So, What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Photographer, a Videographer, and a Content Creator?
Planning a wedding and wondering whether to book The Big Three, but not quite sure what each member of the media team actually does? This quick guide breaks it all down – and there’s a short video, too, if you prefer to watch.
The main differences between all three wedding suppliers can be categorised by role, equipment, deliverables, and turnaround, which I’ll discuss below.
Hello, I’m Gemma, a wedding content creator based in Scotland who captures couples at fun weddings, and with the help of my photographer and videographer contacts, I’ve put together this wee educational article for you.
You may also like: What Happens on my Wedding Day?
Meet Your Modern Wedding Media Team
Wedding Photographer (Tog)
Wedding Photographers (togs) capture high-resolution images throughout your wedding, documenting the day’s key moments, candid scenes, and portraits.
Editorial photographers may also explore photography trends.
Official wedding photos can be shared digitally, printed in albums, and displayed in picture frames.
Photographers use a variety of equipment, including different cameras and lenses, and take advantage of natural light, framing opportunities, and backdrops.
They tend to lead the media team, give couples direction during the photo shoot portraits, and, with the support of your chosen people, organise group photos.
If you have the budget, you can often add a second shooter to your photography package, which is an additional photographer who takes content and sends it to the lead photographer for editing.
This can be handy for photographing parties at different locations before the ceremony and for including guests’ shots during the official photography session.
Some photographers send sneak peeks within 24-48 hours, and the full gallery is usually delivered between 4-12 weeks after the wedding.
If you haven’t secured your photographer yet, I’d be happy to chat through the talented people I’ve worked with and would recommend.
Wedding Videographers (Vog)
Wedding Videographers film an epic, cinematic long-form video of your day.
It is shot in landscape, meaning horizontal, and is best viewed on a big screen.
Some videographers also include a highlights reel.
Videographers tend to come with a lot of kit, such as cameras, tripods, gimbals, drones, microphones, and lights, which can be an absolute blessing for your evening content!
Videographers usually mic up key players for the speeches to ensure crystal clear audio.
This audio is often layered over the footage and mixed with music, creating a very emotional film.
Like photographers, you can also hire a second shooter, and a videographer’s turnaround is usually around 12-20 weeks.
Wedding Content Creators (WCC)
Finally, Wedding Content Creators capture iPhone images and raw video clips consistently throughout your day.
Content is mostly shot in portrait (vertical) mode as this is the best format for watching on your phone and for sharing on social media apps.
However, if the scene calls for it, or the content creator has a fun edit in mind, they will also record some landscape (horizontal) footage.
Content creators typically use the latest iPhone, which means they often work with a smaller kit than other members of the media team.
Although it’s worth noting that some creators incorporate gimbals, compact point-and-shoot cameras, portable lighting setups, and most professionals flip between multiple iPhones.
Like photographers and videographers, content creators capture establishing and detail shots, key moments, behind-the-scenes, candid, plandid, and photoshoot content.
As content creators work to a 24-48 hour turnaround (I personally deliver within 24 hours unless I have back-to-back bookings), many start culling and editing content as soon as they get home from your wedding to meet the deadline.
Media consisting of raw video clips with audio, lightly edited iPhone images, and ready-to-post Reels and TikToks is delivered digitally via Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar.
You may also like my guide that explains exactly what a Wedding Content Creator does in detail.
Your Wedding Day and Your Content
Most media team members offer a variety of wedding packages to suit different styles of weddings.
A full day package tends to run for 10 hours, kicking off 2-3 hours before the ceremony and ending 2-3 songs after the first dance.
This offers a really nice variety of content for your photography, video, and Reels/TikToks.
Key moments filmed might include:
- Getting ready (prep) and outfits
- First looks with chosen people (dad, bridesmaids, etc.)
- Walking down the aisle, ring exchanges, etc
- The official photos – couple, group, etc
- The wedding breakfast, entrance and speeches
- Afternoon/early evening couple photoshoot
- The couple’s entrance to the reception party, cake cutting, first dance, and party scenes
Note: Couples tend to cater for each member of the media team who dines in a separate room.
Smaller packages offering partial coverage are also available.
Check out my wedding content packages here.
Things to Consider
How Do I Choose Between a Photographer, Videographer, or Content Creator?
Here are some questions and points to consider when deciding what kind of wedding media is right for you.
In the days, weeks, and years after your wedding day, what would help you remember and relive it?
What will you do with your media after your wedding day?
What types of media/content do you use often?
Working in order of delivery, many couples share their wedding highlight Reel/TikTok created by their content creator, the day after their wedding and watch the short video clips capturing the wee moments they have missed for months after, enjoying the easy accessibility of the media being stored on their phone.
The official wedding photography images are often used as a profile image, shared on social media, printed in a book, framed, and if delivered quickly enough, sent as a thank-you card.
Couples I’ve met tell me that their wedding video is viewed on their living room TV as soon as it is delivered and again around their wedding anniversary to rewatch the full day and to listen to the speeches.
If the video package includes a highlight video, this might be shared on social media.
As you can see, all three members of the media team offer different services, so it is really down to individual preferences when it comes to choosing between a photographer, videographer, and content creator.
However, all three would tend to advise that every wedding should prioritise a photographer, and I personally would not feel comfortable capturing a full-day wedding without one.
This is reflected in the price points between all three team members.
How Do I Decide Which Supplier is Right for Me?
As you’re falling in love with a creative’s work, read their reviews and ensure you’re comfortable with their pricing.
Get to know them through their social media content, via video call, or in person at wedding shows.
You will spend a lot of time with your media team, so you really want to vibe with them.
Watch out for cues that indicate how they work as part of a team; this is key to making your day go smoothly.
Communication, experience, and good energy are vital.
Once you are sure you’ve found the right supplier, get them snapped up (usually by signing a contract and paying a booking fee) and cross that task off your ever-growing to-do list.
What are the Red Flags to Avoid?
Any supplier that even hints at telling a couple or fellow suppliers what they can or cannot do is a massive red flag – you are paying for a service, and the only egos in the room should be you, your partner, and your granny!
Everyone else on your supplier list should be cool and experienced enough that they naturally synergise and contribute to making your wedding day one of the best experiences of your life together.
Summary
A dynamic wedding team can completely enhance your day, and I’m speaking from experience of being a part of brilliant teams and quite frankly boring and lacklustre ones!
And regardless of what the dinosaurs tell you, you can absolutely have The Big Three if you have the budget for it and choose wisely.
So that’s a summary of what a wedding photographer, videographer and content creator does.
Any questions?
Just ask in the comments, via email, or slide into my DM on Instagram or TikTok.
Read next: Content Ideas for Fun Couples.
Watch the Video
Part one of What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Photographer, a Videographer, and a Content Creator?
Part two of What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Photographer, a Videographer, and a Content Creator?
Read Lovely Scotland Wedding Guides
- Rebecca & Jake at Marlin’s Wynd, Edinburgh
- Domini & Kevin at Dunfermline City Chambers, Fife
- Chloe & Jordan at Cottiers, Glasgow
- Claire & Craig at Leith Arches, Edinburgh
- Dawn & Stuart at Oswald House, Kirkcaldy
- Brad & Emma at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
- Riddle’s Court Wedding Styled Shoot, Edinburgh
- Whimsical Elopement Shoot at Teasses Estate
- Wedding Planning Resources
