Wedding photos, reels and drone footage: What does each format capture best?

The way we document weddings has changed rapidly. Where couples once relied solely on a traditional photo album and a long-form video tape, today’s celebrations are captured through a mix of high-resolution stills, social-first reels, aerial drone shots, and cinematic films.

With so many formats available, it can be tricky to know which medium does what best. To break down how couples can make the most of each format, we spoke with Sam Tabone, the founder and lead creative behind Melbourne’s Reel Weddings.

With over two decades of experience behind the lens, Sam is no stranger to high-stakes coverage. Beyond weddings, his work regularly places him at Melbourne’s marquee events—from the Brownlow Medal and the Australian Open to the Melbourne Cup—earning him a spot among the city’s top media photographers.

Here is Sam’s breakdown of what each format brings to your wedding day and how to capture it all naturally.

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Still photography: capturing quiet emotions and candid interactions

There are certain moments on a wedding day that demand to be frozen in time. Still photography remains unmatched when it comes to capturing raw emotion, intimate glances, and subtle interactions that might get lost in video.

Stills excel at holding onto micro-moments: a grandmother holding the bride’s hand during pre-ceremony drinks, or an unscripted, chaotic moment with pets during post-ceremony congratulations.

Still photography also provides the backbone for classic group portraits and structured bridal party shots, giving you timeless images that work beautifully in print or framed on a wall.

"For still photography, I love capturing genuine candid moments, people smiling, laughing, and naturally engaging with each other. Not everyone feels comfortable posing for the camera, so those authentic, unplanned interactions often become the most meaningful photographs." 

Sam Tabone

Social reels: bringing energy, movement and real reactions to life

While stills freeze a split second, short-form video captures movement and atmosphere. Reels are designed to be fast, fun, and immediately shareable, offering a bite-sized look at the energy of your day.

Reels excel at capturing motion: a couple spinning on the balcony, laughter during speeches, or guests spilling onto the dance floor.

"Reels should be fun, energetic, and tell the story of the day in a way that brings those memories to life. The same philosophy applies to video as it does to stills. Special moments, spontaneous reactions, and even the occasional mistake make for fantastic content because they feel real and relatable." 

Sam Tabone

Drone footage: establishing scale and big-picture perspectives

Drone photography and videography serve a very specific purpose: scale. Drones elevate your wedding story by showing the setting from an entirely new angle, making them particularly effective for outdoor or regional venues.

"Drones are great for the full group shot. Depending on where the wedding is, for example, if it is at a winery, a drone shot with the couple and the landscape in the background can be magical. In a reel or film, it gives you a completely different perspective of the venue."

Sam Tabone

How to get video and photos without feeling like a content creator

One common concern for modern couples is feeling like their wedding day is turning into a full-time photo shoot. The key to avoiding this is choosing a team that prioritises a candid approach over staged production.

"Couples should not feel like they are spending their wedding day creating content for social media. That is why I focus on capturing as much candid content as possible. By documenting genuine moments as they naturally unfold, we can create beautiful short-form videos without constantly interrupting or directing the couple. This allows them to stay present, enjoy their day, and relive those authentic memories later."

Sam Tabone

Timeline tips for a stress-free wedding day

Capturing multiple formats requires thoughtful planning, but experienced photographers know how to work efficiently within tight timeframes.

“Good planning makes a huge difference, but this is where experience really shines,” says Sam. “An experienced photographer knows what needs to happen, when it needs to happen, and how to make the most of limited time without making the day feel rushed.”

Sam shares a few practical ways couples can keep their timeline running smoothly:

• Organise your family list early: Write down exact group combinations in advance so no time is wasted gathering people on the spot.
• Assign a helper: Nominate a guest or family member who knows both sides of the family to help call out names during formal photos.
• Trust the flow: Keep strict staging to a minimum so your photography team can capture natural interactions as they happen.

Choosing one team for both photography and video

When booking a team to handle both stills and short-form video, seamless coordination between creators is crucial.

“Experience should be the first thing couples look for,” Sam advises. “A team with a strong background in both photography and short-form video knows how to capture every important moment without getting in each other’s way. Equally important is personality. You will be spending one of the biggest days of your life with your crew, so it is essential they make you feel relaxed.”

While reels offer immediate fun and shareability, Sam reminds couples not to overlook long-term viewing.

“Smartphones and social media have changed expectations, and digital galleries make sharing easier than ever,” he says. “That said, I still believe there is nothing quite like a beautifully shot horizontal 4K wedding film. Watching your wedding on a large screen with cinematic visuals and sound is a timeless experience couples can enjoy for decades to come.”

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