Florida in August? Well, the weather was actually quite nice for the Wedding and Event Videographers Association's annual convention. This is one of the places we go to teach and to learn, to inspire and be inspired, and to say connected in a fast-paced, hot, and exciting field.
The hotel was gorgeous, and outside of the seminars, the bar - with it's scattered couches and cozy chairs - turned out to be the perfect environment for sharing knowledge and tossing about ideas.
It was there, sipping a Grand Marnier, that I was able to get inside the mind of Jan Arden, (Artistic Video Productions) an accomplished musician; who, along with his talented wife, Cathy, still performs - to this day - for delighted audiences in Minnesota.
Effective and intuitive use of music has been one of the hallmarks of Vantage Point's success; but we have not been classically trained in music, so gaining insight and tips from Jan was a rare treat!
It was beautiful seeing so many of our friends glowing with the flush of the sun after lounging in the lazy river or relaxing poolside beneath lush, waving palm trees. (Kris Malandruccolo, {Chicago Wedding Films} Jennifer Anderson, {All Occasions Video} specifically come to mind. Girls, you looked absolutely radiant!) Now that made us feel on vacation, even if we weren't able to find time, ourselves, for basking in the sun!
We presented two seminars. Our main baby was Sound Design, which is part of our Reaching the Next Level Series. This seminar was developed to give videographers a 
solid foundation in sound editing and to open up the treasure chest of sparkling possibilities available with the creative use of sound. Unfortunately, the AV staff had technical difficulties with our presentation. The ultimate bummer - I assure you - is having audio problems during a sound seminar!!! Regardless, attendees left truly excited about sound and with tips to immediately enhance their productions.
Because we had the good fortune of winning a gold Creative Excellence Award in the Pre-ceremony category last year, we were asked to share our pre-ceremony m.o. in WEVA Live!, along with the infectiously exuberant and abundantly talented Chris Chubucious of FurlaVision. Cams in hand, the three of us had a blast filming our model bride and groom, while our shots were projected onto a big screen.
Steve set up an "authentic" groom's room; with booze, beer cans, remnants of pizza, cigars and overflowing ash trays - and had the crowd in stitches, myself included.
WEVA 2008: At the end of the day we all walked away better in business and artistry. Thanks to all who attended our seminars, we look forward to re-connecting with you again soon!
Laura
Special thanks to Joe Micalizzi (The Motion Picture Co.) for the WEVA Live! photos!
