1.) When did you get started in the wedding business and how did you go about doing that? 

I started filming weddings around 2001 - I was 15 years old. Fast forward to 2009, I put together a website and started booking about 10 a year the first 2 seasons. 2011 I had booked over 50 weddings and we haven't looked back yet.

2.) What is the best way to find the ideal videographer, and what should someone look for? 

There are 2 kinds of different looks to wedding films. 1. A basic camcorder nothing too fancy just a cut and dry look (mostly for those who want something very basic and simple. 2. DSLR (cinema) quality. This type is the same feeling you get while watching your favorite movie. DSLR is much superior in all aspects of the wedding film. If you don't have the right skill level or eye, sticking to a camcorder is much more ideal. Not everyone can film DSLR style, which is why it holds its value. 

3.) How would you describe your approach to weddings? 

I am very laid back. People like people, not robots. I have so much passion for weddings and all of my clients know this. I think the wedding day should be one of the most enjoyable days for the bride and groom. I like to have fun with each couple and really get to know them. I usually leave the wedding with 2 really close friends - the bride and groom. 

4.) What inspires you in your work? 

I am inspired by a few select people in the wedding industry worldwide. 90% of the videos produced and online are junk. Video is one of the last vendors to get picked, I always tell my brides I can't blame them after some of the work being labeled as "professional". The videographers who seek to improve their skill and grow as an individual are what drives this industry. If my work hasn't evolved over time, am I really enjoying what I am doing? 

5.) What do you find the most rewarding about your job? 

What I find most rewarding in my job is making new relationships with each couple. As soon as the wedding is over, I start importing my clips that same night, by morning - mid afternoon I start editing their highlight film. Once that is finished they usually post this on their social media sites, and the compliments come my way, it's a powerful feeling. 

6.) What’s the one thing you wish everyone knew about you or your business? 

I wish everyone knew the passion behind my brand. I am 100% sure my passion in this industry is higher than every videographer in the tri-state. 

7.) What do you think sets you apart from other videographers? 

I believe I am superior in several aspects. My passion and skill set are probably the top two. Every single clip gets color graded and enhanced, I run 4 audio sources during the wedding - I work with my brides with timelines. I typically book 18-24 months in advance, I keep a relationship with the couple throughout the whole process. If we book a bride out of town, and I don't meet her until the day of the wedding - she will say right away how easy and fun we were to work with. I do not advertise anywhere, I book 50+ weddings a year within the first few months of the season. 

8.) Share with the readers an example of your work

carly + james - highlights from brett hatfield on Vimeo.

9.) What do you love about weddings? 

I love forming relationships with my bride and groom and their friends and family. I love having full control of what the final product will be. 

10.) What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples planning a wedding? 

The best piece of advice I can give to couples are to hire top of the line photographers and videographers. Why would you hire someone cheap when those are the only 2 things you can take home from your wedding? Make sure you have a realistic timeline. Make sure your DJ/Band is a team player. If they refuse to let a videographer capture sound, why hire a videographer? Have a first look, you will take more pictures, the groom will still see you coming down the aisle with your father for the first time. 

11.) What do you do when you are not working? 

I usually workout a lot. I really don't do a whole lot to be honest. I am pretty boring. 

12.) Who is your favorite artist or band? 

I don't listen to a lot of mainstream music. I do like 50s and 60s music. Dion and the Belmonts are pretty good, Connie Francis even. I feel music back then really had meaning to it, keeping things clean and simple. 

13.) What is your website URL? 

http://www.HatfieldProductions.com 

14.) Closing comments / thoughts? 

Find a passion in life, and stick to it. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Build relationships, keep a level head and enjoy your life.