What is RAW Footage? How It Differs from Your Documentary Wedding Video
When you choose a wedding videographer to capture your day on film, it’s natural to want to understand exactly what you’ll be receiving. We’re here to help clarify the difference between RAW footage and a documentary wedding video. While both serve to preserve the memories of your special day, they’re distinct in style, purpose, and presentation.
Every couple receives a professionally crafted documentary video as part of their package, which captures the highlights of your day in a polished, cinematic way. If you’re interested in seeing every single moment in its unedited form, however, you have the option to purchase RAW footage as an add-on. Let’s explore these two formats to help you decide what best meets your needs.
What is RAW Footage?
RAW footage refers to the unedited video files recorded directly from the camera during your wedding day. It includes every shot, from start to finish, exactly as it was captured in real time.
Characteristics of RAW Footage:
- Unedited and Unfiltered: RAW footage is presented in its purest form. This means no color grading, no audio enhancements, and no removal of extra takes or shaky shots. You see everything as it was filmed.
- Every Moment, Including the “In-Betweens”: RAW footage captures every detail of the day, including long pauses, camera repositioning, and extra takes. For example, if the videographer is adjusting for the perfect shot or if there’s a delay in action, you’ll see it all in the RAW footage.
- Available as an Add-On: RAW footage is an additional purchase, offered separately from our standard videography packages. However, if you choose our Team Approach package, RAW footage is included.
RAW footage is ideal for couples who want an unfiltered record of every single detail. It’s worth noting, however, that watching RAW footage can feel like viewing a behind-the-scenes reel, as it includes the candid, unpolished moments often excluded from a refined, final product.
What is a Documentary Wedding Video?
In contrast to RAW footage, the documentary wedding video is a professionally edited film that presents your day in a cohesive, cinematic format. This video captures the significant moments as they happened but is carefully crafted to provide a smooth, enjoyable viewing experience.
For couples who want even more coverage of their day, our two wedding video package is a great option. It provides both a highlight reel and a full-length documentary video, allowing you to relive the day from different perspectives.
Features of a Documentary Wedding Video:
- Polished and Edited for Quality: Your documentary video is color-graded, and the audio is mastered to ensure a beautiful, polished look and feel. Every moment is enhanced to capture the best version of the day.
- Focus on Key Events: Unlike RAW footage, which includes every second, the documentary video highlights the key moments of the day without the pauses and transitions. You’ll see the full ceremony, grand entrance, all toasts, and special dances as they occurred, but without unnecessary pauses or extra takes.
- Included in Every Package: Every couple receives a documentary wedding video as part of their package. This video is designed to be a memorable keepsake that you can easily watch and share with loved ones.
Key Differences Between RAW Footage and Documentary Wedding Video
Understanding the difference between RAW footage and documentary wedding video can help you make the best decision for your wedding coverage. Here’s a side-by-side look at the main distinctions:
- Editing and Quality: RAW footage is completely unedited, showing the unfiltered reality of the day, while documentary videos are carefully edited with enhancements for a polished result.
- Content and Flow: Documentary videos remove pauses, delays, and extra takes, presenting the highlights in a cohesive flow. RAW footage, on the other hand, includes every moment as it was recorded, capturing the candid and “in-between” moments as well.
- Purpose and Watchability: RAW footage serves as an archive of every detail of the day and is ideal for couples who want to preserve it all. The documentary video, however, is designed to be an engaging story that’s easy to enjoy, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Why Choose RAW Footage?
While every couple receives a documentary video, you may want to consider purchasing RAW footage if you value an unfiltered look at your wedding day. Here are some reasons couples opt for this add-on:
- Full Coverage of Every Detail: RAW footage provides an archival record of the day, capturing every single moment, including spontaneous or candid shots that may not be included in the final edit.
- Future Editing Flexibility: Having RAW footage gives you the option to re-edit or create additional versions of your video down the line.
- Complete and Uncut: Some couples prefer knowing they have every moment, even those that might feel less polished, as part of their wedding archive.
It’s important to remember that RAW footage can be lengthy and includes behind-the-scenes moments and candid clips that are less polished. This footage is ideal for those who appreciate the “real” side of the day.
Benefits of a Documentary Wedding Video
The documentary wedding video is the most popular choice because of its polished, shareable quality and engaging storytelling.
- Beautifully Crafted Story: Professionally edited with color grading and mastered audio, your documentary video presents the highlights of your day in a cinematic way, allowing you to relive each meaningful moment.
- Focus on the Essential Moments: The documentary format captures key events like the ceremony, grand entrance, speeches, and first dances, providing a beautiful summary without unnecessary pauses.
- Perfect for Sharing: Your documentary video is designed to be an enjoyable and concise keepsake, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between RAW footage and a documentary wedding video?
RAW footage is unedited video straight from the camera, showing every single moment exactly as it happened, including pauses and extra takes. In contrast, a documentary wedding video is a professionally edited, polished version that includes color correction, mastered audio, and focuses on key moments to provide a beautiful, cohesive story of your day.
Do all couples receive RAW footage?
No, RAW footage is an add-on option and is not included in all packages. If you’d like to add RAW footage, it can be purchased separately, giving you access to every captured moment in its unedited form. However, if you choose our Team Approach package, RAW footage is included at no additional cost.
What moments are included in the documentary wedding video?
The documentary video includes all the major highlights of your wedding day, such as the full ceremony, grand entrance, toasts, special dances, and other key moments, presented in a seamless, edited format. While it captures each moment in its entirety, it removes unnecessary pauses, transitions, and extra takes to create a smooth, enjoyable viewing experience.
Why would I want to purchase RAW footage?
RAW footage can be a valuable option if you’re interested in having a comprehensive, unfiltered record of every single moment. It’s ideal for couples who want an archive of every detail, may want to create custom edits in the future, or simply enjoy having all the candid moments preserved.
Is the documentary wedding video good for sharing with family and friends?
Absolutely! The documentary wedding video is designed to be a high-quality, shareable keepsake that tells the story of your wedding day in an enjoyable format. With its polished editing and focus on key highlights, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, both in person and online.
Mike Staff is the founder and CEO of Mike Staff Productions, one of the most highly acclaimed wedding services companies in the country, providing award-winning Wedding DJs, Wedding Photographers, and Wedding Videography for over 25 years.
