The wedding industry is big business. Really big business. In the US alone couples will spend almost $55 billion this year with the average wedding budget coming in at $28,000.

Clearly, couples want their big day to be perfect and they’re willing to spend. A big part of that includes hiring the best wedding photographer. With the US wedding service industry expected to grow by 2.3 % in the next five years, by 2018 wedding photographers in the US are expected to rake in almost  $10.5 billion in revenue.  As an unregulated and highly competitive industry, wedding photographers need to find unique ways to differentiate themselves. For many, offering cinemagraphs as part of their wedding packages has made all the difference.

Cinemagraph by, Salvatore Cincotta

Adding Cinemagraphs to Wedding Packages

There is something so beautiful  about wedding cinemagraphs. Weddings last a day or two at most, but memories last a lifetime. It’s those special moments – like when a veil is swaying softly in the wind, or when the couple finally kisses and the world seems to stand still – that every couple wants to relive. Video captures the whole scene. Photography captures a glimpse of a scene. Cinemagraphs capture subtle moments while highlighting only parts of the scene, therefore telling a unique story.

Many of our Flixel Artists are in fact, wedding photographers and videographers. With their talent and our software, they have produced stunning cinemagraphs.

Cinemagraph by, Whole Picture

2014 Wedding Trends

Below are a few popular wedding trends from this year that can be enhanced even further with the use of cinemagraphs.

“The First Look”: traditionally, the groom sees the bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle. A trend that became popular this year is having an intimate “first look” moment BEFORE the actual ceremony. This (semi) private moment is then captured by photographers and videographers, allowing the couple to really appreciate the moment without being rushed or interrupted by more activity. Now, Imagine this special moment captured in a cinemagraph. Simply beautiful.

Photo booths: who doesn’t love photo booths? Props, silly faces, fun poses – photo booths are a playful way to remember the night. For a modern take on this classic, use cinemagraphs to bring these photos to life.

Story-Telling: this form of portrait photography uses themes and props to tell a story. Often, this type of photoshoot has an ethereal feeling, much like a fairytale. Flower crowns, old cars, grassy fields; the possibilities are endless. Combine the art of living photos, and it becomes a truly magical scene.

Creating a Wedding Cinemagraph by, James Schmeltzer

This cinemagraph created by James Schmeltzer, can be recreated in just a few quick steps. To see how James set up, captured, and edited this wedding masterpiece, see the video below.

With wedding videography and photography increasing exponentially, use cinemagraphs to grasp, grow and mesmerize your clientele.