What you need to know about working with both a Wedding photographer and a videographer
After the planner and venue are secured, photography and videography are often the next wedding vendors to select. Some photographers also offer videography services and there are some teams that offer both well, but more often than not couples are booking their photographer and videographer separately. The photographer and videographer have the same goal on your wedding day: to serve you and preserve your wedding memories, and accomplish that goal with different skills and mediums. But ultimately, they need to work as a team! Here’s everything you need to know about selecting great photo and video vendors for your wedding.
Introducing Scott Woofter, Harrisonburg Virginia Wedding Videographer
I can’t write advice on hiring a videographer without including one! Meet my friend Scott, who is not only an experienced wedding videographer, but also someone I consider to be a great vendor partner and colleague in the wedding media space. He’s going to help me answer all your questions on hiring the right videographer! A bit more about Scott:
Since before I can remember, I have been in love with movies. Aside from being a fan of the stories, I was fascinated by the process. I NEEDED to know how they were made! Naturally this led me to pursue an education in filmmaking. Following college, I dabbled in commercial work and advertisement, but longed for more opportunities to capture real stories… like in the movies. When I found myself in a Groom’s shoes, planning for my own wedding, I was introduced to an entire world I hadn’t considered before. I realized how amazing the chance could be to tell these real stories for real people. The very best side-effect being that my art would also be appreciated and cherished over time. I am happily married, with an active 2-year-old and another little one on the way. And now, more than ever, I can relate to the significance of having these moments… that seemingly fly by in a flash… captured for an eternity.
Scott Woofter, Owner, Scott Woofter Films
Hiring your Wedding Photo and Video team.
Questions to ask your videographer
From Scott’s perspective:
I’ve read blogs and articles about this very topic. “What to ask your wedding videographer before you book!” Things like – what sort of cameras are you using and how many? How do you record sound? How long have you been filming weddings? Is this your Full-time job? Do we get to pick the music? The list goes on… These are not bad questions – per se – But they don’t always add much value or context to the conversations that you should start having with a wedding videographer. Or ANY wedding vendor, for that matter.
The goal of a consultation call should be for you to feel confidence in their choice to work with someone or not specifically for what they will add to their wedding day. Too frequently these talks drift away and turn into a technical discussion about the videographer’s skills or equipment based on a length of superfluous factors. Either because the couple just doesn’t know the right questions to ask or, in a nervous need to fill the silence, the videographer begins to overtake the conversation and embellish their capabilities fearing the risk of not securing the booking. Instead, I feel it much more beneficial when I hear questions that relate to the experience that the couple wants out of their day rather than questions about the videographer having enough gear.
True, that a videographer with more time in practice is likely a more capable vendor than someone just starting out; with having been through the process several times and likely having overcome a fair share of challenges. However, I have witnessed plenty of novice filmmakers nail the assignment, because they just have an artistic gift. That’s why there’s loads to be learned in asking things like:
- Can you describe how you collaborate with other vendors on the wedding day, such as a photographer?
- Can you explain how you work with clients who might be a little camera shy?
- What is it like to work with you on the actual day?
These questions, alongside getting down to the actual deliverables being offered, are vastly better at painting the picture in your mind about what the wedding day will feel like, and what you can expect to hold onto once the day has come and gone. Whether I film the ceremony with 2 cameras or 7, or if I choose to light the toasts a certain way, or if I get aerial footage of the venue… almost all of that can be circumstantial or dictated by conditions beyond my control. However, the energy I am going to bring to your day, and the commitment I have to making your wedding the best it could possibly be is something you will feel after getting to speak with me. I honestly just love talking about your wedding vision, with no regards to video at all. To hear the excitement and anticipation couples already have for the moment they will see their venue all decked out, or looking forward to seeing a parent’s reaction, or getting to Finally be Married to the Love of Their Life!! (I hear that a lot) – tells me what is going to mean the most to them to have engrained on film.
Jo adds…
A good interview question when you’re seeking out these professionals is to ask if they are used to working with a photographer/videographer, and ask what their approach is to working with the other vendor. If the person seems annoyed about working with others, talks about frustrations, or doesn’t have a team approach, then you probably shouldn’t hire them. That’s an indicator that the person is thinking more about themselves and their business than they are about serving you and helping you accomplish your goals. Those two vendors are going to be by your side all day on one of the most important days of your life – so, you want support, you want a team approach, and you want someone who is going to show some flexibility with your other vendors.
