We are lucky to be living in an age where we can record both audio and visual memories of special events in our lives. In the days when audio recordings were all we had to remember important celebratory events, such as engagement speeches, wedding vows, etc., we had to rely on our own inner memories to bring the event back to life pictorially through the years. We all know that age and time have the ability to rob us of our most precious memories, and being able to watch and hear them again is a priceless gift. For the sentimental types, being in a position to re-live their engagement party, wedding ceremony, anniversaries and the births of babies through a video record is a pleasure which can never be underestimated, as well as being a gift which can be passed on, in turn, to their children.
No time to repeatedly watch videos? Use a photographer
Videographers and photographers both have their strengths and place in any event. We don’t always have the time or the desire to sit and watch a video, but still like to have an ever-present reminder of happy times as captured in a photograph. So many homes and office workstations have framed photographs of family members prominently displayed on the desks, a constant presence of home and possibly a reminder of the reason why one is working at all. Many doctors and specialists also have photographs of their families or other loved places displayed on their desks or walls. It helps us, as patients, to remember that they, too, are people with feelings and lives of their own outside of the consultation rooms! Professional photographers capture everyday life in all its forms, from stunning nature and sporting photos to those highlighting the devastating effects of violence and war. We learn so much from photographs, whether we choose to keep them displayed or not. Perfectly timed photographs of insects and birds in flight, whales breaching, sports(wo)men at the peak of their endurance levels, floods, droughts, natural disasters, explosive pictures of accidents, bombings, terrorist attacks (such as the 9/11 disaster) or the horror of war for those involved are all reminders of what is happening in our world at any given time. Photographs bring us to our senses in so many ways and, in so doing, unite us all in times of crisis, whilst also reminding us of the wonders of our own world which we usually take so much for granted. Whilst amateur photographers are more than capable of capturing the gist of the moment in their photos, it takes professional photographers with the right equipment, techniques, knowledge and skills to bring that extra impact to any photograph.
Choose a photographer who understands who you really are
Engagement, wedding and anniversary photographs are best left to the expertise of a professional photographer. These are the people who frame the subjects perfectly and instinctively know how to create a stunning photograph which captures the absolute essence of the couple. After all, not every couple wants romantic silhouettes framed against a setting sun, but rather prefer something a little more lively and true to who they are. A couple who have fun together may choose to hire a photographer who has a rather unique way of looking at photography and picks up the quirky and fun side of the couple in their photographs. After all, why would we choose to display ourselves any differently on our own special occasions than we would normally? Ah, yes, in a more formal manner perhaps, but have fun with it all the same …
Want a record which is static or moving? Photographer or videographer?
Videographers capture “life in flight”, as it were. They record movement, action, dance and life as an ongoing journey rather than a static one. A new trend with some weddings now is for the bride and groom or the bride and her father to break away from the traditional rules of the first dance and perform their own dance to their own choreography, most of which is full of movement, fun and laughter. A videographer is the perfect person to capture this action in the best possible way for posterity. Still photographs simply can’t show movement and action in the same way that video recordings can. Static photographs highlight frames of a series of movements which show intent and feeling, but cannot capture the mood and emotion associated with the actions in the same way. BUT, put both videographer and photographer together and you have the best of both worlds captured for posterity. Maybe you don’t need both, but you have to decide what you are aiming for in these recorded memories, bearing in mind that photographs are usually more formally arranged and therefore less spontaneous than video footage. The choices are clear, but you just have to decide which option is best for your own needs.
