What to choose? Photographer? Videographer?? Content creator???

Having been a photographer for over ten years now and a videographer for over fifteen years, I thought I would share with you a little breakdown of trends I have seen within my time covering weddings and events, so you have an idea of where and how a content creator differs from these roles.

First off, I will start with the new trend of content creation. What is it? How did it become a thing? I became aware of content creators around 2020 when TikTok first started blowing up. My first thought was, “That’s hella cool, I want in,” and still felt like this up until around 2023 when everything just became a little too focused on what’s trending and the soundtrack was overplayed. Then, with the news of TikTok not wanting to pay for music rights and that they were now going to test out using AI-powered songs. (They even offered one of my videographer friends some money to use said AI songs to create hype around it.) It got me thinking, when you are looking back on your wedding and you see your content-created memories, are these going to be dated? What was I doing? Why didn’t I just get a videographer to film the day as it was, us being real? A real day in the life of us on our wedding day. Because that’s the memory that will last a lifetime.

Wedding videos have changed over the years, I believe for the greater good. Camera quality is now almost like watching real life unfold before your eyes. Accessibility to high-end editing software (even on your phone) is there for everyone, so this puts the production quality right at the top. You can have a wedding film that looks like it could win a BAFTA, okay, maybe not, but play it alongside Oppenheimer and the cinematography is near on point. You can choose the soundtrack, you have full control of what you want filming, and it’s the videographer’s job to make your ideas come to life in a film about you and your wedding day.

And finally, everyone loves photos. There have been slight changes with styles, slight changes with the analog to digital and back again full circle cycles, but these are the most timeless memories that you can hold (or look at on a screen if preferred). Everyone goes to their parents’ house and every now and then the big box of old photos comes out. Not one person in the room shies away from getting involved in having a browse. In that box of memories, there is more than likely a few photos from your nan and grandad’s wedding in the 40s/50s. Eighty years later and they are still bringing the emotions to life, and I bet the quality of the image isn’t far off what we deliver today as photographers.

So, as a conclusion, it’s important to remember that photographers and videographers are here to stay and that content creation is very new and still pretty raw on the scale of what is a timeless memory. Do you think in 80 years time you’re all going to be sitting around a table with your grandkids, whipping out an old phone from 2024, and trying to find a TikTok that you did on your wedding day? I highly doubt that unless I have written this and fully underestimated technology and how we are going to store memories in the future. It’s great for the here and now, but the longevity is a massive doubt in my mind.

Dan x

Photographing a wedding at Mosborough Hall Hotel- Sheffield

Last month, I had the opportunity to photograph at one of Sheffield’s infamous wedding venues: Mosborough Hall. It’s one of the most traditional wedding venues I have had the pleasure of photographing.

Both the bridal suite and the honeymoon suite are located away from the main bar/ceremony area, allowing me ample opportunities to explore the venue thoroughly and find the inspiration I needed to capture amazing photographs.

The ceremony itself took place in a completely separate building, almost like a barn-type, standalone venue. It boasts a great outdoor area in between, with all the backdrops one could dream of to capture more traditional shots.

After the ceremony, there’s a courtyard area with the best lighting vibes imaginable, perfect for capturing natural, candid shots.

Moving into the main room, which is just behind a curtain where the ceremony was held, leaves that exposed brick feel to half of the main evening venue images.

A tall dance floor with a giant disco ball hanging above it provided the perfect setting for images of the first dance and cake cutting.

Prior to my planning and research, I had thought it would be a pretty “standard” venue, but I was blown away by how it looked and how the images turned out. The friendly staff, great food, and the fact that the amazing couple, Donna & Lee, entrusted me with 100% of the planning of their wedding photography made the experience even more rewarding.

Congratulations Donna & Lee. It was my pleasure working with both of you and thoroughly planning your day. Thank you for trusting me with your wedding photography.

Dan x

What does this year bring?

In 2024, I’m thrilled to express my gratitude to every couple and venue I had the privilege of capturing last year, marking my first full year as a wedding photographer. It was truly incredible collaborating with amazing couples and working at stunning venues like Barlow Woodseats Hall, Whitley Hall Hotel, and Kenwood Hall.

This year promises even more exciting opportunities, as I’m set to photograph at extraordinary locations such as Scale Studio in Liverpool, Alcestis Pastures Farm in Stratford upon Avon, and three times at my favorite local venue, Whitley Hall Hotel. I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead.

Having already surpassed my target number of weddings for the year, I’m immensely pleased with the progress of my business and the direction it’s heading. I owe this success to the couples who have entrusted me to capture their special day, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to turn their moments into cherished memories. Here’s to an exciting year ahead!