What is a content creator and how are they different to a videographer?
In recent years, a new role has started appearing at weddings: the content creator. They’re not a photographer or a videographer, but someone who captures the day with a phone or small camera—usually focusing on Instagram Stories, TikToks, behind-the-scenes footage, and trending reels.
You’ll often get quick turnaround (sometimes same day), and their work is generally more casual, immediate and social media-friendly than a traditional film.
So far, so good—but is it right for your day?
Content Creator vs Videographer – What’s the Difference?
A videographer is there to film your day in full: the ceremony, speeches, first dance, and so on. They’ll usually create a longer, cinematic film edited professionally—often with multiple cameras and microphones to record audio of the ceremony and the speeches.
A content creator isn’t making a wedding film. They’re there to shoot quick clips for your socials. Think vertical videos of you popping the champagne, doing outfit reveals, or walking hand-in-hand at golden hour. Their work is usually casual, unposed, and edited quickly—often using apps like InShot or CapCut.
An intimate wedding or a Production?
Before hiring a content creator, videographer and even a photographer, ask yourself what kind of wedding do you want and how to you want it recorded. If your photographer brings a second shooter, and your videographer brings an assistant, and you also hire a content creator... suddenly your quiet, personal ceremony starts to feel like a production. That’s four or five people all trying to get their shot—sometimes during the same crucial moment (like your first kiss or confetti shot). Some couples don’t mind this. Others find it overwhelming or distracting.
And then there’s the issue of experience. Unlike professional photographers and videographers, content creation has a very low bar to entry. Anyone with a smartphone and a ring light can call themselves a content creator. Unfortunately, that’s led to stories of inexperienced creators standing in the aisle, blocking the key moments, or asking couples to recreate things—like faking a second confetti shower or repeating the vows.
To be clear, that’s not all content creators - I have worked with some wonderful contents creators, but it does happen.
When Content Takes Over
Even if you haven’t hired a content creator, there’s still a risk that content starts to dominate the day. Many suppliers - hair and makeup artists, florists, caterers, venues, even DJs - are all looking to capture clips for their own social media. And while that’s totally understandable (we all need content!), it can get out of hand if there aren’t some clear boundaries.
I’ve seen weddings where the bride’s entrance was delayed because the makeup artist was busy filming a reel. I’ve been in tiny ceremony rooms where six people—all trying to film the same moment—ended up blocking the official photographer and each other. It can quickly spiral into chaos. And this something that many suppliers won't ask you about in advance. They'll just pop out there phone and say "Can I just grab a quick video" when it's really tricky for you to say no.
So it is worth having the conversation early when booking your suppliers: ask how they handle social content, and if you’d prefer them to keep it discreet or limited, let them know. One advantage of hiring a professional content creator is that you can ask your other suppliers to step back and let the creator do their thing—then share that footage with them afterwards. It keeps things calmer, more focused, and your wedding feels like a celebration, not a film set. Or you can tell your suppliers you'll be happy for them to use anything fro the professional photo gallery after the wedding.
The same thing can happen with family and friends. It’s not uncommon for a sea of phones to go up the moment the couple start saying their vows. Instead of being fully present, half your guests are filming for Instagram. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a few phone memories, but it’s worth thinking about whether you’d rather your guests were watching with their eyes or through a screen. You can read more about making your wedding unplugged here.
The Ideal Situation
A great content creator will respect your photographer and videographer, stay discreet, and blend in. They’ll know when to shoot and when to step back. Ideally, they’re part of the team—not working against it. So, what are your options?
1. Just photography – and that might be all you need
For a lot of couples, beautiful photographs are the most important thing—and that’s what I’m there for. If you’d like something extra to relive the day, I can provide a slideshow with music, which is a lovely way to tell the story. You can share it with friends and family and watch it again and again—no extra cameras needed. I never work with a second photographer, it's just me.
2. Photography + retro wedding film (by me)
If you'd like short video coverage but don’t want to add more people into the mix, I offer what’s called hybrid coverage. That means I’ll shoot the photography and create a short video film alongside it. I offer something called Retro Wedding Films, where I take a few unobtrusive video clips while photographing the day and edit them in the style of an old Super 8 cine camera. It’s inexpensive, fun, discreet, and doesn’t interrupt anything.
3. Hire a professional content creator
If you'd prefer me to focus solely on photography, and you'd like more social-style coverage, I’d highly recommend Kaptured by Katherine. I’ve worked with her before and she’s an absolute pleasure to have around. She’s professional (A Hitched Award Winner, like me), relaxed, easy to work with, and she uses proper high-end gear. She’s also great at keeping out of the way while still getting brilliant footage—so between us, you’ll have all bases covered.
4. Hire a videographer
If you want a beautifully filmed, cinematic video of your wedding, then hiring a professional videographer is the way to go. Most will also create a shorter highlight film alongside the full version. This is the best option if it’s important for you to have your speeches recorded in full, or to capture the entire ceremony on video. You’ll usually get high-quality sound, multiple camera angles, and a polished, film-style finish that really does justice to the day.
Think about What's Important to You
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on what matters most to you—whether it’s polished video, social media clips, a quiet day with minimal crew, or a mix of everything.
If you’re planning a big production wedding, if you love being on camera and you want your day covered from every angle with posed and recreated moments, then go for it. If you want to relax, enjoy the day, and know that it’s all being quietly captured without the fuss — keep it small and set boundaries for your suppliers.
If you're unsure, I’d always say: start simple. A good photographer will tell the full story of your day. And then if you want a bit extra, you've got great options—without turning your wedding into a film set.
Ultimately this is your day so do what makes you happy.
YOUR LONDON BASED DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
If you're looking for more than just posed photographs, if you want your wedding day to be documented authentically, capturing real emotions and heartfelt connections – then you've found your documentary wedding photographer. Get in touch and let's create memories together. If you want to know more about me, click here.
