How Videographers Can Work Better With Photographers

It is so essential for photographers and videographers to work together and play nicely in order for the couple to receive a beautiful end result on both ends. Photographers get asked similar questions: "How well do you work with videographers?" or, "Who do you recommend that you work well with? Anyone I shouldn't work with?" and, "Are you okay with us hiring this videography company? What is your experience with them?"

It's sad that there is such a stigma about this, but I have had experiences that do make me steer my couples in the direction of some companies over others. Mostly in part because I tried my best to work alongside the videographer, but at some point during the day, we just couldn't see eye to eye and thus begins the dance of just working around each other instead of with each other.

There are many ways in which photographers and videographers can both work together, and in order to do so, these are my recommendations for videographers.

1) Coordination

Videographers should become well versed in wedding day timeline and make sure to take note when events will be occurring and where. This is essential to prevent the photographer and the couple having to wait for someone to find the videographer in order to ensure they are present to capture the moment. Many times there are two photographers and one videographer. If two things are happening simultaneously, like prep photos, then the videographer needs to coordinate with the two photographers on how we can all cohesively capture the moments together happening between two different rooms. Another pinnacle point of the wedding day where coordination is needed is once the dancing starts at the reception. Photographers and videographers should try their best to partner up and stay close to each other. This will allow for us to shoot from similar angles so that we are avoiding getting in each other's shots. I find that sometimes I end up directly across from the videographer when we are both trying to shoot someone in the middle of a dance circle, which means we are both in the background of the shots!

2) Camera Placement

Videographers should make an effort to check with the photographer before the ceremony begins to find out where the photographer usually stands, and if the videographer's camera setup will be in the photos. Having this conversation will help both the videographer and the photographer iron out any differences and troubleshoot any potential of being in each other's way. A tripod at the end of the aisle will be in every single photo of everyone coming down the aisle and can be near impossible, or very time consuming, to photoshop it out. If the videographer sets a tripod in the middle of the aisle, it also prevents the photographer from taking any wide shots of the ceremony. As a compromise, try placing the tripod slightly to the left or right of the main aisle so it's out of frame during the processional.

3) Maximize the Couple's Photo/Video Time

I find that the best way to maximize the couple's allotted time during their wedding day for photo and video is not to split up their time between the photographer and the videographer, but to capture it all together. Not allowing a photographer to capture the couple or wedding party alongside the videographer, or vice versa, is not beneficial to the couple. Instead, the videographer and photographer should shoot the wedding party and couple simultaneously. Photographers do need to capture posed photos of the couple and the wedding party that are still. However, as we move along with different poses, if we aren't directing any with motion videographers can always ask the photographer if it's possible for them to encourage motion. Giving directions like having the wedding party cheering (tell them to switch up their poses and be expressive! I always say "Remember, we have video so let's get loud!"), and having the couple walk hand and hand with direction to bring out emotions helps knock out two birds with one stone - all are awesome for both photo and video!

4) Don't Shoot Family Photos

It is essential for photographers to minimize distractions during the family photos to help ensure we can capture photos where everyone is looking at our camera. Adding another professional camera into the mix tends to make their eyes wander even when the family members are being verbally directed to look at the photographer's camera only. If it is not requested by the couple, please don't shoot this part of the day. If you want to capture some of the candid moments between the couple and their families as they hug and kiss in between photos, that's totally fine! Just please don't point your camera at them when we are capturing the family portraits.

Curious what a photographer can do to work better with a videographer? Check out the complementary blog post from Abigail, up now!