What makes photographers and videographers great partners to work with on a wedding day
The nasty rumor is that photo and video professionals tend to butt heads when forced to share a space and divide their time. Not True! Not for me anyway. I love getting to work alongside photographers on a wedding day. The chance to engage with other creative people working on the same goal… are you kidding me?? I’ve often found that working with a solid photographer is like having a good friend at the office you can lean on and ask for help. Wedding days can be very long and sometimes not the most pleasant, despite all efforts from the planner or the couple — rain, heat, unexpected delays — and having someone else in the trenches right there by my side is sometimes the exact boost that I need. Not only that, but lots of times I feel like my work was actually elevated from what it could have been, simply by giving and taking suggestions from one another in the moment. I also like to observe and learn from the photographers I get to work with. I’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks through the years!
Should couples hire a photography and videography team versus individual wedding videography and photography companies?
I can’t say too much about hiring a vendor who offers both photo and video services under the same brand, since I am not one myself. However, I would advise any couple who is considering this route to ask pertinent questions about how the two mediums are treated and whether an individual(s) on the team is dedicated to one or the other. In the end, you should feel that you have hired two (or more) skilled professionals who will handle both services with care and dedication; the absolute benefit being that these professionals have assumingly worked together loads of times and therefor work well with each other.
Though, I will say, I have seen plenty of companies offering a photo and video bundle with the goal of giving more to their clients. It may be a photographer who has begun to capture some video throughout the day and creates a short montage of the event, or a company selling photo and video together for the sake of broadening their marketability. Just be cautious with either of these scenarios, as I have heard of less-than-desirable results in the past. In the first situation, as honorable as the intentions may be for the vendor to want to deliver even more to their couples, they could suffer from a lack of focus toward doing one service well rather than being split between the two and subsequently missing important moments. And with the latter, I know personally that some of these companies that want to be a one-stop destination for couples planning their weddings, ultimately end up subcontracting the services to the lowest bidders, therefor entirely voiding that one major plus of hiring a cohesive TEAM that have worked together and collaborate well.
Jo adds…
There are definitely companies out there that offer both services well, with fully dedicated professionals. However, unless there are named individuals that you can interview before booking, you’re likely going to be dealing with subcontractors. National companies may subcontract out both roles and do their own editing, while some companies may have a primary focus (say, a photographer) and find someone to support them hourly on the other role, like videography. I’ve seen countless posts in Facebook communities where someone is in search of an associate to help them fill a role, a few weeks out from a wedding day. If quality and dependability is your priority, make sure you understand how those services are being provided together.
Where should people look for videography and other wedding vendors?
There are tons of ways to find great vendors! There’s Instagram, there’s Wedding vendor websites such as The Knot, or there’s just good ol’ Google. However, the best way to find a trustworthy photographer and videographer is to ask other vendors. Referrals can be the most reliable source for building up a great wedding day team. Taking recommendations from a planner or a venue or a dress shop or a florist is more likely to lead to a professional who will not only deliver amazing service, but someone whose personality will be a positive presence during those 7 – 12-hour days. I personally only recommend photographers who I know are their couples’ biggest cheerleader and emit a level of contagious calm that keeps the newlyweds smiling and enjoying their day no matter what.
Any advice for people trying to narrow their search for a videographer?
My best advice is – don’t be afraid to get on those calls! I get it, that it might seem intimidating… or you’re worried about wasting someone’s time… or wasting your own time. But trust me! The number of times I have had a video call with potential clients who have said, “Wow, this call was so helpful! We really hadn’t considered all those things.” or “Thank you for explaining all of that to me, I never would have known all of that about having a videographer.” it really tells me that couples aren’t as informed as they could be. And the best way to get informed is to simply ask. Hop on that initial call and ask ALL the questions. Be vulnerable and be honest; about yourself, about what you are looking for, and about your budget. Most of us just want to be helpful. I’ve even gotten off of a call where after talking to them I knew I wasn’t right for the client – whether I was outside of their budget, or the location was too far away, or my style didn’t match their vibe – and I turned around and sent them recommendations for other videographers! Just because I want everyone to find what’s right for them and to find the right company that’s going to give them that perfect heirloom they’re looking for.
Preparing your vendors for your wedding.
Once you’ve hired your photographer and videographer, contact them both and let them know who they’ll be working with. When I book a client, I want to know first who their planner or venue coordinator is, and second who I’ll be directly working with on the photography and videography side. Every videographer has a different approach, and I want to make sure I go into wedding day knowing not only how I want the day to flow on my end, but scheduling in enough time for the videographer to also accomplish his goals. If I stand in the way of the videographer doing his job, then I have done a disservice to the couple and may not only have an unhappy client but might also have really damaged memories of that person’s wedding, which is impossible to make up for. That wedding day preparation starts with knowing who I am working with, how to contact them, and what they need from me in order to be successful.
