Adding photography to our video shoots has been a game changer for some of our clients, and a savings in the cost of generating a library of fresh visual assets. One (or multiple) shoot days, with both photo and video being captured with the same environment, content, lighting, and talent creates of cohesive visual palate for a brand across mediums.
This is a smart and strategic decision for our clients seeking to enhance their visual storytelling capabilities – we always recommend this if a client does not have a wealth of visual resources. By combining the strengths of both mediums, a client can expand their visual portfolio, create a cohesive visual strategy that resonates with audiences across multiple platforms, but most of all it creates cost savings by taking what could be two separate captures and combining it into one event.
While there are many logistical challenges to this strategy, like ensuring there is enough time to capture a shot list for both photo and video, switching seamlessly between the two mediums, etc., we have executed productions with this strategy more times than we can count!
Here is a quick breakdown of why we think if a client has budget, and need, why combining photo and video capturing into one shoot is such a great idea.
1. Expanded Visual Portfolio:
We mentioned this at the top, but by incorporating photography into video shoots, clients can greatly expand their visual portfolio, capturing both dynamic video sequences and striking still images. This versatility allows for greater flexibility in brand cohesive content creation and expands the library of visual assets available for marketing, branding, and promotional purposes.
2. Efficiency in Production:
This is the big one for us – once a video shoot (our bread and butter) is planned, adding photography is a value add that comes at a discounted cost. Our team is already bringing all the lights and equipment to make a space ‘shine’ so to speak. Why not leverage that setup and effort by having photos captured the same day? This maximizes resources and minimizes costs. Rather than scheduling separate photo sessions, clients can capture both still images and video footage simultaneously, streamlining the production process and optimizing time and resources.
3. Different Mediums for Different Avenues in Marketing:
Often clients believe that a video frame from a 4k or even 8k video deliver the same level of quality as a high resolution photograph – but that is definitely not the case. 4k video and beyond is great for delivering all sorts of video content – however, video frames are not recommended to deliver visual aids (like photos) for websites, print material, billboards, packaging, and so much more. Unless quality is not of importance.
The integration of photography into our video shoots has been a solution for so many of our clients in dire need of a library of fresh visual material for their branding. These deliverables create a wealth of visual assets that can be leveraged across various marketing channels and platforms. From social media posts and website banners to print advertisements and promotional materials, the combination of video and photography provides a cohesive and comprehensive visual strategy, and does so at a reduced cost of two separate initiatives.
So instead of planning two shoots and trying to mirror the creative on both, we recommend clients plan one bigger shoot with both visual mediums having a starring role in the production days.
