Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikhail Nilov.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey in the world of wedding videography began in 2003 when I was still a student. This period marked the beginning of my deep dive into the creative realm, initially as an individual endeavor. As I explored and developed my craft, my future wife, who was focused on wedding photography, joined me. Together, we evolved our skills and styles, complementing each other’s work.
Throughout our career, we have traveled extensively, filming countless weddings in over 28 countries. We have been privileged to capture nuptials in some of the most iconic and breathtaking wedding locations around the globe, each experience enriching our expertise and perspective.
In 2021, we moved from Europe to Los Angeles, bringing with us a unique European vibe, style, and vision in wedding videography and photography. Since relocating, we have worked across Los Angeles and other states, continuously traveling to various destinations. Our European influence quickly garnered recognition; within a year of our relocation, we were nominated as the best wedding photo and video team in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Ventura. The following year, we won the title of best wedding video team in Ventura County, further cementing our reputation in the industry.
This journey has been an incredible adventure of growth, exploration, and creative fulfillment, allowing us to leave our mark on the wedding industry both in Europe and now in the United States.
A pivotal moment came a year ago when we realized that we had honed our craft to such an extent that we had developed our own unique style. It was a transition from mere preparation to the embodiment of our vision. This realization led us to specialize in wedding videography, a medium we believe allows for a deeper, more soulful expression of a couple’s story.
Our approach to wedding videography is akin to filmmaking. We strive to create pieces that are not just films but art, transcending the typical to capture the essence of each couple’s unique journey. This commitment to excellence has led us to where we are today – recognized professionals in the field, continuously pushing the boundaries of wedding videography and photography.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Before we embarked on our journey in the United States, our path in the wedding photography and videography industry had its unique set of challenges. In those early years, the industry was considerably underdeveloped, both in terms of service quality and the overall approach to wedding documentation. Client demands and needs were evolving, and there was a significant gap in the market for high-quality, creative wedding videography and photography.
At that time, there were no organized systems or structures dedicated to educating wedding photographers and videographers. Much of the knowledge and skills had to be self-taught, gathered from individual courses and workshops, or learned through hands-on experience. This lack of formal training meant that we had to constantly innovate, create new trends, and experiment to stay ahead in an industry that was still in its nascent stages.
To enhance our skills and knowledge, we frequently traveled to different countries, meeting with the best specialists in the field. We attended various business forums, absorbing information that could be applied to our craft. This process was challenging, but it was essential for our growth and development in an industry that was rapidly evolving.
Furthermore, the complexity of wedding photography and videography cannot be understated. I often liken the role of a wedding photographer and videographer to that of a firefighter and surgeon combined. Like them, we must always be prepared, make swift decisions, and carry immense responsibility. In wedding videography, there is no room for error; each moment is unique and cannot be recreated. Simultaneously, we need to remain calm and supportive, ready to assist and guide our clients through one of the most significant days of their lives.
These early experiences shaped our approach and prepared us for the challenges we would face upon our move to the United States, where we continued to evolve and adapt our style to meet the demands of a new market.
Navigating the path to success in wedding videography and photography has been complex and challenging. One of the major hurdles was adapting to the cultural and business nuances of the American wedding industry after relocating from Europe to Los Angeles. This transition required not only understanding local tastes but also integrating our distinct European style into a new market.
Building our brand in a competitive landscape like Los Angeles demanded innovative strategies and exceptional skills. The financial aspects, especially during the early stages in Europe and after moving to the U.S., were another significant challenge. Balancing the investment in quality equipment and marketing with budget constraints was critical.
Another obstacle was blending the roles of creative artists and business managers. Ensuring high creative standards while handling the logistics of running a business was a demanding task.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle became a stepping stone, enriching our skills and fortifying our resolve. Our journey, filled with these diverse experiences, has not only strengthened our business but has also deepened our creative vision, allowing us to produce work that truly resonates with our clients.
We’ve been impressed with Dreamwood Films LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is centered around wedding videography and photography, where we specialize in creating cinematic, story-driven content that captures the essence of each couple’s unique love story. Known for our distinctive European style, we bring a blend of artistic flair and emotional depth to our work, setting us apart in the industry.
What makes our business unique is our approach to wedding videography and photography as an art form. We treat each wedding as a unique narrative, focusing on the details that make each story special. Our goal is to create not just a record of the day but a timeless piece of art that evokes the same emotions and joy years down the line.
Our specialization lies in creating wedding videos and photos that are akin to cinematic films. This approach involves intricate storytelling, attention to detail, and a focus on capturing the genuine moments that define the couple’s relationship. We use cine optics and high-quality equipment to ensure that each shot is visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
One aspect that sets us apart is our commitment to quality and individuality. Each project we undertake is a reflection of our passion for the art and our dedication to our clients. We aim to deliver a product that is not only visually beautiful but also deeply personal and reflective of each couple’s journey.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of our ability to blend our European sensibilities with the diverse cultural landscape of the United States. This fusion has allowed us to offer something unique in the wedding market – a combination of European elegance and American dynamism.
