The why and how of Wedding Content Creation in Chicago
What is a Wedding Content Creator?
A wedding content creator is someone who films and takes photos at a wedding and delivers them to the couple shortly after the wedding with the purpose of giving instant gratification and the ability to share to social media platforms the day after the wedding.
How is a Content Creator Different from the Professional Photographer or Videographer?
Unlike the lead Photographer and Videographer, the content creator is hands off and is mostly there to capture candid moments in addition to important events. The professional photographer directs and poses the couple during the day and the content creator operates like a fly on the wall unless otherwise asked.
The Professional Photographer and Videographer need time to process and edit the thousands of photos and that usually takes months to complete, whereas the content creator is able to hand over raw photos and videos immediately after the wedding and also usually offers to create reels for social media.
The last difference is the equipment used. The professional Photographer operated with professional cameras , lighting systems and greater depth of knowledge for photography and a Content Creator usually operates with a phone and possible supporting minimal gear. ( Note: Since we are professional photographers first and Content Creators second, we shoot with both professional cameras and phones which places us a step above the average Content Creator, BONUS !!!! )
Reasons to Hire a Content Creator.
The number one reason that couples opt for a content creator is the instant gratification you get when having those photos and videos at your finger tips within less than a day after it takes place. The professional photographer needs time to edit the thousands of photos and it can take several months before a couple gets to see those photos. Having the fast content from the wedding ready to share on all social media platforms is a fun way for the couple to not only relive the day immediately but to share it with the world and any friends who couldn’t make it to the wedding.
The second reason couples get a content creator is because they don’t want to task anyone in the wedding party with the job of taking the photos themselves. The wedding party should be in the moment with the couple and they likely have many responsibilities to help the couple like holding flowers or rings.
Another reason is because although the professional photographer gets a majority of the major moments throughout the day, there are always additional in between moments that are nice to catch if the photographer is busy or out of sight.
The final reason some couples may hire a content creator is because they aren’t able to hire a videographer because of budget reasons and a content creator is more affordable and can provide short videos.
Why does a Chicago Wedding specifically benefit from a Content Creator?
Chicago weddings are extremely demanding logistically. There is usually a lot of travel, requiring the couple and wedding party to get on and off wedding transportation and there are many intimate moments between the big moments. Photographers have to set up gear and unpack in addition to directing the couple throughout the long day and may not be able to be present for every second. Suburban weddings are slower pace and you can take your time and move from venue to venue without a city rush. The content creator is an extra set of eyes on all those small moments where they can quickly pull out a phone without any setup and can get candids very fast without having to consider flash and composition. You need to be able to shoot at the drop of a hat . A lot of the time Chicago weddings require room flips and additional setup, so photographers are pulled in many directions and are forced to get a lot of photos done in short window and can’t sit around waiting for ideal moments . In other words more action means more demand for eyes on the couple throughout the day ready for the best moments and a content creator can catch moments that otherwise may fall through the cracks.
How much does a Chicago Wedding Content Creator Cost?
Depending on what is included in the package, a content creator can cost from the very low end of $500 to the very high end of $5000. Packages vary and everything from hourly coverage and reels included will affect that number. I would hope if you are paying $5000 that they are traveling across the world as well. A package for $500 may look like half day coverage with only a phone.
Questions to ask before hiring a Wedding Content Creator.
- What kind of equipment do you use?
Anything more professional than just a phone is a plus. City Savvy Imaging shoots photo and video on a phone and also professional mirrorless camera. Fun Fact : Photographers that shoot with high gear are using similar cameras that videographers do because they provide photo and video capabilities. If you look at them on wedding day sometimes they have the same cameras.
- What will the quality of the video and photos be ?
Here you should be expecting high resolution for photos and high quality videos are currently at 4k.
- How fast will we get the content ?
24 hours is the standard.
- Do you provide reels ?
Most creators will offer recap reels, after all you want something ( in addition to lots of clips ) to post to the platforms without having to set aside time yourself to create. City Savvy Imaging offers reels and add on reels as well.
- How will you work alongside our lead Photographer or Videographer ?
You want the creator to understand their place working alongside of other professionals. They should be completely out of the way, photographers and videographers want nothing more than for them to be completely out of their way. I can attest that the last thing a photographer wants is more vendors in the way or another body to work around. As professional photographers already established, City Savvy Imaging has 15 years of experience with staying out of the way.
- Will there be any editing done to the files or will they be raw ( untouched ) ?
Some creators offer post editing that ads a more professional quality aesthetic. This usually will cost you more. Most creators offer just raw unedited work. City Savvy Imaging offers both full edits and raw, again that will cost more.
City Savvy Imaging has recently added Content Creator to its list of wedding day offerings and we know a little something about this new trend that recently emerged with the goal of inspiring social media minded couples. We offer Professional Photography as a stand alone service as well as Content Creation as a stand alone service and If you have to have it all we can provide both for your wedding! Click here to book Wedding Content Creation with us