Why the Photographer and Videographer Combo Really Matters

When you're planning a wedding, booking a photographer and a videographer might feel like ticking two simple boxes, but the combination of the two matters more than most people realise. These are the people who will be around you all day, capturing the moments that matter, and if their approaches clash, it can create unnecessary stress and impact the end result.

It’s not just about hiring two good creatives. It’s about making sure they’re the right two for you, and for each other.

You Need the Right Fit, in Style and Personality

Photographers and videographers each have their own way of working. Some are hands-off and documentary-led, blending into the background to catch things as they happen. Others are more directive, asking you to repeat things or recreate moments to get a specific shot.

The key is making sure their styles complement each other. If you’ve chosen a documentary-style photographer because you want your day to feel natural and unforced, it won’t make sense to bring in a videographer who’s going to interrupt moments and ask for poses or staged reactions. And the same goes the other way around. If you want a cinematic film with styled moments and direction, you probably don’t want a photographer who’s purely fly on the wall and misses those carefully planned shots.

When styles don’t match, it doesn’t just affect the footage. It affects you, how relaxed you feel, how present you can be, and how natural the whole day feels.

How It Can Go Wrong

I’ve been at weddings where a videographer has stepped in mid-moment and asked the couple to repeat something or to “just walk a bit slower and hold hands.” In that moment, you can almost see the couple drop out of the experience and start performing. It feels unnatural, and it can pull them away from what’s actually happening.

But I’ve also heard from videographers who’ve had photographers step into their shots without communication, or who work in a way that makes it hard to capture emotional moments properly. So it’s not about finger pointing. It’s about recognising that both roles matter and that how they work together makes a real difference.

Ask the Right Questions Before You Book

When talking to either a photographer or videographer, ask how they like to work. Do they direct moments or observe? Are they comfortable blending into the day or do they need space and time to set up certain shots?

Also, ask if they have a list of must have shots they always include. Some videographers will have go to shots they expect to get, and you want to make sure those match how you imagine your day. You don’t want to be asked to do something “for the film” that doesn’t feel like you.

It’s totally fair to ask both your photographer and videographer if they’ve worked with each other, or someone similar in approach. If you’re going documentary all the way, make sure your videographer is too. If you want something more curated, the same rule applies.

When It Works, It Really Works

When a photographer and videographer work well together, the whole day flows better. They anticipate each other’s moves, they communicate, and they look out for one another. Most importantly, they make space for the couple to enjoy the day without being pulled in two directions.

Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime experience. Choosing a photographer and videographer who are on the same page can help you feel more at ease, and the results will speak for themselves, honest, awesome images and video that reflect the day and you.

Final Thoughts

Planning your wedding and not sure where to start with photo and film?
I’m always happy to share recommendations for videographers whose approach aligns with mine. Get in touch and let’s make sure your day is documented in a way that feels like you.