Today we’d like to introduce you to Bradley Toms.
Hi Bradley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Oh man I’m gonna need chat gpt to fix all the mistakes I’m about to make. I’ve been doing this for 13 (12? Oh wait I think like 3 days ago was 13) years. I started when I was 19. I’m like 24-28 now, somewhere in that range. Anyway…I was working at a small coffee shop in my hometown for a couple years then, before I transferred from junior college and moved out to Orange County. I almost attended university of Redlands for economics too, but then like 3 days before moving in I called and deferred to give it another semester of thought (how badly did I really want to spend 110k+ for TWO years after attending JC). So while working at the coffee shop one of my friends I worked with knew I liked making videos. I started doing THAT when I was 15/16. Making ones around town, or camping trips with family, whatever. He mentioned he did second shooting photography for weddings and that I should give it a try – he went on to tell his photographer to pitch me to some since, who ended up being friends with my mom already so she told me should would.
I did my first maybe 6 or so for free, then charging dirt cheap just to get some work under me. Basically everything I made from any of them just went to getting enough stuff to properly capture what I thought at the time was important – which I learned something new at each one, so that was a constantly growing list.
Once I moved for college though I had done enough and learned enough to charge a bit more. I studied communications with an emphasis in advertising and minored in film production. I knew that much, but still had no idea what my plan was. So for the time being it was more so a “college job” – I had 4-5 classes during the week and typically only had to “work” Friday or Saturday. So it was perfect.
After graduating my senior internship offered me a, technically, freelance position – but their main person was on maternity leave so it was basically full time. I really liked it there but hated how my day in the office was 85% sitting waiting for approval on an edit when I could work from home and do the same job. And they knew that, and let me do that, but only occasionally. I didn’t even dislike that really, it was always the thought of “oh this is done I can respond to this lead or edit this while I wait”, but I couldn’t there. and if I didn’t leave before 3pm my 14 mile commute would take over an hour and a half. Sometimes more. So I partially decided to take my business full time, even though the pay there was phenomenal. But they also had their main person back – and they didn’t know how much they’d have for me. I knew I could stay and really apply myself, but it would’ve required me to be there 8-5, basically. Which with the scope of work they had at the moment I knew I’d be sitting there most days, waiting for edit approvals, thinking the same thing, sitting in 3+ hours of traffic… (oh I forgot to mention how much I dislike traffic, that really makes this make sense)
I believe around that time was my 4th or 5th year from my first wedding video. I already had a fair amount of bookings for that year, but it was the next year that made me nervous. I ended up getting stuck in the price range I was at for a few years, mainly because I was comfortable. It wasn’t until I went to Portland in 2019 for a workshop that I met a new friend who spoke at the event and changed my whole course. Every time I grew – it was from taking a chance I didn’t really know I needed to take. That’s the real struggle, honestly, even knowing what I know now – I continue to over-analyze all the choices ahead of me.
The rest is kind of a blur. It was a pain after 2020. I was lucky though. I had over 34 weddings booked and a lot of either corporate or advertising work. So only about half my weddings postponed or cancelled, and all the other work was still good to go. Then got back on track in ’21. Then in ’23 gmail had some update that “changed” a backend website code, which sent my lead response emails to their spam folder. So my ’24 bookings were down and in this business (for some) years can snowball. But I took even MORE time with all my edits, and created some of the best films I have. I felt great with each one. I took some time to work on my sports reel, something I’d really like to get into. And I spent way more time with my dog and family, which is also something I’d like to do more of. Plus, I traveled for 90% of them last year, which actually adds so much more work. By the time i’m back and would like to get into editing – I’m having to prep gear and bags for the next one. Nonetheless, it was a great year for business and personal growth. A win-win, I’d say.
This year, I’m booking beautiful locations, with my favorite wedding planners, and just booked my largest ($) one yet. I’m also doing more sports. And (as always) doing music videos for one of my good friends, Leslie. That’s one thing I really like doing to help me get out of my creative ruts. I’ve never been IN a wedding, only been to 250+, but I’m also a best man and a groomsman in two in 2025. Very excited for those as well. Besides that, traveling, hanging out with my dog & family, and hopefully going to buy that 67 mustang I’ve been thinking about (that was my first car-never should’ve sold it).
Okay I’m not sure what else I should mention or takeaway, but I’m sure you guys can do that right? Oh, and I did NOT check this with chat gpt. So you’re lucky this isn’t in my hand writing. I had to start typing my best man speech the other day because I couldn’t read what I put in my notebook.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ah, I should’ve clicked next before typing all of that… definitely not smooth. There will always be struggles with running any business. I think that’s what I like most about it though. Problem solving.
As you know, we’re big fans of BVT Visuals. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I do anything video (or photo) related. Although I specialize in wedding videography (not photography that’s the one thing I don’t photograph), I do video for corporate retreats/events, advertising for companies, music videos, and most recently sports. I am known for wedding videography though – that’s my brand. That’s why I don’t post any of these other things I do. Those are word of mouth usually and delivered directly to clients and I don’t post them. That’s because ultimately I’m a wedding brand, and a lot of videographers also “do it all”, but when it comes to weddings a couple doesn’t wanna see a picture of a bride and groom, then 13 car videos/music videos/crazy sport edits, THEN a wedding video. Gotta keep the brands separate.
What sets me apart? I’m not sure to be honest. I can only say this: I focus heavily on storytelling. Like, to the core. To the point where I’ll redo a whole timeline four, five, six times before I even look for music. I storyboard it so that parts of say, the bride’s vows happen and then parts of the best man’s speech, and it’s almost like those two separate moments from the day are finishing each other’s sentence. I’ll usually even have 2-3 of those through-lines in the whole film. So maybe it’s that? I assume everyone does that – focus on storytelling – but I don’t know.
For the readers, I’d want them to know (if they’re wedding planning) that they should get a videographer. Even if it’s not me. Even if it’s not in the budget or something they’ve thought about. Get someone just starting out if you have to. Because it’s the number 1 regret I hear. Oh that and if you’ve got an “in” for me at the NFL or NHL doing video or photo… (sunglasses pulled down emoji, smile and wave)
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I really like working on things. I rebuilt my first car, a 1967 mustang, when I was 15 by reading the big yellow “automotive for dummies” book and with the help of my dad. Now, I just do that but to stuff around the house. I was also on shows when I was younger. Victorious, iCarly, a couple others. I still get texts to this day from friends sending me photos (of me) asking if it’s me haha.
Pricing:
- Wedding videography starts at $8500
- Advertising, corporate, and other events are per hour and scope
- Contact for Charity/Animal Shelters
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bvtvisuals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bvtvisuals/
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/bvtvisuals
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bvtvisuals?si=5Uxeblwor_Fnxcfh
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bvtvisuals?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Nikki Nakata Photography
Kara Nixon Photography
