8 behind the scenes things you probably didn’t know about wedding videography
Lengthy title. good info.
I have to start by saying that the fact that I can call myself a wedding videographer is SO humbling. I honestly still can’t believe that I am trusted with people’s most special day.
With all that being said, I know that before I dipped my toes into the world of weddings, I really had no clue what to expect. I mean, I basically just wing-ed it.
so, after a couple year’s of experience, here are a few things that I’ve learned about wedding videography that you probably didn’t know!
What it’s actually like being a wedding videographer
1. you gotta make pals with the sound guys
I guess this might be a no-brainer, but sound is everything in videos. It’s crazy how much having good audio elevates a video. Having a general base knowledge of sound, what cords to use, how to hook into sound boards, etc. is a total bonus!
Whenever I get to the venue for ceremony/reception, I make pals with the sound guy (or gal) asap because they are the ones in control of the system.
2. there’s Lots of dudes in the biz
Videography seems to be a male-dominated industry.
I noticed this a lot when I was working for a studio in Minneapolis. It’s not just at weddings but in the video world as a whole. I’m willing to bet that most of us share that same image of a middle-aged man holding the boom mic on set, right?
This means that a lot of times people assume I am a photographer, which seems to be more of a female dominated role, without really knowing the difference between the two.
3. Food is not guaranteed
I quickly learned that working a meal into your contract is KEY.
No shade to the bride & groom planning the wedding, but it sometimes happens that couples forget to feed you (or give you time to eat).
When couple’s have buffets, it’s easy to sneak up for your plate after the wedding party for your food. But if they have servers you likely won’t get your food until the end, once all the guests have been served. Since speeches generally start once the wedding party finishes their food (which happens to overlap with when the last tables get served at a big wedding), your window to eat can be between 5-7 minutes.
4. You’re a ‘photographer’
I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve had guests pose and tell me to “take their photo”.
Now it’s definitely not their fault because I am, after all, the one holding a camera, but it is interesting when family members still don’t understand that I’m doing video.
I think that wedding videography is becoming such a booming industry, especially for young couples (which is awesome), but what older generations don’t usually understand is that videographers should only be capturing ceremony and speeches.
5. Photographers ≠ videographers
Photographers capture posed moments.
Videographers capture the non-posed moments in between.
The best way to explain this is during family photos. Photographers shoot their photo when the entire family is ready & *hopefully* looking.
The second the photo is taken, I pick up my camera and capture the moments of laughter, conversation and movement in between.
6. you gotta have each other’s backs
Being close with the photographer ASAP is key.
Typically both the photographer & myself have a mutual understanding of how the day will flow, so once we shake hands for the first time, we are usually in sync with the organized chaos of the day.
This means that we coordinate shots, (first look, cake cutting, speeches, etc.), ride together to venues and eat dinner together.
Getting to know the photographer as quickly as possible makes the day more fun.
Just a casual shot of me dancing at a wedding reception, nothing new here folks.
7. Dress codes are out
Dress codes really aren’t a thing.
I feel like I used to think that videographers had to wear black dress pants & a boring shirt. Honestly it’s not true at all! Obviously, it depends on the venue/couple’s vibe, but for the most part I can wear anything I want & be fine (rompers, pantsuits, dresses). My old co-workers used to wear baseball caps & tees!
Sometimes you wear jean jackets & sweaters.
8. It’s organized chaos
I have yet to film a wedding where everything went to plan, and that is completely normal.
Whether it be major delays in timing, makeup sessions running overtime, venues changing for photos, I’ve seen a lot. So, the biggest thing I have learned is that everything will change & I just need to pivot.
