Videography vs Cinematography - What's the Difference?

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to capture every moment in the best possible way. One of the ways to do that is by hiring a professional to create a stunning video that you can cherish for years to come. But when it comes to wedding video services, you might come across the terms "wedding videography" and "wedding cinematography". While these two terms may seem interchangeable, there are some significant differences between them.


Wedding Videography

Wedding videography is the traditional style of filming weddings, where the videographer captures the moments of the day as they happen, without any staging or direction. The final product is typically a chronological documentary-style video that showcases the events of the day, including the ceremony, reception, speeches, and dancing.

To see an example, see our edited video below of Amelia & John. Our client chose the Copacabana Package, which offers a traditional documentary style edit of 40-60 minutes in length.

 
 

Wedding Cinematography

Wedding cinematography, on the other hand, is a more creative approach to filming weddings. It involves more artistic, or stylistic elements, such as varied camera angles, nuanced lighting, and creative post-production techniques. The result is a highly stylized short film that is focused on telling the story of your wedding day in a visually stunning and emotionally engaging way.

To see an example, see our edited video below of Jessica & David. Our client chose the Recreio Cinematic Package, which offers a short film that is typically 10-15 minutes in length.

 
 

The Difference

The main difference between wedding videography and cinematography is in the approach. While wedding videography focuses on capturing the moments of the day as they happen, wedding cinematography aims to create a more elaborate experience that (1) centers on telling a story and (2) incorporates stylized elements based on the cinematographer's talent and preferences.

Which One is Right for You?

Deciding between wedding videography and cinematography ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. If your main goal is simply to document your special day and video isn't a high priority for you due to budget constraints or feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera, then a traditional videography approach may be the better option. On the other hand, if you want a highly stylized and emotionally engaging video that captures the essence of your wedding day, cinematography may be a better fit.

Whether you prefer wedding videography or cinematography, our team at Mirar Weddings is here to make sure that your wedding day is captured in the best possible way. Our crew of skilled videographers/cinematographers and editors are dedicated to creating a stunning and unique film that tells your story in a way that's both beautiful and timeless.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and which of our packages is a right fit for you!

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Why Hire a Professional Wedding Cinematographer?