Wedding world, today we have a big one for you. Here’s what’s on:

• Content Creators vs Photographers. We talk to EVERYONE, discus the dynamic and get it ALL in the open.

• Chat CPT giveaways to avoid

• And of course the best inspo from the week to keep you ahead of the game

  Alright, let’s dive in ⬇️

NEWS

Happening this Week

• The wildest event and it’s not even a wedding. The Engage Summit in Tuscany was on this week and it looked incredible. Jump in here to see some highlights.

• Can couples tell you use Chat GPT to write your emails? Revealed this week was how the “Chat GPT Hyphen” could be your giveaway. Dive into this discussion to learn more.

• Battery jiggles. Could this homemade 3D printed case be the best way to stop loose batteries jumping around in your camera bag? Yes, please make this a thing!

• Gold SD cards? Lexar has been stepping things up a notch. First rugged and fast stainless steel SD cards, and now GOLD! Promising insane speeds and excellent durability, it might be time to ditch your plastic ones. But who knew SD cards would be… jewellery?

• A little aperture dive. This article articulates a technical understand of aperture surprisingly well - jump in for some 101 theory.

• Instagram tests ‘lockable posts.’ Dive in here to see more details.

• A lens with a screen? Alt lens maker Viltrox just announced a new 35mm f1.2. Which is wild. Wilder, is that it also includes a color LCD screen. 

VENDORS

 📵 Content Creators VS Photographers: Let’s figure this out.

We’ve all seen the rise of the new vendor in our space: the content creator.

A perfect idea. A needed new vendor. No problems right? Content creators are filling a gap and providing an in demand service that photographers and videographers don’t. Offering a version of the day that’s raw, real, social and instantly replayable.

BUT let’s be honest. In wedding vendor world it’s getting a little complicated.

There’s a dynamic between photographers and content creators that, while most of the time is TOTALLY fine, when it’s not, it’s not. Some photographers feel blindsided - some content creators feel shut out. Toes stepped on and unspoken rules broken. SO it’s time we get serious about having this conversation.

We spoke to some of the world’s leading Wedding Content Creators to find out where it’s getting messy and what we can do about it.
Thanks so much to oliviaandliving.eventcontent, thebtsbride, cupidcontentco, contentforbrides, boutiquetequilasour, bymollyalison, and portugalweddingcontentcreator, for being a part of this conversation.

So… what is content creation really?
Here’s how a few content creators described it:

It’s behind-the-scenes
“My focus is on capturing behind-the-scenes iPhone footage for couples that can support their marketing and storytelling. Content creators are most impactful when they fully embrace what makes their role different. A more candid, real-time, and behind-the-scenes perspective.”
— thebtsbride

It’s iPhone-first
“Content creation at its core stems from authentic and relatable iPhone videos, and that is what we wish to stay true to. In doing so, we aren’t juggling between devices and our position within the media team is clear.”
— oliviaandliving.eventcontent

“Shooting video on an iPhone offers a uniquely authentic perspective of the wedding day, in a format that we’re generally more used to seeing ourselves in. The minimal equipment allows for greater agility, making it easier to capture those spontaneous, in-between moments that might otherwise be missed.” - contentforbrides

It’s real-time and fast
“Most galleries are delivered within 24 hours. These are mostly raw iPhone clips, some raw iPhone photos, and often a recap video.”
— bymollyalison

It’s complementary, not competitive
“I always tell couples that wedding content creation is complementary to their photographer and videographer, and not a replacement for either service.”
— cupidcontentco

It’s non-intrusive
“We’re unobtrusive. The best compliment is when photographers say they barely noticed us.”
— cupidcontentco

It’s a professional role that needs to be embraced
“The industry needs to embrace content creation as a profession and understand this shift in media consumption has occurred across every industry, not just the wedding industry.”
— oliviaandliving.eventcontent

It’s about marketing.
For the couple. The planner. The florist. The venue. The photographer too.
“Those vendors with a strong entrepreneurial mindset understand how to harmoniously work with content creators and reap the benefits they bring to the wedding day and the marketing of their business.” - oliviaandliving.eventcontent

We absolutely love this. When it’s done right, everyone WINS.

