Candid. Cinematic. Documentary.

Direction on the Day

Cinematic films typically involve the most direction. The videographer will ask you to walk along a specific path, stand in a certain spot, or repeat a moment for the camera. Documentary sits at the other end, with the videographer mostly observing. Candid falls in between. We direct, but the goal is for you to forget we're doing it. We'll guide you into a moment and then let the real reaction happen.

How the Film Is Edited

Cinematic edits are driven by music and pacing. Moments might appear out of order because the edit serves emotion, not timeline. Documentary edits follow the day more closely and include more natural audio. A candid film can go either way. At Bloom, we lean cinematic in the edit: music-driven, emotionally paced, with colour grading and sound design that give the film a polished feel, even though the footage itself is natural and unposed.

Equipment and Presence

Cinematic work can sometimes involve larger setups: sliders, lights, bigger rigs. That's not a bad thing, but it is more visible. Documentary and candid videographers tend to work lighter and quieter. We use small, handheld gear and a gimbal. No big lighting rigs, no tripods blocking the dance floor. The idea is to be present but not intrusive.

Film Length

Cinematic highlight films tend to be shorter (3-6 minutes), because the edit is tight and music-driven. Documentary edits can be much longer (20-60+ minutes), covering more of the day. At Bloom, our Short Film sits at 8-10 minutes, which gives us enough time to tell a real story with your speeches, vows, and the moments that mattered, without losing the pace and energy of a cinematic edit.

"Candid means no direction at all"

Not true. A candid approach still involves direction. The difference is in how that direction feels. A candid videographer will guide you in a way that produces real, natural reactions. Without any direction at all, you often end up with footage of people standing around looking uncertain, and that doesn't make for a good film either.

"Cinematic films are better quality"

Cinematic is a style, not a quality indicator. A beautifully made candid film is just as polished as a cinematic one. The camera, lenses, colour grading, and editing skill determine quality. The approach on the day determines style. They're different things.

"Documentary films are boring"

Only if they're poorly made. A well-edited documentary film can be just as engaging as a cinematic one. The speeches at your wedding are probably funnier and more emotional than any scripted voiceover. Documentary films let those moments breathe, and that can be incredibly powerful.

"You have to pick one style"

You don't. Most couples are drawn to a blend. You can want natural, unposed footage on the day and still want the edit to be cinematic and music-driven. You can want full speeches and a beautifully graded highlight film. These aren't mutually exclusive. Find a videographer whose work feels right, and trust them to blend the elements that suit your day.

How do you want to feel on the day?

If you want to feel completely at ease and forget a camera is there, you're leaning candid or documentary. If you're comfortable being directed and enjoy that kind of thing, cinematic will work well.

What do you want the film to feel like when you watch it?

If you want something that feels like a movie, cinematic. If you want to relive the speeches and the ceremony word-for-word, documentary. If you want something that feels natural and honest but still looks beautiful, candid with cinematic editing.

How important are the speeches and vows to you?

If the speeches matter a lot, make sure the videographer captures them properly. Ask whether they mic the speakers. Ask whether the speeches are included in the main film or only as a separate file. At Bloom, speeches are in the film from our Short Film package up.

Do their films make you feel something?

This is the most important question. Watch three or four of a videographer's films. If you feel something real, that's the right person. If the film looks slick but doesn't move you, keep looking. The style label matters far less than the emotional response.

Which style is most popular?

Most couples go with something in between. Our Short Film package naturally blends both cinematic and documentary elements. You get music-driven highlights but also room to breathe, with speeches featured prominently and real moments woven throughout.

Can I choose a specific style?

Absolutely. If you have a preference, tell us. We'll shape the edit to match. If you want purely cinematic, we'll make it polished and tight. If you want purely documentary, we'll give you the full day with real audio throughout. But we'll also happily blend both if you're not sure yet.

Does choosing a style change the price?

No. All our packages can be edited in either cinematic style, documentary style, or a blend of both. The price stays the same regardless of the approach we take to the edit.

How much do you actually direct on the day?

More than you'd expect, but less than you'd notice. We guide you through moments in a way that feels easy and natural. If there's something specific you want, like a sunset walk or a first look, we'll set that up too. The goal is always for you to feel relaxed, not directed.

What if we're awkward on camera?

That's exactly why we work the way we do. Our direction is designed to put you at ease, not make you perform. Most couples tell us it just felt like hanging out, and that's when the film gets really good.

What if I'm not sure what I want?

That's totally normal. Send us a message and we'll talk it through. Most couples figure out pretty quickly once they've watched a few examples. We're always happy to show you the options and help you land on what feels right for your day.