In Conversation With Sam Reid of Sam Reid Studio

Nostalgia and beautiful chaos… that’s how Sam Reid distils the feeling of his wedding films, capturing both the timelessness and the thrill woven into every couple’s story. From his beginnings in still photography to his passion for preserving voices and motion on film, Sam approaches wedding videography as a deeply social art, grounded in authentic connection. In this interview, he shares his creative ethos, favourite moments behind the camera, and insights for couples seeking to immortalise their day on film.

How would you describe the feeling of your films in a few words?

Every film is tailored to suit the vibe of the couple, but there are 2 core feelings that I always try to convey, which are nostalgia and beautiful chaos. I think these ideas sum up weddings pretty well, and the trick that I think every photographer or videographer is always working towards is combining them in the perfect way to present a wedding in the most honest way possible. 

What drew you to wedding filmmaking, and what keeps you passionate about it?

I began with wedding photography after being drawn to photography since high school. But over time, I would see and work with videographers and became equally obsessed with moving images as well as still images. 

I love the way both formats offer something completely different to a person: still images are such a distilled summary of a moment, but then video lets you hear the voices of your loved ones giving a toast. And that's something that can last forever, which I think is really special, and what I love to be a part of for my couples.

Every couple has their own story. How do you bring that to life in your films?

For all the technical knowledge required, wedding videography and photography are an incredibly social art form- something that other creative pursuits don't necessarily have. So talking with couples and hearing them joke, laugh and discuss what they like and don't like is really important. If I can understand what makes someone laugh, I can probably work out what will make them cry (happy tears lol). 

Then it's just a matter of observing and documenting the day and all of the personality that they have poured into it together.

What’s one wedding moment you’ve captured that has stayed with you?

I think Covid was a huge reset button on the thinking around weddings and the reasons why they are done the way they are. One obvious outcome was a rise in live streaming, but being able to deliver a document of the day that people who couldn't attend can enjoy is a great feeling.

How do you help couples feel natural and at ease on camera?

Photography vs videography are both very different experiences for clients, but the approach to making them feel comfortable is generally the same, which comes down to being calm, prepared and personable. 

While I take my work seriously, I'm not a very serious person, so I like to joke around and make the process feel as casual as possible. 

Once people feel comfortable, they quickly settle into being themselves, and just observing and documenting them unobtrusively takes over. 

Is there a part of the wedding day you love filming the most? Why?

I love cocktail hour as there is a natural high in the air with everyone enjoying catching up after all the emotions of the ceremony. It's cathartic and feels like a wrap party after a huge shoot. 

What should couples look for when choosing a wedding filmmaker?

It's an incredibly subjective choice, so I would say to trust your feelings. If a wedding film just hits for you but you can't quite put your finger on why, go with that feeling. 

I think people are more and more savvy with discerning what quality looks like for them, and having an idea of what they want their wedding to look like. 

Look for sequences of shots that make sense together. Look for couples that feel at ease and not overly staged and stiff. These are the things that indicate an experienced filmmaker and editor. 

What’s next for Sam Reid Studio?

I would love to shoot a few more international or destination weddings, but I'm always looking for new things to offer my clients, so stay tuned for a few updates later this year!

Visit samreid.studio

Instagram @samreid.studio

DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com

More For You