Do I need a Content Creator?

Planning a wedding can be so overwhelming. From Colours, to themes, to choosing venues. And then the ever changing traditions and fads that come and go like the tide. It can be hard to know what you need let alone what you even want! The last few years saw the rise of Content Creators at weddings and it's not surprising many couples are confused about the role of photographer vs videographer vs content creator.  So I thought I would write a little blog to decipher what the difference and similarities are between the three.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER, CONTENT CREATOR AND A VIDEOGRAPHER?

A Photographer (that's me by the way!)

My aim is to capture all those little moments using 2 professional grade cameras which enables you to relieve your memories, print out hi resolution images and continue to admire them in years to come. Whilst I am predominantly candid, I am thinking about the compositions, the lighting, and predicting what will happen next. I'm a little photographic ninja ready to pounce on the funny, sweet, and even stupid moments you and your guests make.  So many of my couples tell me that their gallery allowed them to see parts of their day they didn't know were happening, like the tears of a parent as you walk down the aisle, or the way your partner looks at you when you are laughing.

My role isn't just limited to capturing your memories though. I am often herding your guests, working with suppliers, considering your timeline and any changes and liaising with you! Whilst I am predominantly candid, I may encourage where you walk/stand for couple photos, or give short prompts (whisper something sweet/funny/dirty) to create emotions or actions.

What do you get:

• Pro grade equipment - 2 memory cards in each camera so your images don't get lost.
• My support and guidance leading up to the day and on the day
• Camera capable in low light - no fuzzy, dark images.
• Highly edited gallery of 800-1200 images up to 12 weeks after the day
• Images you can print and hang up
• Photographs to last a life time

A Videographer

A videographer, a good one anyway, will have pro grade equipment including microphones to create your story in motion and sound; the laughter, the vows, the speeches.  The footage is then highly edited to create an emotive short film of your day, alongside carefully chosen music. Some videographers piggy back off the photographer, so they will capture what I do. However, there are some videographers, such as the lovely Josh from Smart Captures Wedding Films who also uses prompts and direction too.

What do you often get:

• 2-3 professional cameras and microphones (with backup storage)
• You may get some direction on the day
• A highlight reel
• A short film 2-5 minutes
• Sometimes you can add on raw footage of the whole ceremony/speeches.
• Usually delivered up to 12 weeks after the day.
• Video and audio to last a life time

A CONTENT CREATOR

Generally, Content Creators, will use their phone to film and photograph your day for you to use on Social Media. They shoot in portrait mode, specifically for the likes of Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, creating short reels for you to post and share almost instantaneously. Most Content Creators I have worked with have done little directing; however, there are some out there who will direct and use prompts too, but typically they are candid.

What do you get?

• Video and stills using a mobile phone (typically lower quality than videographer/photographers)
• Short reels and images in portrait mode
• Typically sent within 24 hours so that you can post them on your socials.
• Some offer 'raw' footage of the day

NOT EVERYONE IS THE SAME...

Just a quick note, just with any wedding suppliers, quality varies.  I have seen some 'photographers' rock up with an iPhone, some videographers with just one camera and no back up, and some Content Creators with a camera! So you still need to do your due diligence before booking. I have had mixed experiences with Content Creators. Some have been a pleasure to work with, and it's great having a buddy on the day. Unfortunately, I have also had experiences with some newer Content Creators getting in the way of key shots (like the rings going on/first kiss) even though I had spoken to them to make plans on what each of us wanted to get, and where we would be stood so we wouldn't get in the way!

SO DO YOU NEED ALL THREE?

I mean they all play very different roles even if they do overlap a bit. It really does depends what is important to you. If budget is a concern then, personally, I would prioritise photography. These are images you will look at in years to come, have hung on your wall and share with future families.  If you want timeless high quality audio and visual then videography can be money well spent. If you are just wanting quick images/reels for social media then go for it, but consider what you will wish you had in 5, 10 even 15 years time.