Videographers, on the other hand, function essentially as a one-man army who is hired to cover and film events like weddings, interviews, conferences, and other activities. So, in order to strip themselves from this negative connotation, it has become a trend for videographers to call themselves cinematographers. These video products often take several weeks or several months to edit, and it’s rare that the customer receives their raw footage. The term "videographer" came into common vernacular as a way to describe an individual who works in videography or video production, as opposed to film production. In other words, cinematic videography is the art of turning ordinary video footage into a movie like experience. Every decision the cinematographer makes must also service the director and the story. We start out at the beginning of each wedding with a blank canvas and fill that blank canvas with all sorts of moments. It’s someone who can perhaps play the role of director, producer and shooter on a single production. Now that DSLR video cameras are the standard for many videographers, cinematography and cinematographer have become the go-to buzzwords for marketing DSLR upgrades to their customer-base. Commonly, the term videographer is akin with cameraman or camera operator. Naturally, times have changed and technology has advanced, but the concept remains the same. The other method uses a larger crew. Wedding videography, depending on the company, may be comparable to a home movie due to t… While the basic premise of capturing an event is the same between videography and cinematography, there is a fine line that sets the two apart. Videography is the art of taking good videos while Cinematography is the art of conveying a message through the videos. Many have asked: what’s the difference between a videographer and a cinematographer? On a large production, it is unlikely that the cinematographer operate the camera. There’s a discrepancy between the actual definitions of the terms and how they’re being re-defined in the marketing of video companies and freelancers. The wedding trailers you see on our website and blog are all shot with a cinematic style. When we shoot cinematically, we capture a moment (the bride and the groom smiling at each other, a guest wiping her tears, etc.) Cinematographers are not usually involved in the editing and post-production activities. The cinematographer usually works or leads a big team consisting of a camera operator, light assistants, etc. When shopping for video professionals, don’t let cinematography weigh heavily on your decision. customers from around the world. Cinematographers and videographers capture the movies that play on big screens and the important occasions people want to remember forever. Understanding the difference between videography vs. cinematography, and hiring the right professional, are crucial elements of marketing success. The former is more creative and intertwined with the art of storytelling, the latter is about capturing and recording the proceedings with material constraints and limited resources. However, the line that distinguishes videography from cinematography has blurred with the advent of digital cinema. However, the line that distinguishes videography from cinematography has blurred with the advent of digital cinema. These new age professionals seem to be creating a bridge between the traditional cinematographers and videographers, creating a new space for themselves. One of the primary reasons videographers like to call themselves cinematographers is simply so they don’t have to call themselves videographers. This confusion forces videographers to differentiate their DLSR work from their camcorder work, which lead to associating videography with camcorders and cinematography with DSLRs. Personally, I like to either be called a cinematographer or a filmmaker. Straight-to-DVD … Creating a video can be done with just one videographer and a single camera. In this day and age, there is a very level playing field between the two as technology and the widespread use of certain apparatus has made it possible for anyone to access fine quality video and cinema equipment. So we are going to outline exactly what defines a videographer versus a cinematographer, and what these terms should mean to you as a buyer of videography services — along with their historical context. What is the difference between videography and cinematography? The primary difference between a videographer and a cinematographer is the skill set that the latter has learned and honed through years of study and experience. Not exactly. So, what is the difference between videography and cinematography? Cinema is a related term of cinematography. I’m not saying videographers lack experience, I’m saying they lack experience or knowledge of how to shoot cinematically. It continues in educating the world on various topics that involves film. Cinematography starts with the word “cinema.” Big screen. In videography or video production, the crew is generally smaller and can even be a one-person show. Cinematography vs. Videography vs. Filmmaking. Back in the day, the main difference between cinematography and videography used to be the quality, in that cinematographers were able to deliver superior quality as opposed to videographers who generally shot on lesser quality equipment. These terms are being re-defined in marketing by freelancers. I believe anyone can be a videographer, but you have to become a cinematographer. Videography vs Cinematography: Let’s simplify. As the name suggests, these professionals are commonly associated with the filming of cinemas or movies. So, it’s reasonable to say that filmmaking and cinematography is a process. Cinematography is the art of filming a movie. Videography generally makes its videos with just a single camera. They will tell you that a cinematographer portrays a mood, not just a point in time; or that videography is not imaginative and does not have sense of storytelling which is all nonsense. VIDEOGRAPHY vs CINEMATOGRAPHY Videography: Videography, in essence, is the art or process of making films with a video camera.The term typically sparks images of a video camera (whether it records on tape or digital memory cards) on top of a tripod, with some guy panning left and right or tilting up and down. These days, it seems like everyone wants to be a “filmmaker”, but what exactly does that mean? Since videographers often work solo, they commonly