In this month’s blog, we interview one of the North East’s best Wedding Videographers, Claudia McAusland the owner of Afashionate. Afashionate document your day by creating a beautiful wedding video and make your memories live on in the exact way that you want them to. Claudia believes that it is your day, and it’s her job to capture it in a way that suits you. She has filmed wedding videos in some top venues in the North East/Northumberland, such as Newton Hall, Woodhill Hall, Doxford Barns and Healey Barn.
How did you start your business?
I started because I felt photography wasn’t the career for me but I loved weddings. I put an ad out on Facebook asking if anyone would let me video their wedding for free, an old school friend said yes… and as they say, the rest is history!
How long have you been a wedding videographer?
I’ve been a videographer officially since 2015!
Best thing about your work as a videographer?
Seeing people at their best on their most special day, seeing them surrounded by the people they love and being able to get completely wrapped up in their emotions. I have shed a tear at pretty much every wedding.
Advice to others in the industry?
Don’t be intrusive, try to blend in and if possible, make them forget you’re there! People always say to me “I didn’t even know you were filming then” and I take that as a huge compliment!
Who do you admire?
Richard Leng is definitely my videographer crush and I am desperate to do his workshop!!! His work is so beautiful.
Who would you want for a client?
I don’t think George Clooney is a suitable answer for this, so I’d say just someone who is up for anything and someone who wants me to be as creative as possible and try new things!
Who was your most enjoyable client?
One was a wedding where there were only 24 guests, I love intimate weddings because they’re usually very laid back and all about time with family.
What do you expect to be doing in 5 years?
I’d like to think I’m still videoing weddings!! Hopefully a few more abroad, a few elopements here and there.
What would be your dream job?
My dream job would definitely be a film director. I used to spend all my time making films when I was very little and thoroughly enjoyed bossing my family and friends around!
Which is your favourite wedding venue?
I absolutely love the fig house at Middleton Lodge or Eden Barn… I’m yet to film at them but have a few weddings this year at them and I’m so excited!
Top tips for couples?
Close your eyes. I love when couples do this, they kiss, hug, and snuggle in and then just close their eyes and it’s such a beautiful moment to shoot. Don’t worry about talking. I love when couples look into each other’s eyes and don’t fill the space with talking, it looks great on film too! Take time out for yourselves. The day goes by so quick and it’s so full on from the minute you open your eyes. Take a moment to be just the two of you, relax and appreciate your day.
What changes do you foresee in your industry?
I see a lot more brides hiring videographers that’s for sure. I hope that people view it as important as photographs because there’s a lot of moments we capture that the photographers don’t.
What is your favourite movie?
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is my all time favourite. I am a sucker for classic musicals!
What is your favourite song?
That’s a hard one! But anything by Queen… I often get caught in my kitchen with my hands in the air singing along to the live aid concert. However, I do love a very random song call River by Leon Bridges… couldn’t be more opposite to Queen!
Why do brides choose you?
Yikes, I hope it’s for my work! I don’t meet a lot of my couples before their wedding so I’m guess that’s why they choose me. But I have had a few couples that I’ve met at wedding fairs say that they felt they gelled with me straight away and that I put them at ease… I feel big headed saying that!!
Where in the world would you like to work?
I have a real true love for Italy, so please, please, someone get married in an old Italian courtyard, put up some festoon lights, have one long table with close friends and family and ask me to film it. That’s what I would do if I was to get married again!
Anything I would change in the industry?
That videographers we’re considered as important as photographers! Not instead of, but to work side by side.
Do you offer any other services?
I don’t do anything other than weddings, however I recently took my camera on holiday to Disney World in Florida and if I do say so myself, made an epic video of me and my friends… I’d love to be paid to follow people on holiday and do the same, but I think that may be a bit of a fantasy.
Thank you
Claudia is an amazing Wedding Videographer, please check out her fantastic work at http://www.afashionante.co.uk/
