Module 15: Wedding Photography and Videography

15.1 Introduction

For most couples, commemorating their wedding day is of utmost importance, and they will rely on you, as their wedding planner, to help them find a source to capture those memories.

By helping the couple find a photographer or videographer to commemorate their wedding day, you will be imperative in cementing these memories in place. Photographers and videographers are a part of most wedding planning processes, and though some are certainly worth their weight in gold, others are best to be left alone. It is your job as a wedding planner to sort the good from the bad.

FACT

On average couples spend £1651 on wedding photography and videos

Source: You & Your Wedding

15.2 Finding an Outstanding Wedding Photographer

Since part of the job of a wedding planner is to find a wedding photographer, you must always start by looking at the photographer’s portfolio.

Every wedding photographer you consider must have a portfolio, and if they don’t, they are not worth the time to interview further.

In addition, it is important to understand what the couple wants for their wedding. For instance, are they looking for a strict and elegant documentation of the wedding day or are they seeking a more candid experience? Other photographers may even bring an artistic flair to the photos, but this may not be appropriate for all couples.

The bottom line here is to make sure that whatever the couple wants for their wedding day, the photographer has many examples to show.

15.3 Talk to the Photographer Before the Big Day

It is important to talk to the photographer before the big day, of course, and since the photographs are such a key aspect of the wedding, taking this time to consult with the photographer, bride and groom as a group is a good idea.

During this meeting, you first need to establish what time the photographer will arrive. Make sure to consider the importance of photos before the wedding, as well as those that occur during the ceremony and reception. Many brides, for instance, want to commemorate the process of getting ready for the wedding, such as her bridesmaids helping her adjust her dress.

It is also important to establish how long they will spend taking photographs throughout the day, and set a concrete ending time for the photographer. You will also want to ensure that the couple and photographer set aside some time to have formal photographs taken, and ensure that all members of the wedding party are aware of this schedule.

You may find that the photographer will offer specific wedding packages for couples, and there will likely be a schedule in place that the wedding party will follow. In addition, these packages will likely have a set number of photographs which will be taken. Make sure to also discuss what points of the day will be captured on film and what parts of the day the photographer should ignore.

15.4 Helping the Couple Get the Most Out of Their Experience

Many couples seeking out a photographer for their wedding will choose a budget option to save money, but this is a perfect way to ensure that poorly received photographs will be the result.

To avoid this, it is best to steer your clients to a photographer who has reasonable prices, but also provides a good result.

Another way to help a couple get the most out of their wedding photographer is to advise them to make the most of the daylight.

Though photos can and will be edited, it can be difficult to add light to the photograph and make it look normal. On top of this, a photographer cannot simply overcome the natural beauty of the sun.

Finally, it is important that you set aside some time for your clients and the photographer to get together before the wedding day. Even if you have to sneak in an hour or so the day before the wedding, it can help to bring about better results. This may be the only chance your clients have to share their needs and wants with the photographer.

15.5 Hiring the Right Videographer

In addition to the photographer, you may want to encourage your clients to hire a videographer, too.

These professionals can be a great addition to the traditional photographer, and can further help to capture the spirit of the wedding day. Though many offer a simple point and shoot package that is quite affordable, there is usually not enough interaction with guests to make the video special and memorable. With a good videographer, however, the guests can fully interact with the videographer; they can capture unique moments, and guests can leave messages for the happy couple.

When looking for a videographer, it is best to start by checking their website. If the website is unimpressive, you probably want to keep looking, as you don’t want to direct your clients to a poor videographer. A poor website might indicate that the videographer has not made a good investment in their website nor do they have the technical knowledge to produce high quality videos. If the website is good, look for examples of videos on the website. If there are none available, contact the videographer for examples.

There are a number of styles that a videographer may employ, so make sure that the videographer you choose for your clients has the ability to shoot in the way the couple wishes. For instance, some people may want to choose a fly on the wall style video, similar to a documentary. Others may have a more artistic way of shooting the event. Also make sure that you understand that some styles, such as a documentary style, may be more expensive, but most couples are happy to pay extra if they are focused on this style of video.

15.6 Tips for Hiring a Wedding Videographer

If you want a videographer for your wedding in addition to a photographer, or instead of, in some cases, there are some tips that you should keep in mind before you hire them.

First, when looking for a videographer, it is important that you meet with them and your client at the same time. As the wedding planner, it is OK if you want to meet them first, alone, just to screen their services, but it is also important that the bride and groom meet with the videographer, as well. This is to ensure that the personalities fit, and that all of the logistics are laid out from the beginning.

You also want to make sure that you are utilising a company who is not only easy for you, as the wedding planner, to work with, but one that will also give your clients what they want. For instance, if your clients want a certain style for their wedding video, a videographer better be able to give it to them, or you could be to blame. Urge your clients to look at the style of the wedding videographer, the editing features and of course, the finished product.

It is also a good idea to sit with the couple and watch some sample films from the videographer, too. You want to make sure that the couple is happy with what they are paying for, and as the wedding planner, you should not only be paying attention to the film, but also to the reaction of the couple.

For example, if you see tears welling up at some point of the video sample, make a note of that, and then ask her why she cried at that particular moment. Finding that emotional connection to the film is important, and you will know when the couple has made an emotional connection by looking at their reactions.

You should also urge the couple to speak to the videographer and tell them what they envision for their wedding video. It is also important to share their own ideas.

Once the videographer knows what the couple has in mind, they can also share some of their ideas in order to get to an agreement about the type of video they want. Don’t forget, as the wedding planner, to remind the couple that they should tell the videography their story, too, including how they met, the proposal, small details of their relationship, and even the funny stories that they have between them. This film, after all, is not only the story of their wedding, it is the story of the love they have together.

Finally, the cost will come into play when hiring a wedding videographer, and some couples don’t necessarily consider video services when setting their budget. Since you will not only be helping with the budget, but also advising the couple on the best way to spend their budget, it is important that you plan for a possible wedding video from the start.

Remember, just because a wedding videographer is affordable it doesn’t mean their work is bad, and just because they are expensive, it doesn’t mean your couple will get a perfect video.

As with a photographer, it is best to find the videographer that gives a good balance of affordability and quality. Also, remember that you may be able to strike a deal with a videographer by offering to bring more couples to him or her. If you often bring clients to the same videographer, it is likely that they will give your clients a lower price thanks to their relationship with you as a wedding planner.

Module Summary

Couples generally choose a photographer or videographer for their wedding, and many choose to hire both, as they bring about different results. Both types of professional are widely available, and in many cases, you can hire both of them from the same company. In fact, many photographers and videographers work as a team, and may even offer a package deal, which can save money.

Speaking of money, the photography and videography are two areas where your clients will get what they pay for, so make sure that you are viewing their products along with the couple, and offering your professional opinion.

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