Videographer & Photographer - Working in Harmony?
It’s no secret that often there is not a lot of love between a wedding videographer and a photographer. Unfortunately, the stigma seems to remain that they would be better off without each other on the wedding day. For example, Sally the photographer might have a beautiful shot of the couple’s first kiss lined up. He/she is in position – with perfect shot composition and suddenly, Harry, the videographer struts right into the middle of her shot taking the glory away from the first kiss and placing it squarely on Harry’s back. No wonder it can be hard for these two groups to get along. There are no re-dos or take twos on a wedding day. You have one shot to capture many of these important moments and there’s nothing you can do if someone walks in and messes up your shot. Why does this happen? A couple of reasons come to mind…
Photo by Tiara Loewen via Tiara Nicole Photography
Ego
I’m not picking on videographers or photographers when it comes to this first reason as both can be equally guilty of this. A funny thing happens when everyone you show your work to tells you how amazing they think your work is, and how they think that you have a real eye for photo or video. A part of you may start to think of yourself as humanity’s gift to the photo or video world. The top Chihuahua. As a result, it’s not uncommon to feel tremendous pressure to constantly improve and make sure that when people see your work, they wonder “Wow, how did Harry get that shot?” or “Sally is really talented in getting photos you wouldn’t even think possible”.
Now it’s very healthy to constantly want to keep improving. As soon as you start to think of your work as flawless is when you are in real trouble. However, if you start to see yourself and your portfolio as the priority on the wedding day, that’s when real problems start to arise. If you no longer care about working with the other videographer/photographer, this is where tension can arise. If you continue with this mindset you will take it upon yourself to get your required shots with no concern for anyone else.
Faulty Communication
If only we could communicate better - it’s the source of so much pain in the world. The same applies to when you are working a wedding together. If you have don’t have communication and coordination with the other photographer/videographer – that’s when you will get in each other’s shots. Or if one person is taking up precious time with the couple to get everything they need, but the other videographer/photographer doesn’t jump in and say, “Do you mind if I grab a shot here,” then not only are you going to end up with a sub-par result, you’ll also be cheating the couple out of what they are paying for.
Complaining about that photographer/videographer that was ruining all your shots and didn’t care about getting in your way is very easy – and quite frankly it feels good at times. However, I really believe that if you both put forth a little effort to get along with each other, this could be a huge positive that could result in everyone being happy on the day. How do you take the initiative to create this positive working environment?
Here are a couple of suggestions to consider trying at your next wedding:
Reach out to the other photographer/videographer beforehand either over e-mail or phone
This is an easy one that doesn’t take too much time and can make a huge difference. A few weeks before the wedding just send them an e-mail and say how much you’re looking forward to working with them on the day of the wedding. Also, look at some of their work and give them a genuine compliment on what you like about it. They will be very impressed that you took the time to look at their portfolio and reach out to them. That way, when the wedding day comes around, you won’t just be a “random wedding videographer” but you will have a really solid first impression with them.
Photo by Tiara Loewen via Tiara Nicole Photography
2. Mention how you want to work together on the day of the wedding
This one you can do on the day of the wedding or at a rehearsal if you are planning on attending that. Just go up, shake their hand and mention how much you’re looking forward to working with them. Then I would say something along the lines of, “Be sure to let me know if I’m getting in your way at all”. You can also mention that you would like them to let you know if you need to jump in at all, or if they have any ideas. Most likely, they will say, “Yeah for sure, please feel free to let me know if YOU need anything”. Now you have coordination and are working as a team to get the best possible shots for your couple as opposed to working with someone that you almost feel that you’re competing with.
That last sentence leads me into the many positive elements that I can think of when a videographer/photographer work together as a team:
Two are better than one
Collaborating is a great way to come up with ideas that you may not have thought of yourself. Bouncing different shot ideas off each other is a great way to prevent yourself from creating stale content that is too similar from wedding to wedding. You also can give the couple what they are paying you for – which in great part is your creative mind and your ability to come up with fresh ideas.
Coordination Pays Off
Being able to coordinate ahead of time prevents those shots where one of you is in the other’s way – especially for those big moments that can’t be done again. When you are both more mindful of each other, you can both get the footage you want.
Better customer service
I think that everyone can tell when there is an obvious tension in the room. Tension is not something that you want to pack onto an already tense day. If you and the other videographer/photographer are tense with each other, guess who’s going to pick up on that – that’s right the couple. This is supposed to be one of the most important and joyous days of their lives and they certainly don’t need some ego-driven, stubborn photographer/videographer causing them to stress out. However, if you get along they will be able to sense this as well! Being in sync with each other gives the couple, (and really everyone at the wedding), a much better impression of you. This could lead to more referrals and good reviews but most importantly it could result in a happy customer that is thrilled that they decided to go with you for their wedding day.
So yes…There can be ego-driven people in the wedding business that will make the day about themselves and their portfolio. They won’t care if they get in your shot or give their clients the best possible experience. This is not really a big surprise as this can be the case in any business. Unfortunately, there is not a lot that can be done about this particular problem. However, you can do everything in your power to communicate and coordinate with the other photographer/videographer ahead of time so that the day can go as smoothly as possible. This will save you stress in the long run – as you will have a better working relationship and you will be able to bounce ideas off each other which can lead to a greater product. There’s no doubt in my mind that it is 100% possible for photographers/videographers to get along and even become allies. This will lead to a more enjoyable experience and a much happier client base. Happy shooting!