"Can We Just Get Along?" — A Wedding Videographer's Rant on Teamwork and Turf Wars

Nathan Grant • May 1, 2025

I’ve been filming weddings full-time since 2021. I’ve worked with countless couples, dozens of vendors, and been contracted by multiple wedding companies across the map. And no matter how many magical moments I capture, there’s one recurring challenge that never seems to go away:


Photographers who don’t want to be team players.



Now, before you get defensive—this isn’t about all photographers. I’ve worked with some incredible ones who understand we’re both there to serve the same purpose: tell a beautiful love story. But every now and then, I find myself caught in a weird, unnecessary turf war. And let me tell you, it’s exhausting.

A group of people are sitting in a church watching a wedding ceremony.

That One Wedding I'll Never Forget


One wedding in particular still sticks with me. My partner and I arrived early, scoped out our angles, and got everything set up. As the ceremony started, I had my tripod locked in, perfectly framed on the couple. The aisle was tight, space was limited, but I was in a spot where I could do my job without disrupting the flow.


Enter the photographers.


They were older, clearly experienced—but from the jump, their energy was off. Cold, dismissive, borderline rude. During the ceremony, one of them actually told me to move my camera and tripod because she “needed her shot.”


I calmly explained that I physically couldn’t move without losing the angle or blocking guests—and that, as a photographer with a handheld camera, she had far more mobility than I did. I assumed she’d get it.


She didn’t.


Instead of working with me or adjusting her approach, she started walking directly in front of my camera, blocking my clean shot of the couple multiple times just so she could grab hers. It was one of those moments where I had to bite my tongue, keep filming, and remind myself why I do this.


But in my head I was screaming:


We’re on the same mission—to capture lasting memories. Why does it feel like a competition?

Why Is This Still Happening?


I’ve asked myself this a lot. Is it ego? Is it miscommunication? Is it just a lack of respect for what videographers do?


Whatever the reason, this kind of friction hurts everyone. The couple doesn’t care who gets the better angle—they just want great memories. And when vendors can’t collaborate, the work and the experience suffers.


What Needs to Change


Let me say it plain: videographers aren’t your competition. We’re your creative allies. We're not trying to steal your light—we're trying to add to it. When we work together, we can deliver something incredible from every angle, in every format.


So here’s what I wish more photographers (especially the tough-cookie types) would understand:

  • Respect the setup. Tripods aren’t just plopped down randomly. We scout, frame, and set our gear with purpose. If we’re locked in, it’s probably for a reason.
  • Communicate early. A simple “Hey, where are you setting up for the ceremony?” can solve 90% of these issues.
  • Be flexible. You’re mobile. You can adjust. Let’s both give a little.
  • Don’t make it personal. This isn’t high school. We’re professionals. Let’s act like it.


Let’s Do Better—for the Couple


At the end of the day, I’m not here to fight for creative dominance. I’m here to give couples a timeless, emotional, cinematic retelling of one of the most important days of their lives. Just like you.


So next time we’re on the same timeline, under the same golden hour sky, let’s not treat each other like obstacles. Let’s collaborate like we actually care about the story we're telling.


Because if we can’t even get along behind the scenes, how are we supposed to make magic on camera?

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