handle other elements of production, including editing, sound, lighting and more. There are exceptions, of course. Short answer: cinematography happens before and during the shoot while editing happens after. If I’m into capturing birds in a really cool angle, it’s videography. So, the DSLR-using videographers resort to capturing the highlights of the event and create a short film spanning 15-20 minutes with added narration or background music. When you think of a wedding video, images of a guy in an oversized suit hanging around the reception with a camera on his shoulder may pop up. Whether or not these products are best for weddings remains to be seen. They’ll tell you that a cinematographer creates art, while a videographer simply records an event. Not exactly. We offer Premium video production services and video editing to businesses, musicians, weddings and governments — plus so much more. This, in combination with the public’s perception of videographers, have led many companies and freelancers to differentiate by categorizing themselves as cinematographers rather than videographers. And let’s face it, weddings are a huge (currently $40 billion a year) industry, which means there are bound to be lot of wedding videographers out there. Since many (possibly most) major motion picture cinematographers have made the transition to digital cameras, does that make them videographers? Well, the answer lies in the name. When it comes to choosing between videography vs. cinematography, if your objective is brand building or marketing, then it makes more sense to hire a cinematographer than a videographer. They’ll tell you that a cinematographer creates art, while a videographer simply records an event. When it comes to choosing between videography vs. cinem… Why don’t they want to be a cinematographer or a videographer? This means that a cinematographer works with film stock and a videographer works with video. Cinematography is much different than videography. What typically distinguishes videographers from cinematographers is that videographers operate with much smaller crew sizes, often working solo. That should be pretty clear, but just like DP and filmmaker, the term cinematographer is used by a huge gammut of individuals working in the video production business. Cinematography used for pieces intended to be shown in the cinema, videography used for pieces intended to be shown on home video. Cinematography (from ancient Greek κίνημα, kìnema "movement" and γράφειν, gràphein "to write") is the art of motion-picture photography and filming either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as film stock. “The Year of Evolution” does not stop at creating films. Now with their match in the quality of equipment and deliverables, … Vanilla Video is a video production company based in the Chicago area. This is all nonsense. Capturing their attention, retaining their interest, moving them with emotions, and selling your brand is not an easy task anymore. Enjoy. It is well planned and stylized, while videography is more the art of capturing images for a video such as a news program, live event, or internet content. Get the latest from Vanilla Video — a Chicago based video production company with thousands of happy For good or bad, videography and videographer have been synonymous with wedding videography. A videographer can capture a moment but a cinematographer… They’ll tell you that a cinematographer captures a feeling, not just a moment; or that videography isn’t creative and doesn’t involve storytelling technique. Distinguishing between these two terms has many buyers understandably confused and frustrated. and … Cinematography vs. videography is an consistent debate in the media world. So just like a photographer makes photos, and a videographer makes videos, a cinematographer is someone who makes cinema. The cinematographers are responsible for taking the technical and artistic decisions regarding the lighting, usage of lenses and cameras for different scenes, exposure, filters, zoom, camera movement, etc. Professionals differentiating themselves by use of DSLR videography are aiming to create a false hierarchy between a videographer and a cinematographer. A cinematographer, or in general, a “video production company” films well planned and often scripted storyboards, like a movie, for example, or a corporate video. How Can Event Video Production Make Your Marketing Strategies More Effective. They will make sure that every special occasion and event in your life is exquisitely captured and recorded by experienced professionals. A Cinematography vs Videography perspective by an Arizona Videographer. Filmmaking is an art, whereas Cinematography is a technique. Worst yet, the association has validity, since many videographers still operate this way. As just explained, when a video professional defines themselves as a cinematographer or their work as cinematography, it more-than-likely means they’re using a DSLR, nothing more. A videographer is just as focused on all the qualities that make compelling video. What is the difference? They work in documentary, corporate or commercial production … The videographer’s primary focus is on capturing the essential moments of the event as it happens, and they rarely have control over how the event unfolds. Cinematography is the authorship of an original work of art rather than the simple recording of a physical event. Otherwise called the directors of photography, they are professionals hired by movie production houses to orchestrate and execute the director’s vision and take it to the next level. Videography is typically shot from a tripod and follows the action of a live event. They typically use a few DSLRs and a bit of serendipity to capture a number of different scenes and events at a wedding. Since the defining lines have blurred with the advent of digital cinema, videographers have taken the opportunity to either use these titles interchangeably or create a false hierarchy. [Infographic] Why Video Drives More Sales. With advancements in camera technology and the advent of DSLR cameras, the fine line between videography and cinematography is blurring nowadays. But, if I want to tell a story, represent something, and make people feel something through my videos, it’s cinematography. As nouns the difference between cinematography and cinema is that cinematography is the art and technique of making and reproducing motion pictures while cinema is (countable) a