CAN ONE PERSON BE BOTH PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER?
And, really, should they?
Full disclosure. I’m not that desperate for the money, and not that keen to work so hard for it that I would do two people’s jobs simultaneously. But I am a very creative person, full of curiosity and a klnd of ADHD drive to push boundaries and try new techniques. So when Ruby and Adam were happy for me to experiment with doing both simultaneously I offered them an irresistible deal and discovered that yes it absolutely is possible, but that you really, really need to know what you’re doing in both arenas. I've been a wedding photographer and a wedding videographer for absolutely years now (those are hyperlinks so that you can go check me out, right?). so I do have enough muscle memory and experience to know how to do this. My advice though is that if you hire one person to cover both, be absolutely sure they CAN do both well. Because it is an exacting experience.
The day itself was brilliant. The Trafalgar Tavern is kind of famous - in a previous life I had films screened here in film festivals - and certainly it is hard to imagine a more perfect setting for an intimate London wedding than inside the Trafalgar Tavern. You feel like you’re stepping into a piece of history. The tavern’s walls, adorned with timeless artefacts and paintings, tell the incredible stories of Britain’s naval past, which adds a rich, romantic and kind of quirky atmosphere to your day.
Each of the stunning rooms is steeped in character, paying homage to iconic naval victories and historic figures, which made every corner feel like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Set right in the heart of Greenwich, with breathtaking views overlooking the Thames, it truly felt like we were part of something special. Adam and Ruby chose the Nile Restaurant for theiur reception, and it was the perfect blend of elegance and warmth. Guests couldn't stop talking about the picturesque riverside backdrop – it was the ideal setting for all of wedding couple portrait photosgraphy.
Beyond the beauty of the venue itself, the people running the Trafalgar Tavern make sure every moment of your day is seamless. From the food to the service. Their seasonal menu is a hit with everyone, especially the famous fish & chips – such a crowd-pleaser!
BUT WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO SHOOT THERE?
As for how I went about shooting it. I used a combination of switching my main cameras, the Sony A7IV with a small DJI Pocket Osmo 3 attached for simultaneous video shooting. This is a sight that will become so familiar that this article will soon go out of date. But for now, it is still quite new.
I also used remote cameras on tripods, as I do when shooting more comprehensive, longer wedding videos with my Simple Combined Package. For crucial moments I always had AT LEAST two cameras running simultaneously. And throughout the day I was constantly switching from video to photo and back again on my main cameras.
For bigger weddings, I would bring in an assistant, a second shooter or even an associate shooter because really it is not an easy task.
Is it a fun task? If you are a bit hyper-active like me, and if you have the experience - again like me - then yes it is. Is it worth it as an investment for a couple? Take a look and see for yourself below.
From their point of view and mine, and subsecquently according to many other couples this year, yes it is
THE FILM