We are so excited to introduce you to Lauren Mueller of Love Bug Pictures! Lauren is one of our favorite wedding videographers in the Portland area and as soon as you meet her and work with her you will know why! She is crazy talented and has a unique eye and style. Plus, she is cool and fun and real…and generally someone you want to hang out with. You will be blown away by what she captures on your big day. Read on to learn more about Lauren and check out some of her work!
Where are you originally from? And how long have you been in Portland?
I was born and raised in NE Portland, Oregon, but I have lived in five other countries including: Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Taiwan and Thailand. I returned to Portland about three years ago and I am loving it! I come from a family of artists. My mother is an abstract painter and my sister is a graphic designer who lives in Sweden with my adorable nieces.
How long have you been working as a professional wedding videographer?
I have been working as a professional videographer for eight years. I hold an MFA in Experimental and Documentary Arts from Duke University where I was recognized as an Emerging Global Talent by the University Film & Video Association with a Kodak Gold Award for my short film, The Gibbons of Santa Clarita. I also worked as a production coordinator on the award-winning documentary, Seed:The Untold Story, which aired on PBS, and a producer at Blue Chalk Media, a New York/Portland production company with clients on six continents. Most recently, I served as a Director of Photography on a Netflix Original, Speed Cubers, which follows an international gathering of rubics cube fanatics. In my spare time, I teach Cinematography and Editing at Northwest Film Center.
I began shooting weddings about five years ago, but I started Lovebug Pictures in 2019.
How would you describe the importance of your role & why do you feel a couple should hire a professional videographer for their wedding day?
Some couples may not want to prioritize videography or even consider it. Often, I’ll hear it’s not within a couple’s budget. Listen, I get it, weddings are expensive. But, if you’re going to spend that much money on the details, it’s worth remembering, right? Even my own sister didn’t have a videographer and it ended up being one of her biggest regrets. This was before starting my own wedding videography business of course. She said the day passed her by so quickly that she missed a lot. Unlike photographs, video can capture sound, such as a couple’s vows, meaningful toasts and first dance. In addition, you can share a wedding video with guests who couldn’t make it and finally, you can look back on the badass moves your granny busted on the dance floor.
Do you work solo or do you have a studio and/or team?
I work with a team of four videographers who also direct and edit and have backgrounds in documentary filmmaking. They are the best and will make you feel totally comfortable in front of the camera!
What do you attribute to your success as a wedding videographer? What do you think makes you stand apart from others in your field?
As I mentioned earlier, I received a Masters in Fine Arts and have also worked in the commercial field. I have experience producing explainer, educational and promotional videos for businesses and non-profits. You can take a look at my other work here. That being said, I am professional, easy to work with, fun and offer a cinematic eye and approach.
At what point in the wedding planning process should clients hire you?
I always recommend that couples get in touch as soon as possible because I want to make sure your date is still available.
What is the most important thing that couples should ask someone in your profession before hiring them?
Couples should invest as much time in finding their wedding videographer as their photographer. You will be spending a good chunk of your day with your videographer and you want to make sure you vibe with one another and that they make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. I always suggest meeting up for coffee or drinks beforehand. I also provide engagement videos that can be hosted on the couple’s website and shown at their wedding. This also allows me to get to know my couples on an individual basis.
What is your best advice for wedding clients?
Have fun! Remember, it’s your wedding day. Not anyone else’s.
Check out more of Lauren’s work by clicking on the videos below! You can contact Lauren via her website www.lovebugpictures.com or email her directly at [email protected]
