.*** or call on ****.

Hope to chat later

Kate

That's another 'thing' I have. I generally don't like talking about myself and instead prefer to hear about others.

Although when I made the below blog post, a number of clients did comment on how much they liked it.

Link

Hmm, I'll give it some more thought...

Edit:

Perhaps I can include my naughty cat! ?

Link

Hi Kate

My number is **** 837, but I'll send you an email. I'll be out allot though this weekend with engagement shoots.

Thank you ?

Rhys

Hi Rhys

I think it's a great idea to have a video for this, something we've been toying with too. First impressions are that it's not really "about you", it's about your business. Could you talk a bit about why you love weddings, your hobbies, that kind of stuff? Also would be good to have a few smiles in there, and a bit less direct eye contact with the camera, it's a bit intense. I know how hard it is being filmed, most of us photographers are much more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it!

Ali

Thanks Ali, yep I agree. I have a few ideas in mind, and will probably head in a different direction with the vid, so I should have a new one for critique in a week or so.