In the length of time we’ve operated as a videography company, I have lost count of the many times that people have thought that what we do is no different from photography. The idea of taking photos is a more familiar thought. That’s because it’s a more often used means of documenting today.
If you’ve been a videographer for a while, you’ll know what I’m talking about. A client approaches a scenario saying, “I guess you could just do it the way photographers do it.” Photography and videography are similar in several ways but they are also completely different in so many ways as well.
That being said, videography and photography are very different. They are different in the areas of workflow, preparation, planning and other areas. Here are five of the many major ways that videography and photography are different.
Team size
The size of manpower needed for videography is larger. Videos need more specialized skills. There needs to be someone who takes care of sound recording, editing, scoring, directing, script writing, producing and at least two videographers to take two different angles.
Work load
Given the bigger size of teams needed for video, work load is usually larger as well. Thus video production needs more time, preparation and effort to create content. Although with the advancement of technology, work load is now being significantly decreased for videographers. That leads us to the next big difference.
Technical Requirement
The technical and equipment requirement for videos are usually greater for video. Photography requires nothing more than a camera set and some lighting peripherals. Videos on the other hand will require additional equipment for voice recording, motion control (to make videos more steady) and so on.
Creative Output
Foundational creative input of photography and videography are often similar. But the output differs in so many ways. Generally you have more ability in expressing creative output with video given that it’s in motion. I have seen great photographers that can express ideas through photos. Yet great videographers have a leverage in terms of ability to express messages.
Cruciality of Planning
Because videography takes more work, it will consequently also take more planning. Video comes is in motion and in audio. Thus there is more to take into consideration in planning- angles, voice quality, script mastery and so on.
