The People Behind Midway Media 

Barry Smith

I have spent many years working as a technical engineer in various industries and this valuable experience has given me a keen eye for composition, creativity and attention to detail. I am married to Tracey and together we have two teenage children. I have always maintained a keen interest in video cameras and photography. Over the years I have produced many hours of good quality family videos which we have watched together time and time again as a family. Everyone hates it when the camera comes out but you can't keep the children away when it comes to watching so many funny and proud moments of them growing up.

I was inspired to get more involved with videography following the impact of watching the DVD from my own wedding. During the preparations and build up to our wedding a video didn't seem important to me and it took some gentle persuasion from my wife to be before I finally agreed to have ours filmed. For any people of a similar frame of mind I have to say that looking back the money spent on having our wedding filmed was probably the best investment we made. We have watched it together time and time again and it's been a loving reminder when we've been apart through work.

The first wedding I filmed happened after a close friend of ours was impressed by the quality of some footage I had taken whilst on honeymoon in Thailand. They hadn't booked a videographer and so asked me if I would film their wedding day. Despite being a bit nervous I really enjoyed the whole experience and it was from this moment I decided that I wanted to take my interest further and begin filming more weddings and special events. I have since invested a lot of time, effort and money to get our business up and running and have also become a member of the Institute of Videography where I am currently working my way towards full accreditation.

 

    

Tracey-Marie Smith - A.M.Inst.V (Associate Member of The Institute of Videography)

Barry and I have been a couple for over 18 years and together we make the perfect partnership. Although we work as a team, my role in particular is to liaise with each couple ensuring that the day is filmed according to their wishes. I love this part as I really enjoy being around and working with people. It gives me great satisfaction when I do something that can make a person so happy. I have spent many years being involved with the organisation of corporate events and meetings ensuring that every minute detail is correct. A major achievement of my life so far was obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Law.

Outside of my work commitments, I am a keen horsewoman and love to compete in show-jumping competitions when the time allows. I help out occasionally at a livery/competition yard when they are under manned. For many years I toyed with the idea of becoming a Riding Instructor but decided to keep my interest in horses a hobby and not a full time job.

I first became interested in videography when I was looking for a videographer to film our wedding. When I watched our wedding DVD, I was amazed by the impact that it had on me, seeing the emotions of the day made me feel really happy that we'd had our day filmed. There were so many little clips captured that I would never have remembered or knew were happening. I became inspired and began researching and learning about filming and editing techniques. I really enjoy the filming side of things and use my creative flair where possible.