Is comparing videography with still photos like comparing apples and oranges? In some ways it is. The general definition of videography is the process of capturing moving images on electronic media, including the steps involved with video production and post-production. Still photography is the art or process of producing and printing images of motionless, objects on photosensitive surfaces. As you can see, one involves motion and the other doesn’t. What are some other differences between videography and still photographs?
Videography
As the production of video from the beginning of a project to the final product, videography can be performed from start to finish including shooting the video, setting, and editing, either by a single person, or a group of people, each performing their own skill set.
Usually via a digital camera or camcorder, many frames are captured in motion at once. Sound is captured, as well. Rather than on film, as for still photos, the storage mediums for video include tape, hard drives, solid state drives, or flash storage.
Videography tends to be more complex and demanding. It may take hours of recording for two or three minutes of final video. Angles change, and if the video is being taken outdoors lighting conditions can change. For video, lighting, movement, and sound all need to appear consistent from shot-to-shot.
Video gives you the ability to tell a story, capture a period of time, or elicit an emotional response over a span of frames.
In general, video tends to have less resolution.
Videos tend to be viewed on a TV or computer screen at a distance, and only from time to time.
Still Photographs
Still photographs are taken by a single photographer. That photographer may be in charge of the set, background, lighting, color, props, editing, developing, and more.
Depending on project requirements, videography usually involves taking video for a client and capturing their vision, providing them with what they want. It can be the same regarding still photos, but if you work for yourself still photos can be more about what you want and your personal style.
Taking still photos tends to be less complex than videography.
Videographers are usually also very good photographers.
Although still photos only capture a moment in time as opposed to a period of time, still photos allow the luxury of viewing the photograph for several minutes at a time, taking in all the details close up. Still photography also gives you something you can frame and enjoy day after day.
ABOUT YOUR DALLAS, TX, PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER:
Doug Davis has been producing professional, engaging videos and product, food, and lifestyle photography from his Dallas, TX, studio for more than 20 years. D-Squared Studios is located at 4312 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas, 75226. Contact our office at (214) 746-6336 or email Doug at doug.davis@d2studios.net.