For Photographers
From Classic to Candid: Navigating Through Wedding Photography Styles
From classic to candid, we uncover wedding photography styles to help you find the perfect match to capture the timeless memories of your special day.
From classic to candid, we uncover wedding photography styles to help you find the perfect match to capture the timeless memories of your special day.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event that deserves to be captured beautifully. With so many wedding photography styles available, finding the perfect one to encapsulate your love story can be overwhelming. [1] [2] [3] From traditional poses to candid moments, the right approach will create cherished memories that transport you back to the joy and emotions of your special day.
This comprehensive guide will explore the nuances of wedding photography styles, equipping you to make an informed decision. [4] [6] We'll delve into classic portraiture, contemporary photojournalism, and everything in between, ensuring your wedding photos authentically reflect your personalities and the spirit of your celebration. [7] [8] [9] By understanding the differences between approaches like documentary, editorial, and fine art, you can find the perfect fit for your dream portraits, candids, and memorable moments.
The term "editorial" in the context of wedding photography refers to a style that aims to tell the story of your special day in a glamorous yet authentic manner. Editorial wedding photography captures moments, the atmosphere, emotions, and even the soul of the day. [13]
One of the foremost characteristics of editorial wedding photos is their storytelling capability. Through creative framing and sequencing, the professional photographer unveils the narrative of your wedding day, capturing everything from the high energy to the quiet, intimate moments. [13] Editorial photography styles are not just about taking pictures; they set the mood and atmosphere of your wedding day. The choice of lighting, angles, and even post-production edits contribute to the overall experience. [13]
The focus of an editorial bridal shoot is not just on the couple but also on capturing the essence and emotions of the day. Every laugh, tear, and spontaneous hug is caught in a way that tells a more rounded story of your day. [13] Magazine-worthy shots are often the result of impeccable lighting and post-production. Good lighting plays a crucial role in editorial-style engagement photos and wedding shots, making them look like they belong in a high-fashion magazine. [13]
Unlike traditional styles, where poses might be stiff, editorial-style wedding photographers focus on natural or gently guided poses. This approach adds authenticity to the photos, making them more relatable and timeless. [13] Editorial wedding photography also emphasises detail shots, such as bridal gowns, accessories, and decor. These could easily be featured in high-fashion magazine ads, adding another layer of storytelling to your big day. [13]
Editorial wedding photographers are looking to make the couple look as glamorous as possible – effectively to make them look like models for the day, and their photography tends to be heavily fashion inspired. [14] Editorial often best suits the fashionista bride, the avid readers of vogue and vanity fair – if you love poring over the photos in those mags and dream of being on those glossy pages yourself then editorial wedding photography is probably the style you'll most connect with. [14]
As you might expect with magazine-like images, editorial photographers tend to focus more on posed imagery than documentary moments. [14] Their wedding work is often accompanied in their portfolio by lots of "styled shoots" – photo-shoots set as if taking place at a wedding but actually carefully orchestrated and often using real models to show off wedding products as well as showcase their own work. [14]
Editorial wedding images tend to be quite soft and bright, partly to soften skin tones and remove blemishes in- camera, but also to help to create a very even look and draw the eye straight to the image. [14] Editorial wedding photographers tend to prefer to shoot in bright, natural light to create the most flattering image and use it as a tool to capture great beauty in the most beautiful way possible. [14]
This is a contemporary take on what was a more traditional practice; portrait sessions with the couple on their wedding day. It can be as simple as a gentle direction to going for a little walk together whilst I shoot, and it is about ensuring that all of the elements of the image look their best. [20] Deliberate decisions on posing, lighting and background are what create a great directed photograph and is a key element my style of wedding photography. [20]
For certain couples who really love the WOW shots, I salute you. I think everybody deserves a little self-indulgence now and then, and to have something a bit special. Imagine having that one magical shot to look back on in decades time, something timeless to pass on. [20] This type of photograph can require an elaborate set up, but don't worry, you stay in comfort whilst we do the set up! [20]
Photojournalistic wedding photography is an unposed and undirected visual narrative of your wedding day. True wedding photojournalists have an unobtrusive presence that allows them to capture unstaged moments without interfering in their creation or altering the scene. [16]
The results are a truly timeless photographic representation of your wedding day, its spirit, your love and union, and the wonderful cast of characters that are your family and close friends. [16] Contrary to popular belief, most photojournalistic wedding photographers are more than willing to accommodate requests for formal and group portraits. [16]
Photojournalistic wedding photography is not about the categorical rejection of posed portraiture. Portraits are important; however, they should neither define nor monopolise your wedding experience. [16] A handful of great pictures is more than enough for almost everyone. Instead, use the time you will save not being your photographer's puppet to enjoy yourselves on your wedding day! [16]
My preferred approach is to roam through the crowd while carefully observing people. I'm on the prowl for interesting characters—people with a strong presence, compelling style, and other attention-catching quirks—and dynamic relationships as set against the backdrop of the decorative designs you've worked so hard to realise. [16]
Wedding photojournalism may not be every photographer's style of shooting, and you may not even agree with it, but it's undoubtedly a beautiful way to capture your couple's special day. [18] Photojournalism is about documenting moments as they unfold without interrupting the moment. And similarly, wedding photojournalism is about going beyond the critical moments of a wedding and capturing moments just as they are. [18]
One of the most important aspects of wedding photojournalism is letting your couples be who they are. And not just your couples. Everyone you photograph should be allowed to be who they are when you photograph them. [18] If you are putting them in poses they are not comfortable with or asking them to do something that's just not them, it's probably going to reflect in their body language and in your images too. [18]
