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Hiring a wedding photographer is probably already on your planning list, or is maybe even a detail you’ve already checked off. But if you want to have video of your big day as well, there are a few more details to consider! Having video from your wedding can be a gorgeous addition to your keepsakes, but it does add another visual/media ball to juggle. Sounds daunting? Don’t worry. Here are five tips to get you well on your way to a perfectly-captured event.
1. Expect to hire two professionals
Not every wedding photographer is a videographer, and vice versa. Do your research! Sometimes you can find a professional who provides both services, or two companies that work together as partners. But the bottom line? Everyone has the same goal—to give you the best-kept memories from your big day. And in order to do that, it’s likely going to take two professionals, even in a one-company operation. So establish your budget and needs early. That way you know just what you’re looking for, and everyone can focus on their unique responsibilities.
2. Compare styles
You know your style better than anyone, and you know the vibe you’re going for when it comes to your big day. I always recommend finding a wedding photographer who’s style aligns with your vision, but it’s also important to make sure the styles of your wedding photographer and videographer are cohesive. Your wedding day should be glowing with personal style and personality. That includes your photos and video! Look for examples of each professional’s work, and take a look at them side-by-side. You’ve worked hard to make sure all the wedding details work together, from the invitations to the flowers and the dresses. Media elements should be no different!
3. Ask questions
Is your wedding photographer good with collaboration and compromise? Have they worked with your videographer before? Do they have preferred partners when it comes to videography? Is there any part of the ceremony or reception they’re territorial over? It’s important to ask these questions of both companies when considering them for hire. We’ve already gone over a few other questions to ask during the interview process, but if you know you’re going to hire a videographer as well, make sure you adjust this list accordingly to make sure everyone knows the key players and how they’ll be interacting throughout the process.
4. Prepare both parties
I always encourage creating a connection between your wedding photographer and videographer early on, making sure everyone is as prepared for the big day as the bride and groom. Both teams will need your schedule for the day, and the lay of the land. Have a walkthrough scheduled? Invite both your wedding photographer and videographer to come along. If you want your media team to work well together, it’s important that you give them every opportunity to be on the same page.
5. Open the lines of communication
Once you’ve booked a wedding photographer and a videographer, reach out and let each one know who they’ll be working with. It’s a big industry, but especially in smaller towns or venues with preferred vendors, chances are they’ve worked together before… and when they have, it’s magic! Put your professionals in touch, whether that’s via email, Zoom, or in-person coffee. Start conversations to compare timelines, location overlaps and individual needs. This will allow both parties to make sure you walk away with perfectly-captured memories.
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When it comes to wedding photography, there’s a lot of information out there. Let’s face it… These days we’re inundated with details, opinions and advice, and it’s up to us to decipher what’s fact vs. fiction, and what’s perfect for us. But who has time for that? You have a wedding to plan! So read on for my take on some of the biggest misconceptions about wedding photography, and why these myths are easily debunked with the right photographer.
1. “The price is too much for one day of work.”
This one couldn’t be farther from the truth! The wedding day itself is just one of the many parts of an investment in wedding photography. Sure, the wedding is the only day you see us working, but my job really starts from the moment we meet! Getting to know the happy couple, communicating the vision, engagement sessions, event scheduling and task management, image selection, shot list finalization, editing, previews, deliverables and designs are just a few of the many “unseen” tasks that go into this process—and what makes professional wedding photography a worthwhile investment.
2. “It’s just taking pictures. Anyone can do it!”
I know everyone has a digital camera in the palm of their hand these days, and odds are you have a friend or relative who has even picked up a professional camera a time or two. But trust me. Wedding photography is an entire industry of professionals for a reason! It takes more than a camera to capture a wedding, and it certainly isn’t something you want to risk missing the mark on. Afterall, this day only happens once! While most of us only attend a handful of weddings in our lives, a professional wedding photographer probably shoots every weekend during busy summer months every single year. We know the ins and outs, the moments to watch for, and the rundown of how the event schedule typically works. Leave it to us. We know the drill!
3. “Hiring a professional photographer isn’t worth the investment.”
Once upon a time, this misconception was everywhere. Nowadays we want to capture and share even the quietest moments of our everyday lives, but still—shouldn’t your wedding day be different? This is a huge day in anyone’s life. It should be celebrated and preserved (and it shouldn’t live inside your phone)! When you invest in professional wedding photography, you’re getting more than just pictures. You’re getting the knowledge and experience of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. You’re getting high-quality products and images worthy of the time and effort you put into the details of the day. And most importantly, you’re getting peace of mind in knowing this detail will be taken care of, off your plate and mind, and done well. We can focus on getting the best images so you can focus on saying “I do.”
4. “All wedding photographers have the same style.”
We all fall into this trap sometimes… A wedding photo is a wedding photo, so why does it matter who I ask to photograph it, right? Nope! This is another myth that’s easy to debunk. Just like every wedding is different, every photographer brings a unique style to the table. Before you book, follow these important steps, and ask these important questions. If you put just anyone behind the lens, you probably will get run-of-the-mill photos. But if you find someone who shares your vision, captures your creativity and showcases your style in a way that you love, your wedding photos can shine as brightly as the day itself—and last a whole lot longer!
5. “Wedding photographers only photograph weddings.”
Love your images? Why stop at wedding photography? We photographers shoot a whole lot more than brides and grooms, and we love keeping up with our clients by celebrating births, anniversaries, graduates, family sessions and so much more. Browse through a photographer’s social media to see their specialties, and to get a feel for their style. One of my favorite things about being a photographer is getting to know people and share their stories. Your lives don’t stop at “I do,” and your photo albums shouldn’t either!
