2nd Wedding - Photographer vs Videographer

So here's the thing. I just did my 2nd wedding which went very well. The couple also hired a professional video crew. Is there animosity between videographers and photographers that I'm not aware of?

I'm tellin ya, these guys made it quite clear that they're running the show. If they got in my way a couple of times.....well that's an accident but EVERY time I setup for the shot, the oneguy would run across the room to stand right in front of my camera. I realized this is beyond accident and they are deliberately trying to sabotage mt shots. They are in just about every shot, including the cake cutting and B&G 1st dance.

Unacceptable in my opinion. I respected them when they were taking the shots so I expected the same respect.

Anyone else come across this oftern? Are we the photographers just a peeon in their eyes????

Never worked with a professional videographer but have had plenty of family members that seem to think its their job to capture every minute on video. If some one is in my way I kindly ask them if they would move, most people don't mind.

A professional on the other hand might not be as likely to do so since it is their job to be there to capture it, but I would think that they would be willing to work WITH you. Afterall, if they are in your photos then that means you are in their video, if I was shooting video I would not want to see the photographer in the background.

in my experience, if you chat it up with those guys before everything starts and establish your grounds, have mutual respect for each other, then it shouldn't be a problem. all you have to do is communicate and things usually take care of themselves naturally.

-MasterChief- wrote in post #10648215
in my experience, if you chat it up with those guys before everything starts and establish your grounds, have mutual respect for each other, then it shouldn't be a problem. all you have to do is communicate and things usually take care of themselves naturally.

We did do that actually. During the Bride getting ready shots, we met and made that arrangement.

eForce wrote in post #10648261
We did do that actually. During the Bride getting ready shots, we met and made that arrangement.

you weren't dealing with "professionals" then.

-MasterChief- wrote in post #10648305
you weren't dealing with "professionals" then.

LOL....well said.

I wouldn't formulate any kind of opinion based on one experience with what sounds like a very unprofessional a-hole video guy.

But think about it. We are essentially all going after the same thing, so it's just a fact of life to have to deal with the video crew.

It's always really nice when you can develop a rapport w/ the video people and work WITH them during the day, but there are companies I dread working with when I see them on the schedule. Real professionals know how to shoot what they need w/out being deliberately obtrusive, but there are those that don't care and are always, always in the way. They never seem to consult with the Bride and Groom about making their own time to do one-on-one footage during the day and they expect to shoot over your shoulder or try to take over the photography portion, essentially piggy-backing off of the photographer, which isn't cool. On the other hand, I know many that are a joy to work with and the day becomes more of a partnership than a contest - so it really comes down to the personality and attitude of the videographers. It's a well known and long-standing fued...sort of like brides and mothers-in-law.

eForce wrote in post #10648142
Are we the photographers just a peeon in their eyes????

I did video for over 200 weddings before doing photos. Ask most any videographer and I think they'll say it's the other way around, so who knows?

This is an age old battle. Videographers can't quite understand why the photographer makes almost twice as much as they do. They also resent the fact that photographers are almost always booked first. And photographers hate video lights and generally anyone that gets in their way. (My solution was to just use 4 cameras - pretty hard for a photographer to stand in front of all them at the same time)

That being said, "image providers" should simply just get along. During my video days I generally worked with some very nice and accommodating photographers. Today, I can say the same about the video people I work with as well.

Edit: When you see a videographer, talk to him/her and simply explain your movement and shooting style. They will do the same. If there are any conflicts a compromise can always be reached. A couple of years ago I approached a photographer to chat about this and he simply said, "I always yield to video so don't worry about it." I 2nd shoot for him now.

I have to say I'm always happy to work with certain videographers and I love it when they have good video lights. Working w/a wonderful videographer named Jason last weekend, the couple really wanted a shot at dusk of themselves across the street from the hotel where they were hosting their reception. Jason was happy to light them for us w/ his video light and we had a great time out on the street doing all kinds of things together. This example is ultra wide angle and not my normal preference, but it's what the couple wanted - and they got better results from us all working together. Video lights can be difficult during things like cake cutting, but I've gotten in the habit of gelling my flash to match the color temp, and so I like that the video lights actually mean I don't have to power a bunch of flash in there. It's great when everyone is on the same team.

RT's right, it's an age old battle. In the years I've been doing this, it has always been there as a potential problem. Speaking with each other is always the best thing to do. Even then, when caught up in the heat of a good shot, sometimes you step on each others toes. I have the utmost respect for what the videographer does and what they need to do for their finished product. So, I'm always cognizant of them and for the most part, their location and try to stay out of their way (shot) . I look for and try to get the same respect from them and for the most part, have been successful but there is always one rotten apple in every bushel. Maybe you just got the rotten apple. Next time will be better!

a workshop I attended, the pro photog referred to them as "videots"

Focused Moments wrote in post #10649139
a workshop I attended, the pro photog referred to them as "videots"

I'd have walked out after realizing I'd just paid for needless and childish commentary like that. Seriously. This says a lot about this "pro".

Keep your egos in check and all will be well.

No one has mentioned the customer yet. Perhaps the customer can decide what is more important to them? Or does that make you look less professional in their eyes to inform them there could be issues like the ones mentioned above?

It WOULD be unprofessional to ask them to referree a conflict on the spot . . . but is it unprofessional to discuss IN ADVANCE some of the potential issues?

After 4 years and close to 100 weddings the biggest pain in the arse for me by far has been videographers.