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Home: Video University Forums: Marketing & Business:
R-Rated Wedding Videos??? It couldn't be...

dansen
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Oct 10, 2005, 12:48 PM

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R-Rated Wedding Videos??? It couldn't be...	Can't Post

Hi there. I was reading a good article by Doug Graham on EventDV.net and there's a mention of R-Rated material that a couple or just a Bride to be can order prior to her wedding day.

It says that the Bride in question would model some sexy lingerie, dancing and posing seductively. Also, the intended audience is of course the groom and it would obviously be a private "affair".

Do videographers REALLY do this, or did I skip over Mr. Graham's sarcasm or humour somewhere along the way? Has anyone heard of this service and can you provide any details as to the pros and cons of providing it as a service. It sounds strange to me and a little...a lot... over the top. Cheers.

Here's the link to the article. videobear, I hope you don't mind me providing it -- but of course, you wrote the article!

http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?CategoryID=61&ArticleID=10109

videobear
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Oct 10, 2005, 2:49 PM

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Quote

but of course, you wrote the article!

Actually, I co-authored that piece with David Chandler-Gick ("DJ").

You're referring to a "boudoir video". Like the Love Story or the Bridal Elegance video, it's done prior to the wedding day. As I pointed out, this probably should not be a part of a wedding DVD that Grandmaw and (hopefully) the bride and groom's future kids will see. It's an intimate present from the bride to the groom.

It's not something that's asked for often (I've never been asked to do one, myself), but I know of at least a couple of videographers who've done boudoir video projects.

Nope, I wasn't being sarcastic. It's definitely a real "add-on" to a wedding package, although I have no idea how you'd market it. After all, any client who commissions one of these is probably NOT going to want to appear in a demo on your website! Tongue

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

dansen
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Oct 10, 2005, 3:29 PM

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Re: [videobear] R-Rated Wedding Videos??? It couldn't be... [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'd say you have to have a lot of self control for that one!! And groom's don't mind this? I personally wouldn't want a videography (he could be very sleazy), coming to my house and filming my wife in her underwear. Wow! Imagine what could be done with that video! Then again, you could say you'll send a female videographer only.

I'm flabbergasted. What an excellent article by the way, Videobear (and DJ). I'd love to know how people market for this. If i was going to do it myself I probably wouldn't market it on ANY of my brochures, web site etc etc. The reason being you'd have snobs thinking it's pornographic and sleazy when it could be entirely personal and romantic. Of course it's gonna be sexy. But this could possibly repel a 60 year old mother who's browsing my site, looking through my add-ons to see what she can buy her daughter. She might not want her getting involved with me!!

I think maybe the best way to do it is to see if the person on the phone is a fun-loving type, perhaps something they say shows you their kinky side or whatever. Then you meet with the couple to show a demo and you could ease that possible extra into your conversation -- making sure to emphasise the fact that there's no nudity required and that it'd be tasteful. Then again, if it's something a Bride gets for a Groom - it HAS to be a surprise. In my area right now - i'd say it's 50/50. 50% of the groom's would love it. 50% would come banging on your door and threaten to sue you and bash your face in.

How could you write a contract for this?!!

(This post was edited by videobear on Oct 11, 2005, 7:35 AM)

Beverly
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Oct 11, 2005, 12:00 AM

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Ok there is nothing kinky about these videos. They are fairly common, not like a lovestory but they are requested from time to time. Also if a videographer feels that he/she might become inappropriately intreged by doing the video they don't need to offer it. Think of these videos as 40's style pin-up posters with movement. Yes very sexy but, not kinky. If done appropriately the groom will not be thinking of the videographer behind the camera but, of his loving wife that felt free enough to express herself in this manor.

You will also need to take into consideration your target clientele. You will more than likely not be filming the ministers wife. Most bride's to be will not do this style of video if she thinks it is going to upset her groom in any way.

If you expect to get any business through the "bodiour videos" you will need to advertise them. I do not post these videos on my website as a service but it is in my literature. Normally brides do not book this service with their mom sitting at my table. It is a service that is booked about 4 months before the wedding when they are starting to think about what gift they are going to give thier groom. This is generally a seperate purchase for the bride. No I do not pass out sample of this work. The bride can see lovestory videos, bridal elegance videos, and all the wedding videos she would like to get a glimpse of my style. You have to insist on convidentuality for these videos. If you are passing out samples from another brides video, the new perspective bride will have that in the back of her mind as she might be the next one that is passed out. That will turn away many brides. With this video you need to sell them on the concept, your abilities, and most importantly you. If the bride is not comfortable around you or with you she will not be relaxed and the video will not turn out. Most of the times when I shoot these videos the maid of honor will come along on the shoot. She is a great person to have, she can make the bride feel at ease, and make her laugh. She can also help in placing the bride in the correct position to ensure that you do not touch wrong place by mistake.

The idea of having a female videographer do these videos is probably a good idea especially if you are just starting out and are a little nervous around some of the brides still. You need to be convident in who you are and what you are doing so the bride will feel at ease.

dansen
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Oct 11, 2005, 10:16 AM

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Re: [Beverly] R-Rated Wedding Videos??? It couldn't be... [In reply to]	Can't Post

And these videos contain images of the Bride in her underwear lying on her bed etc? How do you shoot this -- what shots do you usually do? Length? Cost? Should I bring an entire crew with me?(joke)

dansen
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Oct 11, 2005, 10:21 AM

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As you can see from my picture to the left -- I'm a pretty handsome guy! This is my chance!! AAAHHHH!!!!!

