Wedding Photography and Videographers

Wedding Photography and Videographers - Can't we just get along?

Q.

I was wondering if you could post some info related to this issue: strategy guides on how to keep the photographer out of the video frame, matters of priority (when is photo more important than video and vice-versa), finding the best spot and perhaps tips on making the best (in terms of negotiating angles etc.) out of a photo-video alliance on a wedding.

A.

This is a problem I have encountered many times and usually find that the wedding couple agrees that the photographer should have precedence over the Videographers (photographers are "normally" paid more ; ) in my experience.

It is always worth confirming this with the wedding couple way before the big day itself.

I also try and speak to the video people before the day or at least on the morning to establish a workable system throughout each and every stage of the day. This is why I always do a "reccie" visit about a week before and try to get the Videographers there too.

The biggest problem seems to be during the ceremony and walking down the aisle.

The video needs to be held fairly close to catch the action and when walking down the aisle they cannot use the zoom feature whilst hand held due to severe camera shake, so again, they need to be fairly close.

I have seen myself in many wedding videos and to be honest it actually adds to the quality of the footage as everyone expects to see a photographer there as they are almost part of the furniture. Plus it usually involves people laughing and joking whilst shots are being set up or taken which looks good.

On the other hand, beautiful still images of a wedding couple doesn't look so great with a person in the background carrying a cumbersome great video camera over their shoulder.

I have nothing against Videographers, in fact I do a bit of video myself, and I totally respect the work that they do, but the photographer has more contact with the couple and guests throughout the day as they need to set up more shots. Video is a lot more "reportage" and can be shot without much contact (in my experience).

If you can, speak to the videographer/s and make a workable solution and schedule for the day where you both benefit and don't get under each others feet.