Alongside our narrative-driven approach, we consistently incorporate aerial footage in our work. This aerial perspective adds a cinematic quality to our videos, providing sweeping, dramatic views that enhance the storytelling aspect of each wedding.
We also form teams of multiple operators for each event. This approach allows us to capture the wedding day from various angles, ensuring a comprehensive and beautifully rendered portrayal of the event. By having multiple perspectives, we can create a richer, more dynamic narrative of the couple’s special day.
Specializing in timeless wedding films and photographs, we focus on creating light, airy, and ethereal visuals. These works are designed to remain relevant and captivating for decades, appealing to sophisticated and discerning couples who appreciate fine style and beauty. Our photography and videography are heavily influenced by the Fine Art Style, characterized by its refined, timeless nature and emphasis on elegance.
However, we don’t limit ourselves to just one approach. We skillfully blend the Fine Art Style with a modern documentary approach, incorporating dynamic shots and sharp, direct lighting. This combination allows us to create a unique visual language that is both elegant and contemporary, catering to the refined tastes of couples who understand and value high-quality wedding cinematography and photography.
Our commitment to combining these diverse elements and styles sets us apart in the wedding industry, ensuring that each wedding film and photograph we produce is not only a testament to the couple’s love story but also a piece of art that stands the test of time.
We want our readers to know that our brand is synonymous with excellence, creativity, and emotional storytelling. Whether it’s videography or photography, we bring a level of dedication and artistry that is tailored to celebrate and immortalize the special moments of a couple’s wedding day. Our services are designed to provide a comprehensive, personalized experience, ensuring that each wedding we capture is as unique and remarkable as the couple themselves.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always deeply fascinated by the world of art and creativity. My personality was a blend of curiosity and imagination, which found expression in various forms of art. I was drawn to the beauty of visuals – the way light plays with shadows, how colors blend, and how moments can be captured and immortalized.
My interests were diverse, but they all circled back to creativity. I spent hours exploring photography, trying to understand the intricacies of capturing a moment in time. This early exploration laid the foundation for my future career in wedding videography and photography.
I was also captivated by storytelling, whether through books, films, or music. Understanding how stories could evoke emotions and connect with people on a deeper level was something that intrigued me. This interest in storytelling became a crucial aspect of my approach to wedding videography, where each film is crafted as a unique narrative.
Additionally, I had a keen sense of observation and an appreciation for the finer details in life. This trait helped me in developing a meticulous eye for detail in my work, allowing me to capture the subtleties that make each wedding unique.
As a child and a young adult, I was adventurous and loved to explore new places and cultures. This love for exploration and adventure later translated into my passion for traveling to various destinations for wedding shoots, embracing new experiences, and incorporating them into my work.
Overall, my growing up years were marked by a constant quest for creative expression and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling. These traits have shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally, as I continue to pursue my passion for capturing life’s most beautiful moments through my lens.
As I look towards the future, my passion for working with wedding couples who value art and creativity continues to be a significant source of inspiration. The opportunity to collaborate with clients who appreciate the artistic process and desire to create something truly unique and beautiful is incredibly fulfilling. This collaborative spirit allows me to fully express my creativity and craft wedding films and photographs that are not just memories but masterpieces.
The growth of our company is equally important to me. Beyond the artistic aspect, the business dimension of our venture is another key focus. We have grown to a team of 27 professionals, capturing stunning weddings across California and beyond. Our expansion plans include starting projects in New York and Washington while continuing our work in Italy and France.
Maintaining the highest standards of quality in our work, along with my ability to connect with people and mentor our team, are cornerstones of our business growth. I am committed to systematically training and nurturing a team that works alongside me, sharing my vision and dedication. Together, we are not just documenting weddings; we are creating extraordinary works of wedding art.
This balance of artistic vision and business acumen is what drives me forward. As we continue to expand and take on new challenges, I remain dedicated to the dual goals of artistic excellence and business growth, ensuring that each wedding we capture is not just a job well done but a testament to our passion for the art of wedding videography and photography.
Pricing:
- In our approach to wedding videography, we prioritize creating individualized packages that cater specifically to the unique needs and preferences of each client. We understand that every wedding is distinct, and our goal is to provide a service that aligns seamlessly with your vision. The pricing for our videography services starts at $4,200. This baseline cost allows us to offer professional, high-quality videography tailored to the essentials of your wedding day. From this starting point, we work closely with you to determine the specific services and features that will best capture the essence of your celebration, adjusting the package to suit your requirements and budget. Our commitment is to provide a personalized experience, ensuring that every aspect of our service reflects the uniqueness of your wedding and meets your expectations in the most beautiful and memorable way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dreamwood.pro
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamwood.pro/
Image Credits
Photos showcasing me with clients, behind-the-scenes of my work, and moments with my wife during our photography sessions.