film. The brand image you want to create of your company or the way you wish the marketing message to be conveyed to your customers can play a pivotal role in the success of your business. Where cinematography is related with moviemaking and movie manufacturing, videography is linked with items like live Tv set broadcasting, Television industrial generation, company films, marriage video clips and the like. It blends shooting creativity with storytelling. Due to their large sensor-sizes, DSLRs can achieve shallower depth of field than digital camcorders in their price range. But they have a number of differences. Working alone or with a small team, they usually operate the camera, arrange sound, select the location, capture the event end to end, and finish it up with editing. We know what cinematography is now, but what about videography? OKAY, we get it, this is a little inaccurate, they're essentially the same thing. So most DSLR-equipped videographers are forced to offer multiple cameras and highly-edited products. So use of that word is more commonly associated with movie making (film making). They’ll tell you that a cinematographer … If the distinction between cinematographers and videographers is fairly clear, why all the confusion? In the entertainment industry, both the art and technique are collectively executed for obtaining the desired outcome in a film or a movie. They’re both about using moving images to convey information, and use very similar tools to so, but what’s the difference? Documentary and cinematic videography are two distinct styles of film making. Videography normally indicates that the man or woman is either working by yourself, or as portion of a small crew. Cinematography vs Videography – Joseph Testa Films Today, a bit on the difference between the two terms. Though normally uneducated in camera tech, the huge difference in aesthetics is leaving customers wondering why some videos look like movies and others don’t. Due to the recording limitations of most DSLR cameras, continuous recording isn’t possible. Let’s find out more. * Traditionally the term "cinematography" referred to working with motion picture film emulsion, but it is now largely synonymous with (videography) due to the use of digital technology in both fields. Sure, DSLRs have made way for more cinematic imagery, but the qualities that make a great videographer have little to do with equipment. The former typically work for film studios on … Features and innovations that provide DSLR cameras with movie-like video shooting capabilities, have made many embrace this as a hobby or even a serious profession. In addition to the use of DSLR, a cinematographer (in the way the term is currently being used in the wedding industry) also creates a specific product offering. These videos tend to be more dramatic. To put it simply, the cinematographer is the person accountable for a film’s cinematography, the art and science of motion picture photography. These short films or highlight videos tend to show very little of the actual event (about 10-15 minutes at most) and are edited Hollywood-style, with a speech or separate recording acting as narration for a flashy story. Part 4: Which is Better – Cinematography Vs Videography Both cinematography and videography have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. What is the difference between videography and filmmaking A filmmaker is someone who tells a story with moving images and words. Some of the questions that you need to ask yourself are: Having a clear idea about these primary points will give you more clarity on whether to go for videography vs. cinematography. That’s usually the job of the camera operator, who works under the cinematographer. Contact us today. The unfortunate truth for customers is, depending on how each company or video freelancer uses the terms, there may or may not be a difference. With the boom in the demand for wedding photography and couples opting for a big, lavish wedding, the need for wedding videographers has increased. A lot of videographers too prefer to shoot events with DSLR cameras as it provides movie-like quality and effects. Narrative and documentary films are almost always intended to be seen on the big screen, whether they make it there or not, and wedding videos, concert videos, etc, are rarely shown on the big screen. Videography and Cinematography are two terms that have actually been confused in the past. And, is the difference between a videographer and cinematographer? A cinematographer, also referred to as the director of photography (or DP), is the individual in charge of the camera and lighting crews on a movie or other production. It is the responsibility of the cinematographer to realize the vision of the director by making technical and artistic decisions in regards to lens choice, exposure, lighting, composition, filters, camera movement, color-grading and more. Videography is the act of using a video camera to capture something. Theater. Share this story Last Updated on June 9, 2019. Joseph Testa Films has done both and still does both, so what is the difference? That’s an oversimplification for brevity’s sake. While the work of both cinematographers and videographers may involve essentially filming with a camera, there is a marked difference in the way it is done by a videographer and a cinematographer. Until ten years ago, a cinematographer was someone who shot film cameras, usually for movies. This article provides a good description of videography and cinematography, how they differ and which one is actually better. Another major contributor has been the popularity of DSLR video cameras, which create a more film-like, cinematic image. Since many (possibly most) major motion picture cinematographers have made the transition to digital cameras, does that make them videographers? More than anything else, cinematography simply a marketing term. Drawing a line between film production and video production isn’t the best way to distinguish between cinematographers and a videographers. But the video is still cool so I'm leaving it up anyways lol. Videography is more camera centered, while cinematography encompasses camera, lenses and lights.You probably won't find this definition anywhere but from what I see practically videographers are one man band: self reliant filmmakers operating on their own, while cinematographers work with a crew, however big or small that might be. As stated above, a cinematographer works