Ahh, videographers.
The photographer’s co-worker. Occasional rival. But always, creative partner.

They see photographers in action every week. They see the good and the bad!

SO we ask some of the very best videographers in the world a simple question:
“What can wedding photographers learn from wedding videographers?”

Here is what they told us.
And honestly?
They are spot on! Even if it stings a little.

A big thank you to these incredible videographers for their input:
A&Y: ay_video
Cordes Studio: cordes_studio
Ray Roman: rayromanfilms
Jay and Mack: jayandmack
Paramonova: paramonova_movies
Benedikt and Xenia: benediktandxenia
Les Vasques: lesvaques

Sequences, not single shots
Photographers are taught to create ‘the shot.’ But filmmakers find their storytelling power in sequence and variety.

“Photographers can really benefit from stepping into a videographer’s world, especially when it comes to how we shoot scenes with different focal lengths. We plan our entire coverage around this, assigning focal lengths across the team to build a visual rhythm in the final cut. And sometimes, just looking through a videographers monitor can inspire a more unexpected, emotional, or cinematic crop that brings new depth and texture to the wedding gallery. It’s about telling the story not just beautifully, but dynamically.” - Vicky Paramonova, Director at Paramonova Studio

“We often see photographers go after the hero shots only. But as filmmakers, we capture sequences to build a story. Think: close-up, medium, wide… like it’s a mantra. Then, think about how each frame connects to the next. It brings a sense of flow and emotional depth that makes images feel alive.” - Cordes Studio

“One thing wedding photographers can learn from some advanced wedding videographers is how to think more like storytellers. Videographers tend to look at how moments connect, how a quick glance, a reaction or a small detail fits into the bigger picture. If photographers start thinking that way too, and are more aware of the small looks and glances between people their images can feel more connected and emotional, like scenes from a movie instead of just stand-alone shots.” - Ray Roman

Wide, medium, close. Different focal lengths. Options to build a story later.
We are loving this so far…

Setting up small stories to happen on the day and then stepping back
The best videographers still guide.
But instead of hard poses, they build little stories. OR short, natural sequences that give the couple something to do, not just something to look like.

“After working with many colleagues in the industry, we believe that something we videographers emphasize more than photographers is creating small stories in our couples sessions. Photographers often jump from scene to scene, and the gallery feels disjointed.

If they’re posing on look out with a view, they need to complete the narrative with previous moments.. Like how they get there. And what happens next. Or if they are having a coffee, then how they bring everything to the table, how they sit down, serve the coffee, and enjoy the view. Everything happening one thing after the other as it would naturally, letting the action flow. Obviously, it’s guided and planned with the best location, the props, and we explain everything to the client in advance. But once it starts, the client can move around freely.” - Les Vasques

“As wedding videographers with an editorial approach, we understand the urge to direct. In fact, during couple sessions, we sometimes step in to guide the scene to achieve a certain mood or visual. But even then, we’re constantly searching for a balance between direction and natural flow. So sometimes, silence speaks louder than direction. One valuable lesson photographers can take from videographers is the ability to stay quiet.. to observe and listen more, and speak less.” - A&Y Video

Ok, ok we are liking this approach. Instead of only setting up poses, setting up little moments and stories to happen.

The softer skills
It’s easy to focus on gear, lighting, or posing techniques.
But deep down we know the thing that makes work feel human and lasting comes down to tone, timing, and emotional intelligence, right?!

Videographers see everything unfold in real-time. They see it again in the edit. They hear the audio. (cue our awkward prompts!!) They watch how direction lands, and they notice the subtle shifts that come with it.

“When couples receive constant posing instructions, they tend to look to the photographer after every move, waiting for the next cue. The direction is often necessary and expected. But sometimes, as a result, those precious in-between moments can get lost.” – Benedikt and Xenia

“You don’t have to control every part of the day. It’s okay to let things be...when you’re constantly managing the environment by cleaning rooms, moving furniture, and directing people, you might think you’re helping, but you’re also shifting the energy.” – Jay and Mack

“Compliments paired with gentle direction are incredibly reassuring. For example, saying ‘Yes, beautiful! And now…’ feels far more encouraging than ‘No, do this instead.’” – Benedikt and Xenia

“Learning to hold back, to trust the moment, and to create space for natural interactions isn’t always easy. But when we do, the result is work that feels honest and human — a true reflection of the day and the people in it.” – A&Y Video

Lastly, it’s not just about how we shoot… it’s about what we choose to value.

We love this final thought from Benedikt and Xenia

“We’ve noticed that some photography colleagues tend to treat speeches as less essential, perhaps because, on the surface, there seems to be less happening than during other parts of the day. But to us, speeches are one of the most complex and meaningful parts of our wedding films where moments can carry more weight than anything else captured. As videographers we are dialled into those moments - and maybe photographers could be too?” – Benedikt and Xenia

Let us know what YOU think?! Do you think these videographers hit the nail on the head??!

Replay back and let us know.

On this wedding koko_king_photo and her team didn't treat it like just 'another casual day on the job.' They went big. Elevating their creative ideas and styling to the tune of: three backdrops, a white horse (YES, ACTUALLY), four shooters, a leaf blower, and more cameras than we could count.

THIS is an insane lesson on going the extra mile. Knowing the venue might not be THE most exciting place to shoot and taking it all to the next level.

See the wedding feature, with words from Koko King about how they planned and captured each part of the day… A wedding feature, but from the photographers POV.

This month inside Lensel PRO, our workshop is from the brilliant Joel & Justyna. Photographers with a unique perspective, outlook and way of creating images.

Their talk is called Composing Memories and it’s all about what makes a photo last. Not just how it looks. But how it feels.

It’s a rare chance to step inside their process and brain. After their presentation we will have plenty of time some deep workshop Q&A.

🗓 5.30PM CET Tuesday 15th July
📍Live inside Lensel PRO
📼 Replay available the next day

⬇️ Curating around the red tones, orange accents and minimal black and white vibe - it’s clean, strong and does not put a foot wrong.

⬇️ Ok Ha Nguyen is just out here pushing boundaries. THIS is how you capture details editorial details. And that disco ball head shot?? Hilarious and epic at the same time.

⬇️ What do you do when you have such an amazing dress to capture?? Well, we would say, exactly THIS. A masterclass in focussing in on the right details, without loosing sight of the rest.

⬇️ You’ll be seeing more from this wedding in an upcoming Lensel feature. But we can’t let the week pass without directing you here. The ideas, life and creativity is on another level (sometimes literally).