Nick at Heartwood Wedding Films

Photographer and Videographer in One? Here’s My Take

June 13, 2025

Weddings

You’ve probably seen the offers in your Google search: one person, two services. A hybrid wedding photographer and videographer who promises to do it all. Sounds convenient, right? But as someone who’s worked in the luxury wedding space for over a decade, I want to gently offer another perspective. A perspective that prioritises quality, experience, and peace of mind over multitasking and money-saving. Are you thinking of booking a Photographer and Videographer in One? Here’s My Take.

Let me be clear: I have friends in the industry who offer hybrid photography and videography, and some of them are genuinely good at what they do. This isn’t a callout or a dismissal. They’re my friends and I genuinely love them. This is simply my take, based on what I’ve seen behind the scenes, what I believe luxury couples truly value, and how I want to serve my clients.

So, should you book a hybrid photographer and videographer for your wedding? Let’s dive in.

By Tom Keenan Photography

Contents

Nick at Heartwood Wedding Films

Here’s Nick at Heartwood Wedding Films, more about him later!

The Rise of Hybrid Wedding Creatives

Over the last few years, there’s been a noticeable trend in the wedding industry: more photographers are offering video add-ons. Even so, more videographers are starting to include a handful of stills. It’s what many refer to as a “hybrid” service (one person delivering both photography and videography). Often it’s a case of using the same camera. And on paper, it makes a lot of sense. Couples often want both, so why not bundle it together?

It promises fewer suppliers to coordinate, one streamlined booking process, and most of the time a lower cost than hiring two separate professionals. Add to that the lure of a “cohesive” final product i.e one person in charge of everything it’s tempting. It’s easy to see why this option is appealing, especially for smaller weddings or those trying to simplify logistics.

However, trends in the wedding world often say more about the pressures on suppliers than the actual needs of couples. With competition fierce and inquiries increasingly price-focused, many photographers feel pushed to offer video in order to stay a cut above to obtain bookings. It’s not necessarily coming from a place of passion or expertise in filmmaking but a matter of survival in a fast-moving market.

From a luxury perspective, though, I think a different question needs to be asked. Not “Can they do both?” but “Should they?” Because while combining services might sound practical, it’s not. To deliver both photography and video at a high level, on the same day without compromise, is something else entirely. And when you’re investing in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I believe it’s worth pausing to ask whether ease should win over excellence.

wedding photographer and videographer in one

My Experience as a Photographer

I’ve been a wedding photographer since 2012. I went from UCA to winning The Photographer Academy Apprenticeship, a prestigious global competition with over 800 entrants. That experience in Fashion photography shaped so much of how I work under pressure, how I approach studio and natural light, and how I build connection with people in front of the lens.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of photographing celebrities at the BBC, being featured in Italian Vogue’s Best Of category, and becoming a recommended supplier at venues across Kent and Cambridge. But more than the accolades, what matters most to me is the trust couples place in me to document one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

My style is grounded in documentary storytelling, with a subtle editorial aesthetic. I’m not just clicking away to capture what happened, but thinking of how to make it look cool too. I’m watching for fleeting expressions, subtle gestures, the emotion in the in-between. And then I’m shaping all of that into a collection of photographs that are timeless and deeply personal.

That process requires full creative presence.

On a wedding day, I’m constantly looking for your loved ones reactions, anticipating movement and doing my job as a photographer. To do that well, I need to be entirely focused. And that’s why I’ve never offered video myself. I know how much goes into doing photography to the standard I believe couples deserve. For me, splitting that attention would mean sacrificing quality. And that’s never been something I’m willing to do.

What Luxury Couples Really Want

When I work with high-end couples I see a pattern in what they truly value. They want professionalism, not someone winging it. Luxury, to me, isn’t about extravagance for the sake of it. It’s about intentionality. Every choice they have made from the flowers to the lighting, the guest list to the venue, is made with purpose and not cutting corners. And that same intentionality applies to who they choose to document it all. My clients aren’t shopping for a DeCeNt DeAl. They’re looking for someone they trust to blend into their day with professionalism and soul.

And that kind of service is, I believe, best delivered by specialists. A dedicated photographer and a dedicated videographer. Each bringing their own expertise, working seamlessly together, but never splitting focus. That’s when the magic happens. Not through multitasking, but through being a master of craft.

The Pressure on Hybrid Shooters

I’ve spoken to a handful of photographers who also offer video. If I’m honest, a lot are experimenting which is fine, but they’re also potentially burning out. I know this because I’ve been part of the industry for over a decade, and I’ve seen it happen first-hand. Friends, peers, even mentors. They’re juggling huge workloads, constantly switching hats, and often running on empty.

I’ve heard what really goes on behind the scenes. Batteries dying mid-ceremony. Memory cards filling up quicker than expected. One body set to video mode, the other to photo, both needing different settings and different attention. Switching lenses, adjusting exposure, remembering to press record while also looking for the shot. It’s mentally and physically relentless. Imagine then doing that 4 days in a row over a long weekend for separate weddings? Nope.

