Unit Stills vs. BTS Photographers: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

In the world of film and television production, having a photographer on set is essential—but the type of photographer you choose can make a big difference. Two common roles are unit stills photographers and BTS (behind-the-scenes) photographers. While they may sound similar, the kind of content they produce—and how that content is used—differs significantly.

Understanding the distinction between these roles can help you make more informed hiring decisions and ensure your project gets the coverage it truly needs.

What Is a Unit Stills Photographer?

A unit stills photographer is responsible for capturing high-resolution, professional-quality images of scenes as they’re being filmed. These stills are often used for press kits, marketing materials, posters, streaming platforms, film festivals, and social media campaigns.

This role is highly collaborative, often working directly with producers, the marketing department, and publicity teams. The goal is to create polished, compelling images that represent the visual tone of the finished project. Occasionally, a unit stills photographer will also take select behind-the-scenes images—such as a director speaking with an actor on set—but always with publicity in mind.

What Does a BTS Photographer Do?

In contrast, a BTS photographer focuses on the candid moments happening off-camera. These include shots of the crew at work, actors between takes, and the overall energy of the set. The purpose here is more documentary-style: to give audiences or internal teams a sense of what it was like to be on set.

BTS content is often used for social media, recap videos, or as keepsakes for the cast and crew. The work is generally more informal, and the photographer may use a range of equipment—from DSLRs to compact cameras or even smartphones—depending on the production’s needs and tone.

Key Differences at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison of the two roles:

• Unit Stills Photographer: Focuses on the actual scenes being filmed, creating high-quality images for marketing and publicity.

• BTS Photographer: Captures candid, behind-the-scenes moments that document the production process, often used for internal content or social media.

Why It Matters When Hiring

Before bringing a photographer onto your production, it’s important to think about the type of content you need. If your goal is to create promotional material to help launch and market your film or series, hiring a unit stills photographer is the best choice. Their work is tailored for public-facing materials and plays a key role in how your project is presented to the world.

However, if you’re more interested in documenting the experience of making the film—for internal use, social platforms, or team memories—then a BTS photographer might be the better fit.

Clarifying your goals ahead of time helps ensure you get the right content and avoid any misunderstandings about deliverables or expectations.