I have seen a lot of great footage here by some awesome wedding videographers.
I have noticed that much of the footage requires some sort of cooperation from the bride and groom, such as them standing still while the videographer circles around them with a glidecam.
I am truly respect the talent necessary to pull stuff like this off, however I prefer to shoot the "fly on the wall" type video where they don'y really know I am there.
I think there is room for both styles of video, but is there terminology to clearly define the different ways of shooting.
I try to steer clear of the term "Documentary" because it sounds so boring and non-artisitic (no offense to the docu-shooters out there).
Anyone have creative ways to describe this to brides?

I know photographers often describe themselves as "photojournalists" for the style you describe. So maybe something similar to that?

...I prefer to shoot the "fly on the wall" type video where they don'y really know I am there.

Not sure you're going to get a more accurate and descriptive phrase or term than that. Describe your style that way and 98% of your clients will get it. The other 2%... well you might want to check and see if they're still breathing.

"I have seen a lot of great footage here "

Dont think you've seen the footage here at all.
FOotage means, pure shot material, with no processing at all..
most of what is seen here posted edited, corrected, graded, speed altered finished product..

can it be called a documentary? Good question.
That's another subject for another lengthy discussion..

Could you call the style you're referring to as "unobtrusive candid shots?"

"I have seen a lot of great footage here "

Dont think you've seen the footage here at all.
FOotage means, pure shot material, with no processing at all..



Fair enough, I think I meant samples for critique.
I also was curious if there was terminology for the (seemingly) newer style of video were the bride and groom are actually posing for the video.
I tend to see very few highlight clips where the shots from the actual ceremony and reception are used.

Fair enough, I think I meant samples for critique.
I also was curious if there was terminology for the (seemingly) newer style of video were the bride and groom are actually posing for the video.
I tend to see very few highlight clips where the shots from the actual ceremony and reception are used.

Here is one of my highlights (http://vimeo.com/2731479) where I staged very few shots. Mostly the photographer set up some shots and I asked to jump in where she was done to do a video version of that pose.

2/3 of the shots I used were from actual wedding & reception. That way the couple gets a feel for the whole day, and not just the staged parts before the ceremony.

Mark, the terms I am familiar with are "Cinematic" and "Photojournalistic" (documentary style which has already been mentioned).

The cinematic style is extremely popular and will often incorporate the posed shots you mentioned, dramatic music, and any variety of effects, specific shooting styles (moving shots) use of fish-eye lenses, steadicam, etc.

There are also the short-form edits which are just catching on here in Cincinnati. For a 30 minute finished video a friend of mine charges around $2500 and the prices go up from there.