We had the good fortune of connecting with Randy Whitney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Randy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Owning the content I was creating was a huge motivator for me. I started my career with Major League Baseball and signed away the ownership rights to a lot of really incredible content that was used for billboards, commercial goods and sports memorabilia. It put into perspective the value of good content and retaining creative rights to media. Going into building Wedding Films Tampa I knew that I wanted to retain control of the editing and being behind the camera. I had done a few contract shoots and saw how planners were the gatekeepers to success in the industry so I made it my mission to share, tag and collaborate from the start. While I don’t have the most followers online I do have a really great network of fellow vendors and event planners who have really helped elevate my business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am truly focused on checking my ego at the door and providing a one of a kind personable experience. I bring infectious and fun energy to every shoot. My motto for a client is that the answer is always YES! and that we are here to create an heirloom. During my initial plunge into wedding film making I heard a lot of nightmare stories about videographers coming in shorts and standing 3ft from the ceremony. We avoid all of that at Wedding Films Tampa. Me and my team dress like guests or better, we operate like ninjas in the venue. rarely seen or heard but operating with precision. I absolutely adore candid moments, natural romance and unfiltered personalities on film so I try to focus on emphasizing and capturing those moments from the perspective of a guest.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Welcome to the Big Guava! Tampa is such a young hearted energetic city. There are a lot of great places on the water. Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf and Hula Bay are some of my personal favorites. Brunch in the marina district of South Tampa at Cru Cellars. Brambles, a cinnamon roll and crab benedict are a delightful spread for the table. The wharf is a great place to try the new Noble Rice sushi shop, the sister of Koya which is a self described “8 seat tasting menu only” experience. From there we would enjoy spots throughout the week like kayaking in Weedon Islands Mangrove park or making day trips to the springs an hour north, visiting local museums and galleries around Tampa and St Pete. There really is no lack of experiences to indulge in while you’re in town. We should definitely catch a lightning game or go for Ybor city late nights while you’re around.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Bethjoy Photography! Beth and John are some of the most delightful and supportive people I have ever come across. I am so thankful for their help and believe they are some of the most talented photographers in the wedding industry.

Some other names that come to mind are Casey Rexrode, Krya Cardullo, my Mom and The Group Chat podcast.

Website: Weddingfilmstampa.com

Instagram: @weddingfilmstampa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/photorand/

Other: https://vimeo.com/bigguava

Image Credits
These are stills directly from client deliveries.

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