At Wild Hearts, we are so fortunate to work alongside the nation’s top creatives in the wedding industry. They work so hard to help to create their client’s dream day and they are an endless source of inspiration for us. With so much talent behind these brands, we are spotlighting some of our favourites and sharing their insights.
It’s not just your newlywed spouse that you spend your whole wedding day with, it’s your photographer/videographer too. It’s therefore crucial that you find someone that you gel with, feel comfortable in front of and trust to capture your weighty moments.
Velvet Photo & Cinema is certainly a New Zealand wedding photography team that is here to get amongst the good times (we hear they love a party!) and to and to help you preserve one of your most memorable occasions.
We catch up with John Ross, Velvet’s resident videographer. His buoyant, upbeat and encouraging vibes will have you feeling at ease and will ensure that the beautiful, raw moments are free flowing across the day.
John works with a team of three photographers (Bella, Andrei & Rishi) and we love the fresh, lively images and videos they’re creating non-stop. They’re at team of artists at heart as well as genuine, kind souls too; the perfect combination if you ask us.
Inspiration and insights from John below.
Introduce yourself! – how long have you been shooting and how old is your business?
I’m John, I’ve been shooting for about 8 years and started Velvet about 5 years ago.
Describe your wedding style in three words?
Heaps Of Epic Laughs, is that one word or three? Can I keep going?
How has witnessing so many weddings impacted your life and outlook?
When a couple gets married they peak as individuals. It’s amazing to be there for that moment for so many people. Every time it’s a privilege. There’s always so much love, I’m not talking romance, but appreciation for each other. People have traveled and given up time to celebrate this moment, and the couple are always so grateful for that. Love all round. It’s a very cool feeling to be amongst and it helps me to appreciate others in my day to day life.
How do you pick yourself up when you’re in a creative lull?
I like to roam the streets with a camera. Sometimes with friends, sometimes without. There’s no pressure, just me and a camera. You can find inspo anywhere if you look hard enough.
What makes you give yourself a mental high five?
Delivering a wedding. When you are in full edit mode you don’t really get to see the video as a whole, so it’s so cool to watch back. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I shed the odd tear. Most videos age like fine wine. You watch them back like wow that was actually really dope haha.
Tell us about the experience you offer to your clients?
We travel at no cost and are always there for the whole day. Why go home when the party is pumping right? You end up with videos/photos of the whole day, and a banging highlights video.
Any advice for those on the fence about hiring a videographer?
It’s the NUMBER ONE thing people regret not getting. You are peaking in life right now. Get that shit on video …Then show all your workmates that you didn’t want to invite.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the wedding industry?
I’m a cinematographer when I’m not shooting weddings. I love making moving images, telling stories through pictures. Best job in the world.
What are a few pieces of advice you like to offer couples to get the most from the photography on their wedding day?
Relax, do you. You are surrounded by your favs, looking amazing, let the day unfold by itself. If something doesn’t go plan, just laugh. Laughter looks great in photos, worry lines… not so much.
Favourite soundtrack to listen to while you are working?
Anything by RY X. Big mood.
We are excited to have Velvet Photo & Cinema as part of our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection. Check out more of their stunning work here and to get in touch, head over to their website www.velvetphotocinema.nz.
You can follow Velvet Photo Cinema on Instagram at @velvetphotocinema and on Facebook.
