This is in no way hating or bashing of the male colleagues in the industry, just an illuminated perspective that does not regularly receive equal representation. This is also in no way victimizing female professionals in the industry. While there are tremendously successful female photographers and even couple photographers and videographers in the wedding industry. Female videography success particularly is moderate at best. Especially of those that run there own brand and business.
Let’s be real most of the time when you see a wedding videographer at wedding or even think of a wedding videographer your first thought is of a male. Even when I speak to clients through other agencies that I work for, I can tell from the couples I contact, they are a bit surprised to hear that I am a woman.
This blog post isn’t a ploy to bring myself clients; in fact I prefer to work with people that I already know or can meet in person as clientele of my own brand. However I have gained some insight as a female videographer and a woman in general that can relate to the role of a bride. With a vast amount of observations and a deep understanding of the industry that many couples who are choosing vendors for their special may not know about. So below I list and briefly flush out the benefits of working with a female wedding videographer and/or photographer on their wedding day.
I KNOW WHAT GIRLS WANT
Call it women’s intuition or just the hard fact that all women go through similar trepidations as each other. So that means noticing when an angle is no flattering, when your hair clip is out of place, and your makeup is melting off your face on a hot day. Ya girl or girls will always be looking out for the bride and grooms best interest, insuring on this day you will be portrayed as royalty.
IMPORTANT INTIMATE MOMENTS
The iconic dress zipping shot can be achieved more authentically when you don’t have to constantly hide from your male vendor or feel uncomfortable in your robe. Instead be at ease around a female professional that cares about respecting this precious moment.
GENERAL LAID BACK ATTITUDE AND POSITIVE VIBES
From my own personal experience working with male vs. female photographers and videographers, there is a clear difference I have noticed in working styles and the type of energy each sex brings. For me, and most professionals in the industry it is so much more important for the couple to have a great experience with their photographer and videographer. Most of the time clients are going to love anything that you capture but the most important thing that will stay with them is how they felt and what was experienced on there wedding day. The more logical and logistical male counterparts too often indirectly stress out the couple with time constraints or pressure to get that perfect shot. Usually couples are just trying to enjoy the day with each other and loved ones and want the professionals to take care of everything without having to get too involved. Female professionals on the other hand tend to be more laid back, go with the flow and the vibe of the day type, while capturing great moments. Easily able to recognize when the couple especially the bride may be in distress and know when to back away to make sure the well being of the couple is priority first over any pictures. Males have the tendency to be more rushed and aggressive while women are soft and fun. Now this is not every case but it is something to keep in mind when you have a coffee date with a vendor, ask questions on their work style on the day of and to yourself if you would want that type of energy on your wedding day.
TRUE RESPECT FOR THE DAY AND ITS MOMENTS
It’s no secret that women are just genetically more caring for others than men. Maybe its shear fact that we posses the super power to produce life, but whatever makes this empathetic tick, it is extremely beneficial when working with couples on their wedding day. A day that may have dreamed about their whole life and put in countless hours of planning, preparation and money into. Beyond just a photo-shoot or participating in tradition with the job to just get the expected shots. For women it goes deeper than that, we can’t help but to feel on an infinite level, especially when love involved. There have been times that I have held back tears during in the vow exchange and toasts, yet that emotion helps me be a better videographer. I am really able to put myself in the perspective of the bride and groom and give them content that I feel will be of sentimental value to them not just cinematic a one. So that they can look back on that important day of their lives with a full heart.
CATCH THE MOMENTS AND KISS IT!
There is a reason us girls go to pose is the kissy face, it’s actually the international symbol of the famous acronym; Keep It Simple Stupid. Too much I here from fellow professional photographers have awful experiences working with videographers. Tales of wedding videographers rolling in carts full of equipment into sacred churches, or being uncomfortably close to the couples while they have there first dance together, disregarding the shots for the photographer completely. Sure it is tempting with all theses new gadgets and new upgrades of cameras each year to step your game up with the latest gear, but it is virtually impossible to keep up each new version and trend. In my experience out on the field, maybe going from location to location it is best to just keep it simple. Producing the same results for a more reasonable price without distracting from the importance of the day. Virtually all cameras on the market these days are HD with at least 1080p and as long as you have quality video microphones and recorders you can make a thoughtful masterpiece with the bare essentials if you are a true solution orientated professional. It’s about being in the right placement and knowing when to press record to catch the right moments that will matter the most. It’s more about intuition then having the latest gadget than most think.
In conclusion, support female empowerment and entrepreneurship. When looking for a wedding videography/photography vendor for your special day, consider the vibe you want for your day and meet with your videographer/photographer either guy and girl and make sure that they will be the right person to aid in the day that you are curating to celebrate your union. The outcome will always be great but the experience, that is something that you will never forget.