Leslie Allred Films Spring and Summer Personal Videos {Flagstaff and Sedona Videographer}

I always promised myself I wouldn’t get too busy to make films for my own family. It’s been tough, and sometimes the family footage sits for months as I edit wedding films, but I wanted to share some videos from this spring and summer. There are few things I love more than a river trip, and we have been able to go on two this summer. In the backcountry, bringing nice cameras is a little tricky because there is a lot of wind, sand, and hot sun. For these adventures, I stick with a trusty, less expensive Canon 70d and a GoPro. The film in the middle is one I made to celebrate my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary and was filmed down in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. I absolutely love making films for my family and my kids love turning on the family youtube channel and letting it roll. And then usually I cry a little because time is going by too fast.

Stocks Family Oral Video History {Flagstaff and Sedona videographer}

60th wedding Anniversary Oral History Family Film

Jerry and Marie Stocks recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. About 6 weeks before their anniversary, their 5 children gathered with them in their home so we could film an oral history.  Their 5 adult children asked them all sorts of questions- everything from "describe your first kiss", to "what's your greatest fear?".  There was a lot of laughter and several times, their kids said, "I didn't know that!".  They interviewed their parents for a good 90 minutes, and then we headed outside to film in their lovely garden.  

I feel like I learned so much from these wonderful people!  Jerry and Marie gave great marriage advice.  They talked about how you shouldn't expect a fairy tale marriage- about how sometimes they drove each other crazy, but at the end of the day, they never did anything to one another they couldn't take back, and they always loved each other.  

I cannot express how important I believe it is to have oral histories filmed. Cindy, the daughter who hired me, has told me repeatedly that this is a treasure for her and her family, forever.  Time goes by so quickly, and often we lose people before we are ready.  But a film like this will allow you to hear their voices, learn from them, and allow future generations to see them.  

I gave the family the full 90 minute interview, along with this film, and a short preview for social media.  Please contact me if this is something you are intersted in for a loved one! leslieallredfilms@gmail.com

Curtis Family Film for Dad {Moab family and lifestyle videographer}

I love this family.  After I had my first baby, I went back to work for another season with the National Park Service.  A friend recommended Tonya to watch my one-year-old, and that is how we met.  I remember having this fear that he would take his first few steps at her house, but I quickly learned that even if he did and I missed it, Tonya would be just as excited as I would be.  She has so much love in her heart.  Don't worry, he walked for his first time at home.

This family also has an amazing ability to make dreams a reality.  For as long as I've known them they've had a vision for a CrossFit gym in Moab.  After a few years and lots of problem solving and hard work, here they are as owners of successful CrossFit Moab.  Drop in gym goers from around the globe have commented that this gym truly feels like a community.

Tonya wanted to give Clint a family film, celebrating him, for Christmas.  Christmas morning, Clint had this film under the Christmas tree.  We also created another film with him in it, in full uniform.  It is so touching, and he beautifully snuggles his family and verbally expresses his love for them, but we are keeping it off the web for privacy reasons (we can't have all of our treasures on the internet now can we!!).   Happy New Year everyone!!!

Hoffmann Family Film, {Moab, Utah lifestyle videography}

Lately I feel like time is flying by. Sometimes the days can feel so long.  But then suddenly a month has gone by.  And then a whole year.  This is one reason I love and believe in family films.  Video is such a great way to capture a time and a phase of life.  Next year the Hoffman family will look different.  Their baby won't be much of a baby and their oldest a teenager.  I love the opportunity to create pieces of family history to be cherished with the passing of time.

Interview Style Family Films

I was lucky enough to travel to San Clemente, CA for a week back in July.  If I could split my life between Moab and San Clemente, I would.  Surfing Donuts, SUP surfing at Old Man's, Pedro's Tacos, beach all day everyday with the kids.  I barely saw my boys all week they were so busy digging and boogie boarding.  

While I was there, I was able to film two lovely families.  I tried something different and created an interview style family film.  Audio adds so much emotion to a wedding film, so I've been dying to try it with a lifestyle film.  I absolutely love the result!  I love watching the parents' eyes sparkle as they talked about their children.  I loved the thoughtful things they said about each child.  Their words were not scripted nor rehearsed nor too rosy. 

I can't imagine having a film of my parents talking about me as a little one.  About how cute I was without my two front teeth, or what a stubborn toddler I was (both true ;).  

 One of the mothers said her film showed her kids as they truly are.  That is what I want!!!  I want something that will become more and more of a treasure as time passes, both to the parents and the kids.  I want to create films showing families in their true, authentic ways, doing what they do. Something more than families posed and smiling.  I wouldn't mind filming a few more 6 year old knock knock jokes, or brothers putting sand in their sister's hair either.