Joe the subcontractor is a great guy. He's been shooting wedding videos as a second job for nearly 18 years. Joe worked for several video companies in the 1990's but was almost always the last person called. His equipment, which wasn't the best to begin with is old and his camera work is very shaky, but still Joe the subcontractor is a great guy.

As photographers and DJs started selling more and more video there became a real need for guys like Joe the subcontractor. The video companies rarely called him anymore so for Joe this was a great opportunity to make some extra cash.

The photographers and the DJs love Joe the subcontractor. He's witty and clever and does whatever the studios ask him to do. Sure the studios get complaints that his videos are too dark, out of focus and very shaky but it's ok because not only is Joe the subcontractor a great guy but he works for a lot less money than everyone else.

There are a lot of great guys like Joe who act as subcontractors for photographers and DJs. Always deal with the source. Get your photography from photographers, video from videographers, and always talk to other brides if you're considering going with one of the larger DJ companies. Remember if you're the first, second, or even the third bride who booked for a certain date chances are you will be well taken care of, but if you are bride number ten, eleven, or twelve you will probably be sent a great guy like Joe the subcontractor.

I would also be leery of booking a company that offers a lot of different services. DJs who sell photography as well as video do it for the money. There's a lot of money to be made if you're willing to hire subcontractors and put up with the complaints. This kind of greed would make me think twice about the character of the people I'd be dealing with.