And that pressure doesn’t end at the wedding. Hybrid creatives are often left with a mountain of editing. Two sets of media, two entirely different workflows. Delivery deadlines get pushed back. Files get lost in overfilled hard drives. Clients never see the near misses, but they happen more often than people realise. I’ve even sadly heard of clients never receiving their video footage and being ghosted by suppliers. Not cool.

None of this is necessarily the fault of the hybrid professional. But the pressure is immense. And when you’re dealing with a one-time, high-stakes event like a wedding, I don’t think “giving it a go” is good enough especially in 2025 & 2026.

Editorial wedding photography

Quality Over Convenience

Friend, I get it. Weddings are expensive, and the decisions quickly stack up. It’s perfectly natural to look for efficiencies especially when you’re trying to manage a budget without compromising your vision. And for some couples, particularly those with priorities elsewhere a hybrid photographer-videographer might genuinely be the right fit. One person, one booking, one cost. I’m human, and I do see the appeal.

But for the kind of weddings I photograph which are elegant, emotionally rich days with layered details and meaningful storytelling there’s a very different set of priorities. These weddings aren’t about cutting corners. They’re about doing things well. Simple as that. And in that context, I truly believe it’s worth investing in two dedicated professionals: one to photograph, one to film.

It’s not only about the quality of the final product, though that absolutely matters. It’s also about the quality of energy you are getting from the supplier on the day. A photographer who isn’t juggling video settings can be fully in tune with what’s happening. They can read the room, anticipate emotion, and capture it instinctively. The same goes for a focused videographer. When neither is splitting their attention, the results are calmer, deeper, and far more beautiful.

Why Two Specialists Are Better

A great photographer and a great videographer will naturally complement each other. We move differently and see light differently. It’s a kind of weird unspoken choreography, developed over years of experience. And when each person is focused on their own craft, something wonderful happens: the pressure lifts and the quality deepens.

When I’ve worked alongside truly gifted videographers, the energy on the day feels seamless. There’s no awkward jockeying for position or creative tension. We respect each other’s space, often completely unspoken. On the other hand communication is clear. As a team, we help each other when needed. Whether that’s keeping a moment quiet for audio, or gently stepping aside so the light falls just right. It becomes a team effort, but without anyone having to split themselves in two.

And here’s something people don’t always consider: having two people independently editing your story means you end up with two genuinely unique reflections of the day. The photos and the film won’t match frame for frame and they shouldn’t. They should feel like siblings, not clones. That duality gives your memories depth, nuance, and soul. And in my opinion, that’s what makes it all timeless.

Ian at Rosewood wedding films

Videographers I Personally Recommend

I’ve worked with a lot of videographers over the years, and while many are talented, not all of them are passionate about weddings anymore. Some are just going through the motions. So here’s a short list of videographers I genuinely recommend. These are people I’d trust to deliver something beautiful, honest, and heartfelt—and to work alongside without stress.

Love Luck Productions – Conor

Conor and I worked a wedding together in Sandwich. He’s warm, calm, and very present. Over the years he has scaled back from shooting 90+ weddings a year to a more sustainable pace, and while I haven’t seen the edit from our shared wedding yet, I got a great feeling working alongside him. I definitely think he should show his character more on his website, because he’s such a nice guy!

Abigail & Luke

While we haven’t worked a wedding together yet, we’ve crossed paths plenty. Usually with our kids in tow at Wingham Zoo and touching base over Instagram. They’re incredibly talented, with a strong foothold in the luxury market and a creative approach that aligns with how I work.

Russell Kent Nicholls

Russell and I were both at an open day at The Old Kent Barn back in 2019. We haven’t shot a wedding together (yet), but he’s clearly a leader in the field. Fashion-forward, highly professional, and incredibly respected. If you haven’t heard of him before I have no idea where you’ve been the last few years!

Heartwood Films – Nick & Molly

Without question, the best videographer team I’ve worked with to date. We collaborated on a wedding at South Farm in Cambridge, and their approach was incredibly relaxed and respectful. They weren’t directive or intrusive, and their work was authentic and beautiful. I would say that, similar to photography, you don’t always need two videographers perhaps only with huge weddings. Worth noting for future!

Laura – Super8 Film

Laura is just starting out in Super8 videography, and I haven’t worked with her yet, but she’s partnered with my good friend Matt (@williamharley_photo). It’s an analogue, risky medium but it’s fashionable right now and could be a brilliant creative gamble if that’s your style.

Thinking About 2026? Let’s Talk

If you’re planning your wedding for 2026 and want to work with someone who sees photography as more than just a service I’d love to hear from you. I’m someone who cares deeply about telling wedding stories as a happily married man.

I don’t believe in shortcuts when it comes to documenting love. Whether you book me or not, I’ll always encourage you to invest in people who are passionate about their craft and who will bring their full selves to your day.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer and videographer, my honest advice? Book two. One who lives and breathes photography, and one who’s obsessed with filmmaking. Your story deserves that level of attention.

Get in touch here if you’d like to talk about your plans and check my availability.