Why Wedding Cinema?

Is There A Difference Between Cinematography and Videography?

Many couples have asked: what’s the difference between cinematography and videography? Wedding videography has become a very popular service for today's weddings. So why do we call it wedding cinema?

Traditionally, a cinematographer was an individual in charge of the camera on a movie production. On a large production, the cinematographer (often the Director of Photography) would oversee the camera and camera operators. Simply put a cinematographer was part of a larger crew. On the other side, a videographer often describes a smaller crew size or an individual who often works solo. This term, videographer, was associated with event videography, live TV, small commercials, corporate videos and weddings. Since videographers often work solo, they commonly handle other elements of production, including editing, sound, lighting and more. 

Cinema Meant Film and Video Meant Video

This distinguishing line is becoming blurred, especially with the advent of digital cinema and digital cameras. Commonly, a cinematographer works with a large crew, and is responsible for artistic and technical decisions regarding movie production. A videographer works with a much smaller level of production, overseeing multiple aspects of the video production.

These terms are being interchanged and for many different reasons. Often a video professional uses the term cinematography based on the equipment that is being used on the production. Others use the term to distinguish their work as being more artistc, capturing a moment rather than merely documenting it.

So Why Do We Call It Wedding Cinema and Not Wedding Video

We don't believe the difference between cinema and video is determined by the equipment used in production or the quality of final product. We use the term wedding cinema to distinguish the fact that our wedding day productions are the product of a production team, with each member contributing to the many aspects involved in the production of the final wedding film.

But this slight difference is not the only thing that sets us apart. Each member of our wedding production team is well experienced in their role on our team, and this shows in the final product. We take pride in not only using great equipment, we also know how to properly operate every piece of equipment to capture the best results for you. Just because a camera can capture high frame rates in 4k, doesn't mean it will automatically yield the best results. The following clips were all filmed on a Canon 5D mk iii with a 24-105mm lens, however each were filmed with different frame rates or shutter speeds.

Sometimes more is not always better. The higher frame rates, create a almost too-realistic effect, which detracts from the composition. It almosts feels like you are merely looking through a window into real life instead of watching a movie.

In order to compensate for the ambient light within the shot, the camera's shutter speed was adjusted. Although this adjusts the exposure, helping to get a nicely lit shot, it presents some additional issues. The higher shutter speeds often create a jittery effect in the motion of her hand and her hair blowing in the wind.

The final shot is an example of a scene properly captured with the proper camera settings and the proper equipment - well lit with a beautiful, cinematic look. All of the above differences are very small, and often overlooked. However, we strive to produce the best work and will always pay attention to small details. For this reason, we proudly label all of our work wedding cinema. Taking a step away from everyday videos and producing great wedding films.

What Do You Think?

We hope this information helped you on the hunt for your wedding video team. Just remember one thing, your wedding day will pass you by in the blink of an eye, and there will only be one opportunity to capture these moments forever. Pick the production team that will best suit your needs rest assured that you will have a great wedding day film that you can watch over and over again.