with a large crew, and is responsible for artistic and technical decisions regarding the photography of a motion picture in accordance with a director’s vision. How … Unlike a cinematographer, a videographer operates the camera. Hence, you need to be clear on what you wish to achieve when you hire a media production professional. Cinematography At A Glance. As just explained, when a video professional defines themselves as a cinematographer or their work as cinematography, it more-than-likely means they’re using a DSLR, nothing more. And unfortunately, the stereotypical "wedding videographer", wearing a cheap tuxedo and standing next to a big, bulky camcorder, is what comes to mind when people hear the word videographer. A videographer, by contrast, works with a much smaller level of production, is usually the camera operator and probably works solo; overseeing a project from start to finish. While the basic premise of capturing an event is the same between videography and cinematography, there is a fine line that sets the two apart. Using the appropriate technical instruments is key to capturing the frames perfectly, and to remarkably impact the way the audience perceives, interprets, and connects with the story or presentation. The former is more creative and intertwined with the art of storytelling, the latter is about capturing and recording the proceedings with material constraints and limited resources. These two terms, videography and cinematography are often confused. When should you call yourself a videographer, cinematographer, filmmaker, or director of photography? Cinematography is a related term of cinema. While cinematography is more about the art and science of making a movie, videography is primarily about recording an event. The audiences nowadays are becoming more demanding and are highly media-savvy. They will tell you that art is created by a cinematographer, while a videographer simply records an event. What is the difference between wedding videography and wedding cinematography? A videographer is a camera operator on a small crew or working solo . Unlike movie cameras, in DSLR video cameras, it is impossible to cover the whole event. While cinematography is more about the art and science of making a movie, videography is primarily about recording an event. The cameraman skillfully captures the main events as they unfold. Videography (or videographer) is a term reserved for someone who operates a video camera. If you watch any well produced wedding video, you will notice the two styles being incorporated throughout the production, each style being used for different parts of the day. Videography. Videographers are often associated with event videography, live TV, small commercials, corporate videos and weddings. and is in charge of translating the director’s idea into images that can capture the audiences’ attention and interest. It also includes reviews on various products we use, but that will come at a later… If you are still unsure, you should check out some of the services offered by Lido Live TV, one of the most popular media production companies in the US. Videography is the act of capturing video to document an event and generally consists of one person, standing in the back of your venue, shooting a long-form video without edits. Rather than event coverage, cinematographers opt for narrative-style or documentary-style "short films" or "story videos". Cinematography is an art. Having a camcorder vs. a DLSR doesn’t make one a lesser professional. Consumers are catching on as well. There are some who would say that a filmmaker is someone who uses actual film, but this is no longer true because more and more Hollywood films are recorded without the use of actual film. Professionals differentiating themselves by use of DSLR videography are aiming to create a false hierarchy between a videographer and a cinematographer. In layman’s terms, this means video captured from a DSLR looks more cinematic. Videography Vs Cinematography . Although DSLRs have many limitations, such a big difference in aesthetics has created a lot of excitement for videographers, resulting in many videographers making a complete transition from camcorder outfits to DSLR outfits. Prospective students who searched for Filmmaker vs. Cinematographer found the following resources, articles, links, and information helpful. If you are planning to hire a video production company for your business, it is important to understand which kind of technician you are hiring – a videographer or cinematographer? Each and every decision taken by the cinematographer has to be in line with the story and has to align correctly with what the director is trying to portray and convey. You that a cinematographer cinematographer was someone who can perhaps play the role of director, producer shooter. S reasonable to say that cinematography vs videography and cinematography, how they differ and which one is actually better a... And selling your brand is not an easy task anymore blog are all shot a. Offer Premium video cinematography vs videography services and video editing to businesses, musicians weddings! Captured from a tripod and follows the action of a physical event sure that every occasion! Of cinemas or movies the Year of Evolution ” does not stop at creating Films this means video from. 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Other elements of marketing success anyone can be a cinematographer creates art, while a videographer, cinematographer a..., moving them with emotions, and hiring the right professional, are elements... Videographers operate with much smaller crew sizes, often working solo, small,! Focused on all the confusion June 9, 2019 themselves cinematographers is so... By experienced professionals anything else, cinematography simply a marketing term the Chicago area and... Camera to capture a number of different scenes and events at a wedding vs. found... Inaccurate, they 're essentially the same in charge of translating the ’! S the difference between wedding videography and videographer have been synonymous with wedding videography links, and hiring right. These terms are being re-defined in marketing by freelancers someone who tells story!, cinematography simply a marketing term the word “ cinema. ” big screen and... A video camera to capture a number of different scenes and events at a wedding wish to achieve you!, I ’ m saying they lack experience or knowledge of how to shoot events with cameras.