How to Choose Your Yarra Valley Photo and Video Team

Yarra Valley Wedding Vendors

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth I’ve learned after 18+ years in the industry: lock in the right Yarra Valley photo and video team, and everything else falls into place. These are the people you’ll spend the whole day with – from pre-ceremony nerves over a beer with the boys to dancing like maniacs on the reception floor. Choose a team that vibes with you and each other, and your wedding photos and film won’t just capture moments – they’ll capture the energy, laughter, and love of the entire day.

Here’s my straight-up advice to choose your Yarra Valley Photo and Video team – so the day runs smooth AF and your final photos and film actually tell the full story.

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One-Man-Band vs Big Teams: Who’s Actually Showing Up?

Here’s a thought that’ll likely blow your mind… you’re going to be with your photographer + videographer on your wedding day longer than you are with your other half. It’s kind of important you know who you’re dealing with from the get go to ensure the vibes are on par, you have full trust in the team you’ve locked in and you actually like the people who will be around you for so many special moments. I’m a one man band so couples know I’ll be with them personally every step of the way – from the moment they first inquire to when they actually get their wedding film.

Do Your Photographer and Videographer Share the Same Style?

Not all photo/video teams work the same way. Some photographers are heavily posed, while some videographers chase raw, in-between moments. When styles clash, cracks appear. You’ll end up with a mix of stiff shots and missing moments. The best experience? Teams who share a similar approach – candid, light-filled, narrative-driven, and focused on capturing the day as it unfolds naturally.

Check Their Socials: What Reels and Instagram Tell You About Their Vibe

Instagram and reels aren’t just marketing – they’re a personality check. You can see who your vendors work with, how they interact on shoots, and whether their energy feels right for you. The legends I work alongside? Mostly one-man-bands like me. This means you know exactly who’s rocking up – no surprise extra shooters, no random assistants. And it shows whether they value the full wedding story, not just six hours of coverage.

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Full-Day Coverage or Hourly? How to Avoid Timeline Conflicts

Coverage style matters. I don’t count hours – I document the full vibe from prep through party. Pairing me with a photographer who’s strict on six hours? Potential conflict. Moments could be missed, or timelines misaligned. Make sure your photographer and videographer are on the same wavelength about coverage length to avoid headaches. If their packages are hour based, there will likely be additional costs if/when things run late on the day.

Are They Team Players or Lone Rangers on the Day?

Vendor synergy makes or breaks the day. When photographers, videographers, MCs, and celebrants are on the same team, timelines flow, jokes land, and everything clicks. Lone rangers? You get awkward “figuring it out” moments and missed opportunities. Choose people who communicate, collaborate, and actually like each other – it shows.

Will You Actually Enjoy Spending the Day With Them?

Think of your photographer and videographer as your third wheels. You’ll be with them all day – getting ready, crying at the ceremony, laughing at speeches, and dancing like maniacs. If you don’t like them, you’ll feel stiff. If you do, they make the day fun and relaxed. Personality and connection matter more than gear or fancy cameras. You’ll also be dealing with them long after your wedding day so it’s important to know you’ve chosen wisely.

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Beyond the Camera: The Roles Your Yarra Valley Team Will Play

We’re hype squad, timeline wranglers, crowd coordinators, and occasionally dance partners. We’re there for the big and small moments, the private hugs, the inappropriate jokes, and the in-between glances. The better the team, the more seamless the day – and the better your memories.

Don’t Just Look at the Insta Grid – Dive deeper

Any photographer and videographer can make their instagram feed and website look pretty with carefully curated work – but dive deeper to ensure their actual deliverables match what they are waving in front of your eyes whilst you’re in the excited inquiry phase. It’s so important to view full galleries from your potential photographers alongside finished deliverable films from your videographer – ensuring the quality is consistent throughout.

Local Legends vs Unknowns

Any photographer and videographer can make their instagram feed and website look pretty with carefully curated work – but dive deeper to ensure their actual deliverables match what they are waving in front of your eyes whilst you’re in the excited inquiry phase. It’s so important to view full galleries from your potential photographers alongside finished deliverable films from your videographer – ensuring the quality is consistent throughout.

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Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Dream Team

  • Who will actually show up on the day and can I chat with them now? (If not, red flag!)
  • Do you have hour based packages or are you there to capture preparations thru party?
  • Is there additional costs if/when things run overtime?
  • Can we see several full galleries and completed films that are not on your insta feed/website?
  • Can we meet in person or virtually before booking?

Final Word: Build Your Dream Team

The right wedding photographer and videographer can make or break your day. Prioritise connection over gear, personality over price, and teamwork over “good enough.” Start with a vendor you connect with, then ask for their trusted circle. The result? A dream team that vibes, covers your full day, and leaves you to enjoy every single moment.

If you need help rounding up your wedding legends, give me a holler—I’ve got your back. 👋

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