Becki and Chris are the content creators of The Uncommon Law - a blog they started in 2011 to document the renovation of their first home, as well as the name of their YouTube channel where they share their travel adventures, reno & decor projects and snippets of their life. I've been following them for the last few years and I'm never disappointed by the quality of their work, so I had a bit of a fan-girl moment when I got to meet Becki at a conference last year. More recently, when I got together on a Skype call with the two of them for this feature, I felt like I already knew Chris even though I had not met him in person - that's the feeling you get when you watch their videos. They are the cutest couple (high school sweethearts! Last month they celebrated 14 years together!) - they're each a little bit goofy and completely playful with each other, perfectly paired, and they have this way of bringing you in and making you feel like a part of their story. I'm so excited to introduce you to Becki and Chris!
The living room they renovated in their home in Newfoundland.
These two are as dynamic individually as they are together. Becki has a background in graphic design and is a self-taught photographer. She's also an entrepreneur - after working for a marketing agency for a couple of years, she branched out to found BOLD Creative, her own agency combining her passions for design and photography. Chris, on the other hand, is a medical doctor specialized in diagnostic radiology. He’s currently completing extra sub speciality training in interventional radiology (image guided minimally invasive surgeries). At first it might seem like Chris' profession is at the opposite end of the spectrum from his video/photography work for The Uncommon Law, but really, when you think about it, it all comes down to his interest in imaging, whether that be medical imaging, moving images or stills.
In their free time, Becki and Chris enjoy creating content together, especially in video format, and you can expect to see a lot more coming to their YouTube channel as this is where they're focussing their efforts. Look out for more fun adventure videos as well as informational videos that focus on the technical aspect of photography and videography. They're also working on producing a photo and video course that they will offer for sale to those who would like to learn from them - they've become experts in this area and have a lot to share! Speaking of sharing, I asked them what tips they would offer to those wanting to get into making videos themselves. Becki's first words of advice are simple: just start. You won't know what you're doing until you try it, so just make something and see how it goes. She also says that for those just starting out, you don't even need fancy equipment - use your phone and simple editing apps or software that you can use on your phone. Chris added to Becki's advice, advising to tighten your edits, to tell a story in as least amount of time as possible. He also stresses the importance of audio, and recommends getting either a shotgun mic or a plug-in USB mic to ensure good sound quality. Excellent tips to keep in mind if you want to get into video yourself.
For more of Becki and Chris, follow their blog and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
Want more? Let's hear from Becki and Chris - here's what We Want To Know:
Becki:
I can't start my morning without...a hot bath, and a quick buzz through Instagram, sometimes at the same time. Thankfully I haven’t dropped my phone in there yet, but it’s just a matter of time.
I have a weakness for...chocolate chip cookies, doughnuts, pastries, and cake. Dessert is my favourite part of a meal. I also have a weakness for french fries, I can’t resist those tasty guys. Maybe I should have just said food in general LOL
Most people don't know that I...used to be a lifeguard. I grew up at the pool so my parents forced me to do my Nationals when I was 15 and I will be forever grateful for that. I was 16 when I worked my first shift over the summer at an outdoor pool in Newfoundland. We had a ton of fun, it was the best job I’ve ever had.
Currently reading... Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk. I watch his vlog a lot, and I’ve heard good things about his book. I’ve started it, but haven’t found the time to sit down and get a good read in yet. Hopefully over the summer.
I want...a hand stabilizer for our A7S2. I would kill to have all the stable video for the vlog. Hard to keep that thing still while walking!
Chris:
I can't start my morning without...hitting the snooze button at least three times.
I have a weakness for...Becki Peckham's cheeks (and Taylor Swift’s legs).
Most people don't know that I...have a morbid fear of worms on strings and wires suspended over water.
Currently reading...interventional radiology journal articles and text books on aerodynamics of flight.
I want...every year of my life to be better than the last.
Thanks so much, Becki & Chris, for participating in #WeWantToKnow!