What information from your couples is essential for helping you capture their wedding day?
I want to know two things: How do you want to feel on their wedding day and what is it going to take for you to achieve it! When I can hone in on my couples’ intentions and the emotions they have wrapped up in their big day, I can usually tell what elements of the day they are most excited for and what is going to stick out and bring them the most joy! How does that help me? By knowing the parts of the day that will bring you the most joy and will deliver that feeling you’ve been dreaming of, I can essentially capitalize on those moments and wrap them into the films I create. Because my hope is that every time you go back and watch your wedding film – whether it’s only 8 months later or it’s 18 years later — you will feel a sense of that exact same joy all over again!
What advice would you give a couple who hired separate photo/video crew to help them work together well?
First, it’s a great question to bring up early on – asking if either have previously worked together. When I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work with a favorite photographer again, it’s like magic! The day feels smoother, and the focus is turned up to the max! However, don’t let that be a reason not to give someone a chance that you really connect with. In preparation for a wedding where I have not met or worked with the photographer in the past, I always make it a point to reach out and introduce myself before the wedding day. I let them ask me any questions about my style or workflow, and sometimes we even discuss logistics for shooting special parts of the day – such as the ceremony or first dances. My advice to a couple would be to either encourage that pre-wedding connection between the vendors, or even request it of them if it’s something they’re uneasy about; maybe schedule a joint phone call to be sure everyone is on the same page. I have had couples ask me to reach out to their photographer or planner or DJ… I don’t mind it. Especially because it’s typically something I do anyway.
How videography impacts your wedding timeline plans
In general, your timeline won’t change too much. You want to give a little more padding – 5 or 10 minutes here and there. But most of the time, the photographer will continue shooting while the videographer is working with the couple, and the videographer will continue working while the photographer is working with the couple. Both professionals will work together to achieve a cohesive gallery and wedding film, and in general they play off each other’s strengths. This is why it’s great to introduce the two vendors ahead of time, so they can discuss style, strategy, and timing.
Sometimes you get vendors who don’t coordinate well together or are “territorial” about their portrait time. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to diffuse that on wedding day. This is why it’s critical to ask questions about how they work with other vendors and possibly see reviews and references before you decide who to hire.
In summary, you can hire your media team from different businesses. Just make sure that they’re team players and you introduce them to each other (which can be as easy as copying them both on an email). Work with both of them – and your planner if you have one – to craft your ideal timeline that gives them both the time they need to serve you. If you’re still not sure what they need, just ask them!
What should couples expect to invest in videography? What products do they typically see in return?
This can be a tricky question, because, aside from things like skill and proficiency, there are all sorts of variables that determine a videographers’ pricing – business fees, certifications, editing software, and music licensing subscriptions – not to mention the perpetual need to buy the newest and most impressive gear. All of that aside, you should absolutely be mindful of your own budget. Wedding Videography services can cost anywhere from $1,200 – $50,000. My own packages can range from $2,800 – $6,000. My best advice is to do some basic research. Look into what local professionals are providing to their clients and decide what style and types of films will mean the most to them and make the biggest impact on their wedding day and preserving the memories they can’t imagine living without. After deciding that hiring a videographer is exactly the right move – which it is — the next thing to decide is who exactly checks the right boxes while serving up the warm and fuzzies, and who will help you achieve the very best wedding day ever!
Wedding Photography and Videography in Virginia
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Jo Mahaney is a professional photographer of PhotographyByJo.net based in Staunton, Virginia, specializing in wedding photography. With over eight years of experience, Jo is dedicated to creating effortless, joyful imagery that authentically captures the essence of each couple’s unique love story. She is known for her ability to create meaningful galleries filled with emotion and personal narratives. Jo is not just a photographer; she is an active supporter of her clients, providing resources and guidance to ensure a stress-free experience. From the initial inquiry call to the wedding day, Jo is transparent, open, and ready to get to know her clients to provide the best service possible. Her commitment to her craft and her clients is evident in the glowing testimonials she has received. Jo’s work extends beyond Staunton, covering areas such as Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Lexington, Roanoke, and Richmond. She has also had the privilege of photographing weddings in various locations, including the Outerbanks, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, and even Spain.