It’s CLEAR. Content creation is doing something DIFFERENT. It’s a whole new visual realm that is meant to be fast, candid, made for a different purpose than traditional photography. AND it adds a whole new layer to how a wedding is captured and remembered.

Where it’s getting a little messy
Here are the parts no one wants to say out loud.

Some content creators are using high end gear
We hear stories of content creators turning up to wedding days with film cameras, Canon G7Xs, or FULL on pro cameras. Is this a BIG no-no, or is it ok?

“I’ve seen content creators show up with digitals like the Canon G7X or even film cameras. It’s definitely becoming a thing, especially for influencer-type weddings where the bride wants a mix of everything.”
— cupidcontentco

“Offering content on professional camera equipment isn’t something we plan on doing, but I do understand the pressure to keep up with the trends as a wedding vendor. Content taken on digital cameras like the Canon G7x are the new “it” thing amongst influencers and Gen Z/Millennials alike, which I think is what’s driving this shift towards wedding content creators offering these types of services. Brides want content that feels fresh and dynamic, incorporating different mediums into their carousel posts and Instagram stories. However, I do feel that as more wedding content creators try to fill that void, it does begin to change the dynamic between the media team in a way that many of us might not be comfortable with. So much skill goes into the work that photographers do, and it’s important that their vision, artistry and expertise is recognized. As wedding content creators start offering professional equipment like film and digital cameras as add-ons, it can blur the lines with our photographer colleagues not only artistically but also contractually. ”
— Cupid Content Co

“I believe there’s a clear distinction between the roles of photographers, videographers, and content creators — and for me, leaning into iPhone storytelling is what preserves that distinction.”
— thebtsbride

“If content creators are going to start doing more than just iPhone, we should maybe call them something else. Maybe they are just another photographer hired on the day.”
— bymollyalison

Photographers treating content creators badly
Photographers just assume they’re in charge. But content creators are not second tier. They’re being hired for real reasons, and they deserve to be treated like it.

“It has gotten so bad at times where the photo and video team have actually made one of our content creators cry. This is not high school. We need to keep our egos in check.” - anonymous

“Wedding content creation cannot be a long term vendor category without positive working relationships with our fellow media team members.”
— cupidcontentco

Curation: Space to create gets competitive
Photographers are used to leading and being the ones who are the primary visual curator of the day. BUT now there’s someone else on the media team, and sometimes, they’ve got ideas too. Who get’s the space to create what they need to?

“I don’t think content creators should be directing. I have always seen the photographer — and sometimes the videographer — having the job of curation.”
— bymollyalison

“When the photographer and videographer are in the zone, we don’t love it when content creators try to create something different at the same time.”
— portugalweddingcontentcreator

“We’ve had photographers ask us to help pose, especially if there’s no videographer. Others prefer we stay more fly-on-the-wall. It’s always about reading the room.”
— cupidcontentco

“We are not there to steal anyone’s work, but to highlight the craft of the entire vendor team.”
— cupidcontentco

Posting photos is a point of tension
Content creators are QUICK. That’s part of the value they bring. But who posts first and what can create tension.

“We do not share iPhone photos that mirror the photographer’s portrait work until they have had the chance to release their professional images first. It is a matter of mutual respect.”
— thebtsbride

“I do not believe there should be a blanket expectation that content creators cannot post before photographers. What we create is fundamentally different. It is real time, raw, and often captured for a completely different purpose.”
— thebtsbride

Undefined roles mean misaligned expectations
At the core of all this is one thing, a lack of clarity. When no one clearly defines who is doing what, where, or when, everything starts to feel like guesswork. And guesswork leads to, yeah, PROBLEMS.

Photographers feel cheated, blind sided, taken advantage of. Content creators feel sidelined, shut out, put down, de valued. And the couple, who just wanted to capture their day from every angle, ends up with a vendor team quietly frustrated with each other.

So how do we fix this?
Some of the best content creators are already doing these things, and we photographers should take note too. Here's what would actually move the industry forward.

