Ask any couple about their wedding day and they’ll tell you it goes by in a blur. There’s a packed itinerary and so many people to talk to. Memories fade but photographs and video allow you to cherish your special day forever and show future generations. Photographs are of course fabulous for framing and organising in albums, and candid-style photography is great for capturing real, raw emotions, but a wedding video offers an entirely different product. You can’t hear the speeches in photographs, or the first dance song. You can’t marvel at the full extent of the bridesmaid’s dance moves in still images, or hear delighted children’s laughter. If you have your heart set on a wedding video, as well as photographs, it’s very important to book both a photographer and videographer, rather than relying on your photographer to do both. Brides often say to me “we wanted a videographer but now we don't have the budget so we are going to get the photographer to do some” or “Uncle Bob will get some video footage”. Terrible idea! Photographers can shoot video footage and videographers can provide stills, but they’re very different crafts and here’s why…
Qualifications
Both photographers and videographers have invested in their careers and unless a photographer has studied and learnt in the same way a videographer has, they won’t be able to approach the day in the same way.
Fleeting moments
Photographers need to be poised for those split-second moments, like walking down the aisle, first look, confetti shots or cake cutting. They won’t be able to properly capture these still moments in time if they’re also required to get motion footage. The camera set up for photos and video is totally different.
Directing
As a videographer I’m in the background capturing footage as it unfolds. I’m skilled at knowing where to position myself at the right time in order to capture the moment from the best angle. I can think ahead, and I can spot the friends/family members to follow in order to capture a funny or touching moment. I don’t direct anyone because I want natural footage, as if seeing it from a guest’s prospective. Photographers will be in the background a lot too, especially for candid/reportage style, but they’re skilled in telling people where to stand, where to look etc. They can move people into position to work with the light and get the best shot. They’re comfortable getting guests attention because they’re used to it, whereas videographers are used to blending into the background.
As your videographer I don't want you to even know I’m there, I will only direct or make myself known when I need to, otherwise I will be out of sight capturing everything without you or your guests even realising.
Editing
Photographers and videographers are uniquely skilled in their specialist field when it comes to editing. It’s a very different craft. As a videographer I come away with hours and hours of footage to edit into a very short video. I’m skilled in picking the moments to include, knowing when to cut them, how to transition them into the next clip, choosing the right music etc. Photographers have their own editing skills – they crop/enhance/Photoshop individual images. As an example, for every hour your photographer spends editing, your videographer spends three hours. So, if you think you’re paying a lot for your videographer, this is why! I allow myself at least seven full days to edit your wedding video.
Teamwork
I bump into the same photographers at weddings time and time again so, if necessary, I can recommend someone I work well with. A good photography/videography team will communicate throughout the day to ensure the important moments are caught both on film and camera. i.e. looking for the other if we feel they’re missing an important moment! I’m always aware of being in the cameras lens and will do my best not to get in the photographer’s shots. For example, I wouldn’t trail behind a car as the bride and groom arrive. It may give me good footage, but it ruins the photographers shot and then the couple don’t have a still of that special moment.
If I don't know the photographer I get in touch with them beforehand, to ensure they know I’ll be there and ask if they want to chat through anything. This ensures we work together and put the couple’s needs as our priorities.
Kit
A photographer might have a couple of camera bodies and two or three lenses. A videographer probably has double the equipment. My kit includes three camera bodies, six lenses, tripods, gimbals, and lots of audio kit. This means double the cost for videographers to invest in their equipment, as well as keeping it in working order and insuring it. Having this amount of equipment also means a lot of set up time; it takes time to choose the best lens, camera position and to mic every speaker.
Taking the time to choose the perfect videographer and photographer is so important. You need to look at professional portfolios and be confident that they suit your style of event. I'm based in the West Midlands and I work with a couple of amazing photographers. I've joined with them to create a photo and video package. See prices page for information.
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