DOCUMENTARY STYLE CINEMATOGRAPHY WITH THE WEDDING FILMMAKERS
After all the time and energy spent bringing a wedding celebration to fruition, having a beautiful wedding film to preserve the big day is priceless. Every cinematographer will have their own aesthetic preference, but there’s something undeniably timeless, sophisticated, and captivating about documentary style wedding videos. Based in the UK, The Wedding Filmmakers are a husband and wife team that travel around the world, capturing weddings for discerning couples. We asked Adam Galwas, Co-Director of The Wedding Filmmakers, to share more about his style of cinematography, what prompted his passion for film, and what couples can expect when working with this talented duo.
GO: How did you get started in cinematography and what compelled you to work within the wedding niche?
A: My interest in video production and cinematography began at a young age filming extreme sports, which eventually led me to the commercial and fashion world, producing promotional content for brands. Along the way I was asked to film a wedding or two and fell in love with the process almost instantly. My wife Rachel assisted with those first few weddings, and with her background in design she had a great eye and natural talent from the get-go. We decided to set up a business together and “The Wedding Filmmakers” was born.
There is a real buzz and sense of camaraderie within the wedding industry. The sector is filled with inspirational and innovative people who are constantly pushing the boundaries of their individual craft. Furthermore, producing lasting keepsakes for couples who are celebrating the happiest moments of their lives is incredibly rewarding. I genuinely believe that there are very few careers as satisfying and creatively fulfilling than one within the wedding industry.
GO: How would you describe your style and what sets it aside from mainstream?
A: Each film that we create is completely bespoke to the couple with our style very much centred around capturing the genuine sentiments and atmosphere of our clients’ celebrations. By taking a relaxed and natural approach to the coverage we are able to capture people being their authentic selves. During the editing process we lean in to the moments that really reflect the couple's personality, style and story. Everything from the shot selection, music choices and editing style is considered carefully with each couple in mind.
With large weddings in particular, there is a temptation to just focus on capturing the spectacle of the event and the “wow” moments, but it is often during the quiet in-between times where people reveal their true emotions. By documenting the less obvious moments you are able to really capture the essence of the couple and their family members which in years to come will likely prove to be even more valuable than the cliché shots.
GO: From what standpoint do you capture the wedding day? Unobstructed, instructed or a little of both?
A: Our approach to filming is almost entirely documentary style. We are looking to capture authentic moments in an artistic way, leaving the couple to enjoy their wedding day with minimal intrusion or direction.
GO: What are your favorite moments to capture during the wedding day?
A: The majority of our clients love to party, so filming everybody letting their hair down after all of the formalities is usually a highlight.
GO: How far in advance should a couple reach out to you if they wish to book you for their wedding?
A: Ideally, as soon as possible, once they have secured their venue. Many of the weddings we work on have relatively short lead times, so 3-9 months before the event is when we are generally booked.
GO: What advice do you have for couples who are searching for a wedding cinematographer?
A: Look for a cinematographer that really captures the feeling of each couple’s wedding. When viewing their portfolio you should feel an emotional connection with the films, even if you do not know the couple.
Also make sure that you to take the time to watch several examples of full-length films that the cinematographer has produced. These can vary significantly in terms of style, quality and length so be clear on exactly what you will be receiving as the end product.
GO: Aside from weddings, are there any other types of filming you enjoy?
A: From a personal perspective, Rachel and I really enjoy exploring new countries and documenting our travels. With the business side of things our focus is purely on private events - from weddings to birthday parties, bar mitzvahs and life celebrations.
Visit weddingfilmmakers.co.uk for more information.