Clarify roles please
If you're a content creator, lean into the foundation of your role - BTS, behind the scenes, in the background, relaxed about the moment you get or don’t get. But if you're showing up with a creative vision, a shot list, directing scenes, or using film or digital cameras, you're stepping into new territory. Congratulations: you are a photographer/videographer. And that’s fine. But BE CLEAR about what you're there to do. When roles are defined, expectations can align.

“We believe in maintaining clear boundaries between creative roles on a wedding day, and staying in our lane allows us to focus on what we do best. Our priority is to elevate iPhone content to feel as premium and purposeful as possible, rather than trying to offer everything.” - contentforbrides

Content Creators stick to iPhones please
It’s clear from the quotes above that most of the best content creators in the game are iPhone only and feel that’s what gives them the edge - that’s a wedding content creator. And we agree. Let’s lay this one down strongly.

Collaborate, don't compete
Photographers, this doesn’t need to be a power struggle. Let content creators do their thing. Bring them into the inner circle. Build a relationship. Let them get the good shot too. Help them help the couple. It’s not just about getting along, it’s about visibility.

“The industry needs to embrace content creation as a profession and understand this shift in media consumption has occurred across every industry, not just the wedding industry.”
— oliviaandliving.eventcontent

A viral video from a content creator can include your name, your work, and a tag that reaches thousands more people than you scroll post might.

Ask for your moment and share your plan
If you’re a content creator with a specific vision, ask for space to execute it. Don’t compete with the photographer during portraits. Get your own window in the timeline.The best way to do that? Send over a simple email or one-page PDF that outlines how you work, what gear you use, and when you’ll be shooting. It’s professional. It’s easy. And it builds instant trust.

Credit where it’s due
CCs if you're posting a moment the photographer set up, tag them. Let people know who directed it. If it’s something you know is special - some cool light - a group shot the photographer put together… wait until they’ve shared their gallery before posting your version. This one small act of respect would solve half the tension we keep hearing about. AND vice versa, photographers include the content creator in your tag list. Let’s make this a win win for everyone.

And let’s be clear — most content creators aren’t trying to take over
They’re not looking to lead. They’re not trying to replace you. They just want to do their job well, be treated with respect, and be part of the team.
“We are not there to steal anyone’s work, but to highlight the craft of the entire vendor team.” — Cupid Content Co

Photographers, step up your game and curate harder
This part might sting, but it needs to be said.
Some content creators are out-curating the photographers. They are building better visual words that represent what couples want these days. Finding better angles. Capturing the feeling, the energy. Using a new visual medium to help couples remember their day. And that’s typically been the job of a photographer. SO it means you need to step up your game. Curate a world better. Capture the feeling better.
If content creators are making photographers feel nervous, the answer isn’t to get territorial. The answer is to level up.

What do you think??!! Reply back and let us know your thoughts on this whole conversation 📩

WORKSHOPS

📺 Benjamin Wheeler WORKSHOP Replay now available.

Inside Lensel PRO we just wrapped our incredible LIVE workshop with the brilliant Benjamin Wheeler. It was absolute 🔥 

"I call them half moments—those subtle slices between the obvious shots. They often tell the story better."

"Your images have to be relatable yet aspirational. Couples aren’t just buying your photos—they’re investing in you."

Join Lensel PRO to access to REPLAY, as well as the full archive of other workshops!
PLUS you will get access to the full newsletter every week (x52 times a year!), our exclusive online community and our live workshops every month (x12 times per year.) *price increase coming soon

INSPO THIS WEEK

⬇️ Rainy days on film. The vibe captured here is beyond good. Plus a shout out to the silver draping through the whole day…

⬇️ Jacob with these clean film frames. “The cameras I use are the Leica M6 and Nikon F100. As for film stocks, I mainly shoot Portra 400 and Ilford HP5 for black and white” These are WINNING 🏅

⬇️ Yes it’s a styled shoot and not a real wedding, but who cares. Way to up the portfolio game and create some amazing images. We LOVE the different perspectives, especially from above. And frame 3 is especially a winner.