Choosing the right wedding photography style can be one of the most important decisions when planning your big day. Whether you’re opting for the classic, posed portraits or a more candid and natural approach, wedding photography captures the emotions, memories, and moments that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Along with other elements like selecting a wedding hairdresser for your bridal look, understanding the different photography styles will help you choose the perfect approach to document your wedding. In this article, we’ll discuss various wedding photography styles, from traditional to documentary, and what each one offers.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Wedding Photography Style
Wedding photos serve as timeless memories that document your day, so choosing the right style is essential. Every couple has a different vision for how they want their wedding day captured.
Some may prefer traditional, posed portraits, while others may want a more relaxed, storytelling approach. Understanding the different photography styles will help you choose the right photographer and ensure that your wedding photos reflect your style and personality.
Why Your Wedding Photography Style Matters
Your wedding photos will last a lifetime, and the style in which they’re captured reflects your preferences and personality as a couple. The style of wedding photography you choose will also influence how you interact with your photographer, the type of images that are taken, and the overall feel of your wedding album.
Traditional Wedding Photography
Traditional wedding photography is one of the most well-known and long-standing styles. It’s characterised by classic posed shots, often set up in formal, composed settings. This style captures key moments throughout the day in a more structured manner, such as the first kiss, the couple’s entrance, and family portraits.
Posed and Formal Portraits
In traditional wedding photography, the focus is on posed, formal portraits. The photographer arranges the couple, wedding party, and family members for well-lit, carefully composed shots. While these photos are often beautiful and timeless, they can sometimes feel staged.
When to Choose Traditional Photography
If you value formal portraits and prefer classic, posed shots, then traditional wedding photography may be the best fit for you. This style is ideal for couples who like the idea of having a series of formal family portraits to display around their home. It’s also a good choice if you prefer to have control over how the photos are taken.
Contemporary or Fine Art Wedding Photography
Contemporary wedding photography, often called fine art wedding photography, focuses on artistic and creative shots with an emphasis on style and composition. This style is a mix of candid moments and creatively posed shots. Photographers may use natural light, unique angles, and artistic techniques to capture the couple and the environment in a more modern and fashion-forward way.
Artistic and Creative Poses
Fine art photographers often bring an artistic flair to your wedding day images. These photos may feature unconventional compositions or play with light and shadow to produce visually striking images. Unlike traditional wedding photography, fine art photographers may focus on capturing the mood and atmosphere of the day rather than relying on posed group shots.
When to Choose Fine Art Photography
Fine art wedding photography is perfect for couples who are interested in a creative and artistic approach. If you’re drawn to fashion photography or artistic images, this style can bring a high-end, polished look to your wedding album. It’s ideal for couples who love unique, stylised shots that feel less “posed” and more like works of art.
Photojournalistic or Documentary Wedding Photography
Photojournalistic wedding photography, or documentary wedding photography, is all about capturing your day in a candid, storytelling manner. The goal is to document the wedding as it unfolds naturally, with minimal interference from the photographer. This style focuses on capturing emotions, reactions, and candid moments rather than staged photos.
Capturing Real Moments
In documentary wedding photography, the photographer takes on the role of an observer, quietly documenting the day’s events without orchestrating them. From guests laughing during the reception to the groom’s reaction when he sees the bride for the first time, every shot is focused on capturing authentic moments.
When to Choose Documentary Photography
Documentary wedding photography is perfect for couples who want a more laid-back and authentic representation of their wedding day. If you prefer natural, candid shots and want your photos to tell a story, this style will provide a collection of images that are full of emotion and personality.
It’s also ideal for couples who don’t want to be interrupted by the photographer during their day and want a more relaxed approach to their wedding album.
Editorial Wedding Photography
Editorial wedding photography is a fusion of fine art and photojournalism. It aims to capture moments while focusing on styling and composition, similar to how a fashion magazine would shoot a spread. Editorial wedding photographers are often inspired by high-fashion shoots, with an emphasis on dramatic poses, styling, and glamour.
A Blend of Posed and Candid Shots
Editorial wedding photography combines posed, high-fashion shots with candid moments. This style may include close-ups, dramatic lighting, and well-curated compositions that focus on the bride’s dress, accessories, and the couple’s interactions. These photographers may also create stunning images with props and a specific mood or theme in mind.
When to Choose Editorial Photography
If you want wedding photos that look like they belong in a high-end fashion magazine, editorial photography might be the best choice for you. This style works well for couples who want a glamorous, polished look while still having some natural moments captured. It’s ideal for couples who appreciate photography as an art form and want their wedding album to reflect that.
Combining Styles: A Hybrid Approach
Many couples find that a hybrid approach works best for their wedding photography. A skilled photographer can combine elements of traditional, fine art, and documentary styles to create a balanced portfolio of images. For example, they may focus on candid moments during the ceremony and reception but take formal portraits of the couple and their families as well.
The Benefits of a Hybrid Style
A hybrid style gives you the best of both worlds. You can have the elegance of traditional wedding portraits while also enjoying the relaxed, candid shots that a documentary style offers. It’s a great choice for couples who want a well-rounded collection of images that reflect both the emotions and beauty of their big day.
When to Choose a Hybrid Style
A hybrid approach is ideal if you appreciate a mix of styles and don’t want to limit yourself to just one. It’s perfect for couples who want variety in their wedding photos, with a balance between classic portraits and natural, unposed moments.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Wedding Photography Style
When selecting your wedding photography style, it’s important to consider your personality as a couple and the atmosphere you want to create on your wedding day. Each photography style has its own strengths and is best suited for different couples and their preferences.
Your Wedding Day Vision
Think about the overall feel of your wedding day. If you’re planning a traditional ceremony with formal attire, traditional wedding photography may complement your day perfectly. However, if you’re having a laid-back, relaxed wedding with a focus on candid moments, photojournalistic photography might be more suited to your needs.
Finding the Right Photographer
It’s essential to find a photographer whose style aligns with your vision. Look through portfolios and meet with potential photographers to discuss their approach to wedding photography. This will give you a better understanding of what to expect and help ensure your style preferences are taken into account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between traditional and documentary wedding photography?
Traditional wedding photography focuses on posed, formal shots, while documentary wedding photography captures candid moments as they happen, telling a story of the day.
How do I know which photography style is best for me?
Consider the type of wedding you’re having and what moments you want to focus on. If you prefer candid shots and storytelling, documentary photography may be the best fit. If you like structured, formal portraits, traditional photography is ideal.
Can I mix different photography styles?
Yes, many couples choose a hybrid approach, combining elements of traditional, documentary, and fine art photography to create a balanced collection of wedding photos.
Conclusion
Understanding wedding photography styles is essential when choosing how to capture your big day. From the timeless elegance of traditional photography to the storytelling approach of documentary photography, each style offers something unique.
Whether you prefer posed portraits or candid shots, selecting the right style will help ensure that your wedding photos reflect your personality and the emotions of the day. By carefully considering your preferences and working with a photographer who understands your vision, you can create an album that will serve as a lasting reminder of your special occasion.