Mistakes Make Magic

9 Signs You Should Refer a Wedding Videographer

9 Signs You Should Refer a Wedding Videographer

March 22, 2023

I’m Catherine.
A New Orleans based wedding photographer and educator. We are excited you are here and cannot wait to connect with you!.
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When it comes to videography, we have worked with such a variety of people. We don’t have a videographer on our team, so we’ve had a lot of experience working with different personality types and aesthetics. Because of that, we’ve learned what makes a good videographer and who to refer and you can learn too!

Although the order of booking can vary, most times the client will book the venue and/or planner first, and then the photographer. At that point, we’re given the opportunity to recommend a videographer. 

If you find yourself in that situation, I hope this will be helpful in deciding who is a great videographer worth recommending!

1. Easy-going Personality

We like to work alongside video teams who are go-getters, but are also easy to work with.

Honestly, I’m very assertive when it comes to posing. A great fit for us is more of a journalistic, fly-on-the-wall video team. They let me take the lead with the posing, and we go back and forth to make sure they’re able to get the videos they need. 🎥

This prevents the client from getting fatigued from double posing, AND it saves time.

This is what works well for us. Maybe you’re a photographer who prefers to be in the background and you’d prefer the videographer take the lead – or maybe you’d prefer BOTH of you are in the background!

Knowing who you are and what you like will help you make the right videographer recommendation for a client.

2. Strong Work Ethic

When we show up for a wedding, there’s no task too big or too small for us. We will do everything necessary in order to do a good job and create an incredible experience for our clients.

That being said, we really appreciate when a video team has the same work ethic. For instance, if I find myself having to move a piece of furniture and they’re willing to put down their cameras and help… that means SO much. 

Having a team that’s up for getting it done, regardless of what it takes, makes such a great experience for us AND the client.

3. Positive Interactions with the Client

When you observe the videographer, what is their interaction with the client like?

We have seen negative videographer-client interactions in the past. 😓 Some videographers have been aggressive in how they spoke to the client, or they weren’t very enthusiastic. Having very positive interactions with the videography team is imperative. 

You want people who will go with the flow, feel the energy of the room, and match that.

4. Professional Presentation

How do the videographers present themselves? How do they dress? Do they match the dress and vibe of the wedding, or do they stick out? 

When guests attend the wedding, it’s very common that on-lookers assume the photo team and video team are from the same company. So it’s very important that the videographers match the same level of professionalism we show up with.

Brad and I both dress formally to photograph a wedding. When thinking about what makes a good videographer, we really appreciate when they’re also wearing clothes that match the wedding and blend in. I recommend you look for the same thing in a videographer!

5. Similar Posing Style

It’s a good idea to work with videographers who have a similar posing style and aesthetic to you. 

For example, when we’re styling details and a videographer completely re-styles them, that takes up a lot of time. Of course, we respect each other as artists, but when you can both come together and agree on a certain style, it will save so much time. 

The same applies to posing. If you each decide to pose the client and wedding parties differently, that means your client will likely get overtired from posing twice… and you’ll each get half the content you normally would. Trust me, you want to refer a videographer who matches your style!

6. Similar Lighting Style

Lighting can have a HUGE impact on your photos. What lighting we as the photographers use impacts the videographer’s content, and their lighting will affect our images. 💡

For instance, I enjoy photographing the prep in natural light. I once worked with a videographer who preferred to use overhead and artificial light… and you can see how that quickly became a conflict. 

This really comes into play at the wedding reception lighting. I always appreciate when a videographer brings a video light and can position it in a way that makes sense for both of us. In New Orleans, we do what’s called a second line where we parade through the streets – and when the videographers bring video lights, it’s always SO helpful. ☂️🎺🥁

Throughout the day, we take note of how the videographers we enjoy light the day: is it similar to us? Is it helpful for us? How can we help them? Answering these questions can help you both come together as a team.

7. Camera-aware

When considering what makes a good videographer, consider how camera-aware they are. This means they’re cognizant of our cameras and try NOT to get in our photos.

For example, if we’re doing a first look, we’re all on the same side and standing close together. That way, we can avoid being in each other’s images. 

In the very beginning, this goes both ways. When it comes to video, a lot of videographers will ask photographers if they’re in our way – and we have to give them the same respect and keep the line of communication open.

8. Number of Team Members Matches

How many people are on their video team? How many cameras do they have? 

For example, during bride prep, we’re typically in a very small space. There’s a lot of people and a lot of emotions. We personally like it if we’re working with a video team who matches us: if we have one camera, they have one camera. If we have two cameras, they have two cameras, and so on.

I’ve been in situations before where I have one camera, and the other team might have three cameras out. That can become very overwhelming, fast. 

9. What makes a good videographer? You Like to Work With Them!

Who creates a great product? Who has great interactions with the client? Who’s helpful? THAT’S who we recommend!

Keep in mind the importance of the referrals we give to our clients. We had a videographer recommendation years ago when the videographer’s business went south, and they began to have issues with the client. They then came to us as the mediator. 

I realized in that moment the importance of the referrals we make, whether it’s a videographer or another photographer. You want to make sure the person or team you’re recommending is truly someone you trust: someone who will show up, treat the client well, and create an amazing experience and product. 🤍

They Trust Your Posing

When it comes to working with a videographer, I prefer to take the lead in posing. But you definitely can’t do that if you’re not confident in your posing!

Do you ever feel stuck or nervous trying to come up with poses on the spot? Or maybe you use the same poses over and over and need something new? 

I’ve been there… and now I’m sharing what I’ve learned to help you! My Posing Guide below will allow you to:

  • Build confidence so your clients know EXACTLY what to do
  • Have “go-to” poses to create consistent, strong images
  • Never feel stuck or on-the-spot – you’ll have a posing flow!

Check out the Posing Guide below. ⤵️

Posing Guide
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