First Impressions Video

As a videographer, it is my job to help create long lasting memories.

These memories are represented by the life experiences of those I capture on film*. This enables the subject to have a “living” record that can be handed down to future generations. It’s also helpful to understand why it is important to record those stories and how video effectively allows us to do that.

Video captures the facts of the story, as well as the person, allowing us to witness a firsthand account, including emotions, laughter, tears, expressions, and all those other elements that make us unique individuals. Through video, we’re able to transcend time and space and have a direct impact on future generations by sharing our stories, our values, and our life lessons.

A few years ago I discovered the value and importance of video, when asked to capture a memorial on film.

A young Lance Corporal in the Marines was killed in the line of duty in Iraq. His father came to me with a request that we (team of 3 videographers and myself as director) videotape his son’s memorial service. This was personally difficult for me as I am a former Marine. Challenged by the need to shoot both indoors and outdoors, we had  to set up and strike (take down) our gear to be in both locations.  The service went off smoothly, although I had to push back tears—especially when “Taps” was played by the bugler.  I knew we had done something special, but didn’t know how much until I saw the father’s reaction to the finished product, which included “Amazing Grace” played by what sounded like a thousand bagpipes! Props to my friend John for his wonderful contribution to the final edit.

Subsequently, I had the pleasure of capturing my dear Aunt Irene’s 90^th birthday celebration. This was a wonderful event and about 100 family members and friends were in attendance. One of my cousins presented a magnificent family tree scroll to Aunt Irene—and then copies were given to each family member! My brother transferred dozens of print photos and slides into images that could be projected onto a screen, while another cousin shot a beautiful group photo of everyone in attendance!  The finished video was well received by all, and several DVDs were  given to family members.

The one thing all biographical and memorial shoots have in common: They increase in value and importance over the years as memories fade. With today’s digital video technology, future generations will be able to study history, and, our culture, in a way impossible before the advent of video. And here’s an important conclusion: The generations that will benefit the most are those whose parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, had enough foresight to capture their stories for future generations to benefit from their life journey.

First Impressions Video looks forward to the privilege of creating these lasting memories for you!

*These days, “film” is a generic term that refers to the captured image. Actual film is seldom used, and even video tape is giving way to moving images recorded on digital media. But I still love to be referred to as a film maker…videographer is OK, as well!