A while back, I took an online course by Casey Neistat, someone whose storytelling I deeply admire. While I didn’t pick up anything new on the technical side of video production, what I found incredibly valuable was understanding how Casey thinks about storytelling—how he approaches scenes, plans shots, and puts everything together.

And that’s something I hope to offer you through this blog post: a peek into how I approach shooting a wedding, not just the gear I use, but how I think through the process to capture those meaningful moments.

Wedding Videography: More Than Just Tech

First off, wedding videography isn’t about the fanciest camera gear or the most expensive equipment—it’s about how you use it. Creative fields like this are incredibly subjective, and while everyone has access to the same tools, it’s the thought process behind the lens that sets us apart.

I want to walk you through how I shoot a wedding and give you a little insight into the decisions I make throughout the day. Whether you're just starting in videography or looking to refine your style, I hope these insights can help guide your own journey.

The Choice Between Wedding Photo and Video

In my early days, I did a bit of wedding photography, but I quickly found that video was where my passion lies.

Doing both photo and video at the same time on a wedding day is incredibly challenging. The mental switch between the two—photo mindset vs. video mindset—is exhausting.

If you’re considering wedding photography or videography, I’d highly recommend sticking to one. For photographers, though, learning some basic video skills can be a great way to offer more to your clients and add some extra cash in your pocket.

Imposter Syndrome in the Wedding Industry

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that a lot of creatives, especially when they’re starting out, experience imposter syndrome.

You might wonder, “Am I good enough to be doing this?” Weddings are high-pressure, and you’re often capturing one of the most important days in someone’s life.

But here’s the thing: take a look around at other wedding videographers in your area. There’s a good chance that you’re already better than others that seem established. This can give you a bit of confidence boost knowing that if they can charge, so can you.

Clients don’t always need the best of the best. Sure, there are clients who know exactly what they want and are willing to pay top dollar for it, but most couples just want to remember their big day—the smiles, the laughter, the little moments that make their wedding unique.

As long as you’re delivering good, solid work, they’ll love what you’ve created, even if it's not picture-perfect.

The Power of Referrals and Building Relationships

Wedding videography (and photography) is all about relationships.

It’s not just about having the best shots; it’s about how you interact with clients and the experience you create for them. Referrals are gold in this industry, and a positive, fun experience can help spread your name faster than any Instagram post.

Weddings are long and demanding, but when you work with great couples, it makes it all worthwhile. There’s something truly rewarding about capturing beautiful memories for people and helping them relive their special day.

The Reality of Wedding Days

Wedding days are grueling.

As a videographer, you're on your feet for hours, trying to capture every moment without missing a beat. On top of that, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the pressure of wanting everything to be perfect.

But the reality is, clients just want memories they can cherish forever. So, while we might stress over every shot, the people we’re filming are just looking to relive the joy of their day.

We need to be a “starving camel” during a wedding. That means planning your bathroom breaks carefully because you can’t afford to miss any important moments. And you’ll probably go most of the day without eating or drinking much.

Something to be prepared for!

Creating a Unique Style

Your style as a wedding videographer will eventually develop over time, but it’s important to know what sets you apart.

Personally, I like to create wedding videos with a "home video" feel. Think of it as a documentary, capturing not just the posed moments, but the real, unplanned bits and little details that make the day feel so alive.

I like to mix in some humor, light-hearted moments, and even fun "dad cam" footage to break the tension.

It’s these little things that make a wedding video feel truly personal and real. I also create two types of edits: a short, highlight reel of about 10 minutes, and a full documentary edit, where I include everything from the ceremony to the funny moments and all the dancing. This documentary-style video could end up being an hour or even two, and it’s all included in my packages.

Pricing and Getting Booked

Pricing can be tricky in the wedding videography industry, but being transparent is key.

I list my pricing clearly on my website, which helps avoid confusion and ensures clients know exactly what they’re getting. It’s important to know your worth and avoid underpricing yourself.

If you’re charging a lower price, make sure it reflects the amount of time you’re putting in. A typical wedding will require at least 8-10 hours of work, so pricing accordingly is crucial.

The Rhythm of Wedding Videography

When you first start, it can feel overwhelming—like you’re running around like a chicken with its head cut off. But over time, you’ll get into a rhythm.

Much like playing squash, you’ll start predicting what shots are coming next and planning accordingly. After a few weddings, you'll understand the flow of the day—the getting-ready shots, the ceremony, the speeches, and the party. Once you’ve done a few, it’ll all start to feel more manageable.

—

Watch the video above to see the video breakdown and my thought process as film a wedding day.

Connect with me on Instagram if you want to say hi or have questions. Cheers!

-Tuan