5 Tips for Photographers: Working with Videographers on a Wedding Day
We’ve had experiences with video teams where we walked away feeling annoyed and taken advantage of as well as other wedding days where we felt connected and supported. Based on the feedback we hear from video teams, it goes the same way from their perspective.
Let’s face it, we’re all trying to get the same shot but it doesn’t have to be a fight for territory.
We recently asked Shawn Fisher Productions for some tips to help us photographers work more seamlessly with video teams. Below are five of the tips he shared along with some notes from the photographer’s perspective:
“We want to help you be successful! Let us help!” – Shawn Fisher Productions
1. Audio is SUPER important for video.
During major events like the first look moments, reading letters, speeches, etc. having clean audio is vital. Photographers can help the video team to capture clean audio by quietly shooting the event from one spot and letting it happen naturally without intervention.
From the Photographer Perspective:
For first looks with dad or the groom or a letter reading (any time they are wearing a microphone and you are close enough that your voice will be heard on the mic), place them in an ideal location in good light, give all the instruction needed ahead of time for all parties involved and then let it happen. There is usually a moment at the end where they look around for direction and sometimes even say, “what do we do now?” That’s a great time to step in, start talking and posing the still shots that you still need. No one wants some random voice in their wedding video saying, “that’s so cute…now hug her…..put your hands on her waist….aren’t you going to cry?!?!?!” This is not the time to “help.”
During this moment for Abigail and Walter’s wedding day, there were three photographers and two videographers in this small room in the upper level of the mansion at Historic Ashland. We all had a “spot” that was pre-agreed upon where we could all get a clean shot.
2. Let the video team have a turn
Most videographers expect to shoot around the photographers as they are posing still portraits but it is really nice if they can get a straight on shot as well. If the photographer can shoot what he/she needs in a specific base pose and then step back for video to get in there for a few seconds before moving on to the next base pose or location, the video team will greatly appreciate it.
When photographers are directing “slow” walking, give the video team an opportunity to get a similar shot at normal speed. Videographers need things to move more naturally even if they are slowing it down in the end.
With video, it can be nice to have more high-contrast light vs. what many photographers are looking for as far as lighting goes. So, allowing the video team some time to take the couple to a different spot to do some other movements and poses is really courteous. Don’t monopolize all the couple’s portrait time without checking in with the videographer’s needs. The couple hired them too!
Here, Shawn took Jacy & Nick out of the shade at The Barn at Stoneybrooke in Atglen, PA where I was shooting (because I needed more soft, even light) into the sun for more contrast and “normal speed” walking photos.
Photographer Note: This is a great time to try YOUR hand at shooting around the video team to see what it’s like from their perspective. You may also get some pretty awesome shots from activities you may not normally do with your clients. We almost always do!
Here the second photographer, Tina, and third photographer, (Megan’s son) Isaac, are shooting around Madison as he gets some great groomsmen shots at Historic Ashland in Wrightsville, PA.
3. Communication is KEY!
This goes for both sides:
Coordinating each other’s locations before a big event like the first dance is important so we can all shoot in the same direction without being in each other’s shots constantly. This can be as simple as, “Hey, I’m going to stand here for intros and then move over there for the first dance. Will I be in your way if I do that?”
This will alleviate feelings of annoyance when the photographer moves “over there” and the videographer wasn’t prepared for it to move his/her equipment.
Full disclosure: We’re in Shawn’s shot here….100% our bad!
The Kiss Shot:
This is the shot that we hear the most complaints about on both sides. Either the photographer only had a 35mm and stood right in the middle of the aisle blocking any other straight on shot possibility or the videographer walked in front of the photographer and did pretty much the same thing. It’s best to decide where you both will stand shoulder-to-shoulder for that shot ahead of time so that there are no surprises.
From the Photographer Perspective: When there is a videographer and there isn’t room for a second photographer to join the lead at the aisle, shoot the kiss shot with a 70-200mm lens that allows you to get an overall, almost wide angle (70mm) with guests in frame clapping and also a close-up shot (at 200mm) in quick succession that doesn’t interfere with the video team’s shot. Our second photographer gets any other alternate angle possible.
Here, Megan is letting Shawn set his tripod up at perfect center aisle as they prepare for the kiss shot. She is shooting carefully around him. Her 70-200 is on her secondary camera at her right hip ready for the kiss shot that is about to happen…working together as always.
If one or the other is in the way, just say something! Most of the time we don’t even realize and are happy to move.
Kyle is such a gentleman. He didn’t have to jump to get out of the way but a good video team makes every effort to respect the photographers shot…and vice versa.
4. Have fun!
We are going to spend the day together….let’s have fun doing it! Help each other. Get to know each other. Most photographers and videographers lead pretty cool lives. Listen to their stories during in-between times and at dinner. Plus, chances are, you will work together again one day so make it an experience you will both look forward to.
5. Take Behind the Scenes (This one is from us.)
Photographers, take behind the scenes photos for the video team. It only takes a second to do and they so appreciate having that photo to post on their social media. Plus, it helps spread the word for you when they tag you!
At the end of the day, you can only control your side of the “for one day” relationship with the video team. Be kind and courteous and make the most of what you can learn from each other in that time.
There is ALWAYS something you can learn from each other when you’re open to it no matter how long you’ve been doing this.
XX - LPS