When looking for a wedding videographer or photographer it is very important to make sure they have similar styles. This is important because not only will this make your day easier and less stressful, but it will allow you to do what your suppose to be doing… getting married and celebrating with your friends and family! Having a photographer and videographer with similar styles will make the photos and videos better, a lot better. Portrait sessions take half as long, they themselves are less stressed out because they are working together and not in each others way or in each others shots! If they have the same style then chances are they will be shooting from the same angles and working efficiently. As much as I’d love to take the day and be able to film you and your significant other looking beautiful as ever, but as a couple on your wedding day, your wedding day shouldn’t be taken over by portrait sessions or multiple takes from the video team. You need to be able to enjoy it for what it is. That is why a docu-style (documentary style) of photography, in my opinion, is the way to go. I expand more on that style of shooting in another post, What is docu-style and why is it important?
I have experienced and heard of terror stories from other vendors and brides and grooms of when the photographers and videographers butted heads. Where things have gotten out-of-hand to the point where physical contact is made. I have been pushed out the way, elbowed, and have had a photographer stand directly in front of my lens. To ensure this doesn’t happen, I usually try to converse with the lead photographer briefly about what their plan is and what my plan is during the ceremony, bride and groom introduction, first look or other significant moment. At the end of the day, you are both our clients and ensuring I don’t interfere with your photos is part of my job as a videographer.
Over the years, I’ve spoken to other photographer friends and they all say the same thing. Video was an after thought and the bride and groom had, not a lot but a little space, left over in their budget. So they decided to hire a videographer. That is where they went wrong. Never hire a videographer just because. If you want it, it really should be done right. I say this because nowadays, cameras are becoming easier and easier to use. Everyone who is anyone is a videographer. Chances are you will not find a decent videographer for less than $2,000. Being discreet and unobtrusive is something that is learned. If you skimp, you will probably get someone who will put a camera on a tripod in the middle of the dance floor during speeches blocking the view for everyone behind them. Another sign of an inexperienced videographer is an onboard camera light during reception. Sometimes this aesthetic is intentional, but I strive for a fly on the wall/docu-style vibe. The reason I find this technique looked down on is because it often makes the photographers job MUCH harder. A very bright light on the camera also makes the subject (person) aware of the camera and ruins the sought after genuine moment.
As I said in before in, How to Find a Wedding Videographer, by getting a referral from your Photographer you know that they have worked together before and have similar styles. Knowing that both your photographer and videographer have worked together before will give you peace of mind on your wedding day.
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