Beverly
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Oct 11, 2005, 2:46 PM

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Normally it is several different outfits/lingerie. Most brides buy a special one for the honeymoon night and the video will be highlighting the outfit and her. The length of the video is generally the length of a song or two depending on the client. Plus I add an interview with the bride telling her groom how much she appreciates him and what ever else she would like to say.

Some are shot at the brides home, we have done some in studio, and we had one bride whos parents had a beautiful garden so we shot some there. It depends on the bride like I keep saying you have to learn to go with the flow and to get to know your client.

I normally bring one other person with me and it is another female. So normally at most shoots there are at most 5 people there. The bride and 1 or 2 guests with her and me and my assistant. The shots are normally slow and it depends on the bride as to what shots/angles your are going to get. Some people are more comfortable than others. So it all depends on that.

If your client is not completely comfortable around you then the video is not going to turn out as good as it should. Personally if I were a male videographer I would hire a female to do all these shoots for me. Women seem to respond to women better in this type of shooting senario.

NJVideo
Novice

Oct 11, 2005, 3:02 PM

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Somehow, I'm just not seeing this as a "video" endeavor!
Years ago before I got into video, my girl friend and her friend tried to talk me into taking a nude photo of her (friend) for a surprise portrait for her husband. It was to be tasteful -- sort of a semi-nude with her back to the camera and looking back over her shoulder.
I thought then -- as I think now -- THIS COULD GET ME KILLED!!

I personally knew (haven't seen him around recently) of only one still photographer who was trying to ad boudoir photography to his wedding work. He once showed me the room he had created in his studio for this -- I thought he was a pretty creepy individual and I can't imagine any decent woman willing to pose for him in anything resembling risque.

A video has to show some action - right -- or it isn't "video". So what does the girl do in front of the camera? All I can imagine is what we've all seen on XXX-Rated videos or the ads for those sex lines. I haven't run across many grooms to be and probably NO husbands who want to see THEIR fiance/wife on video like that. They may take themselves doing kinky/private things, but to have someone else do it??? I can just imagine how much "appreciated" this handiwork will be when discovered by the "kiddies" down the road.

Perhaps someone can help be visualize this better, but I'm just not seeing it!!

videobear
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Oct 11, 2005, 3:25 PM

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OK, here's one scene that comes to mind, not at all X-rated, but potentially very provocative:

Have the bride eat a strawberry. Slowly.

I'm sure Bev, and others who've done these, can come up with a lot more examples. The point is, you have:
1. A beautiful young woman
2. in revealing clothing, and
3. A romantic setting

What more could you ask for as a combination for a fantastic video? Get your minds out of the gutter and use your imaginations!

Smile

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

dansen
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Oct 11, 2005, 3:45 PM

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Re: [videobear] R-Rated Wedding Videos??? It couldn't be... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yeah, maybe lying on a bed of roses on a heart shaped bed in her honeymoon lingerie. She could use her index finger to signal seductively to the camera to "come here". That kinda thing. Doing leap frogs around the bedroom etc..

Pans and tilts up and down her legs, a montage sort of thing in colour and black and white. This is do-able the more we talk about it here. it's not sleazy. You'd just have to make sure that the bride told the groom that she was having it done BEFORE we did it. that way you're not going to get a black eye on your wedding day or a nasty phone call or death threats from the groom's friends at the reception when they're drunk. If I'm going to do this I'm gonna make sure that Bride give him the Boudoir Video AFTER their honeymoon.

For a five - 10 minute edited DVD, fancy lighting, packaging, the whole shibang -- $500?

ivey
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Nov 27, 2005, 9:05 PM

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You know, I really think something like this is a good idea!! Lots of untapped potential there. Being a female videographer, I could see how I could make this work for me.

---Lisa---

Macs, cause they work

RustyWorden
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Jan 9, 2006, 3:29 PM

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All I can say is that my Irish face would be flush with embarassment. I do not think I'd be capable of being professional in that envoronment.

Not to say I'd do anything stupid, but I would simply not be comfortable.

Because of that, I'd probably share some words with the person who did the shooting OR cancel the wedding were my wife to get bare for another guy.

NOW... if it were a woman doing the shooting AND editing, that would be another matter. In case my wife is reading this... i know what I want for Christmas honey! Laugh

Rusty Worden
President
WeddingVideo.Com
800-966-6950

dansen
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Jan 12, 2006, 3:55 PM

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I have an Irish face too. Where you from Rusty? Dublin meself.

mtrotter
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Jan 26, 2006, 2:20 PM

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And above all else, remember this: The rule of the day should be tasteful and artistic--not pornographic.

V.U. California Crew- East Bay Chapter- Richmond/Oakland/San Francisco
2 PD-170's & 1 VX2100- Yes, Im a SONY Man

observerXP
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Feb 28, 2006, 5:33 AM

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Hahaha~ That's a great idea! Smile

FX1, DVC30, XH A1, VX2000

Nikon D50, SB-600, Nikkor 18-55, Tamron 28-75
Nikon FM2, Nikkor 50mm F1.4

bbalser
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Apr 2, 2006, 6:41 PM

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Remember when this type of thing was popular with Photographers many, many years ago? And us Videographers are only now getting around to it?

Justin Rank
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Apr 4, 2006, 6:14 AM

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Hey Ben, long time no see.

I think there's a stigma behind it. For photography, they call it boudoir...for videography, we get soft-core. There's no way a male videographer is going to get away with it. I can see it now, "now...just put that leg over there...nice...good shot....now roll over." Crazy