To gain access to moments that make up the most powerful photojournalistic photos, you need to be trustworthy. [18] These photos are not just for you or your couple. Years down the road, their kids or their grandkids will also see these photos, and when they see a picture of your groom looking at his bride for the first time or your couple just sharing a sweet, candid moment together, they'll go, 'Man! Mom and dad really are soul mates.' [18] When you don't judge and give people the permission to be themselves, make their wedding day their own, they will trust you to narrate their stories. Wedding photojournalism is all about storytelling by capturing real moments, and for that, your clients need to be able to trust you. [18]
The first look, the first kiss, the grand entry, the send-off – these are moments that every wedding has. And yes, it's absolutely crucial to get these photos, but if you are photographing the wedding as a photojournalist, you must be mindful of the different types of moments that happen in between things. [18] You have to be ready as things unfold. You might take a photo of the bride all dressed up and prepared to leave for the ceremony, and right as you take that shot, her sister might crack a joke, or her mother might say something nostalgic, and you might miss her reaction simply because you got her full bridal portrait and thought that was it. You have got to be ready at any and all times. [18]
As a wedding photographer, you may be used to creating a shot list and following that through a wedding. And of course, that might work for you, and it does work for most weddings. But if you are going to use photojournalism techniques at a wedding, you have to go beyond the key moments and find those little moments in between that show who your clients are. [18] And this is where that comfort level comes into play. If they are comfortable with you, if your clients trust you, then they will feel like they have the permission to show you who they really are, and the same goes for their family members. [18]
How many wedding blogs make you laugh out loud? [19] What do you want from your wedding album – a beautifully styled and presented coffee table book? …Or a feast of memories of you with your friends and family, laughing, smiling and doing all the wonderful and crazy things you love them for? [19]
Because don't you think a wedding is a day to just love to bits? To fill and overwhelm your world view with happiness and companionship and a rollercoaster ride of emotion so bright you'll remember it forever? [19] If you want those images which will bring back the day as if it were yesterday, make you laugh and cry and grin and truly, heartfully enjoy your wedding memories, then you should be looking for wedding photography with a sense of humour. [19]
For me, wedding photography is about emotions, feelings and connections. To be really drawn into an image you have to feel close to the subject(s) and this comes from having something to latch onto beyond the superficial prettiness of an image. [19] Great photos draw you in and make you feel part of the moment. If you take this a step further, laughter (humour), as Victor Borge quoted is 'the shortest distance between two people', and for me is just another of the essential emotions that pull you into a wedding image and make you feel like you were part of the moment. [19]
Humour is integral to our photography. Our couples often book us on our humorous imagery and it is simply how we see the world. [19] People often focus mostly on the prettiness of weddings but to us the best thing about a wedding is everyone coming together and just having fun and joking around together. We see funny and comical moments at every wedding and try to make those the lifeblood of our images because if we can capture that sense of fun, of everyone having a great time together with a little spark of humour and spontaneity we can really capture the heart, feeling and soul of the wedding. [19]
You have to stay true to the day, capturing the moments as the wedding story unfolds. There will be moments of emotion: laughter, tears, awkwardness and humour – and as a documentary wedding photographer I capture all of those. [19] It's important for me to be open minded and to shoot unobtrusively through moments which can even be a little uncomfortable – because this means the images will give a true representation of the wedding with everything captured: sense of humour included. [19]
Personally I think wedding photography with a sense of humour is the best kind of wedding photography – it goes beyond prettiness, details and portraits to another layer of narrative that reveals the genuine joy and quirks of the characters that make your day unique to the two of you. [19] Humour is present at every wedding, whether it being something gentle like the Bride and her entourage sharing a giggle, or the Groom laughing hilariously from his roasting by his Best Man. [19]
These moments being obvious happenings that only need an attentive photographer with quick reactions to capture. Higher levels of humorous refinement can then be explored according to your photographer's particular 'taste' in humour. [19] Capturing a picture that contains sarcasm or irony, from inappropriate signage, inappropriate behaviour, or a clever choice of composition and angles framing the subject. There are so many things can inject humour into an image. [19]
A shared taste of humour is often something that attracts clients. Those that don't take themselves too seriously, along with those who see their entire wedding guests as being fair game in font of the lens when capturing their wedding day story. [19] One of the most common pieces of marriage advice I hear is to marry someone you can laugh with. This couldn't be more true! [19] Many people envisage their own version of a perfect wedding, but perfection just doesn't happen. Life gets in the way, us humans all being imperfect – unplanned things happen and a good sense of humour keeps the day flowing! [19] Anything can happen within a wedding, the wedding has its own life force: having photographers present means it's all fair game. [19]
If you can laugh at anything and everything, your wedding is going to be a cracking day rich in colour and depth. Capturing it will be fun, creative and a pleasure for a photographer sharing a similarly wicked sense of humour! [19] As a photographer I'm always looking for those little moments that make your day unique, and the funny moments that you'll look back on and laugh at for years to come! [19]
Having a sense of humour is essential as a wedding photographer for many reasons. As a documentary photographer you need to be totally absorbed in the day, to be a part of it, to appreciate and recognise those humorous moments, perhaps even before they happen. [19] A wedding should always be filled with fun and laughter, and the best way to capture this in my mind is by being in the middle of it, and encouraging those moments along. When guests see you are having fun too, they will often be even more playful. [19]
Creating a shot list is a common practice in traditional wedding photography. It helps ensure that all the essential moments and desired group photos are captured on your special day. [4] [6] Here are some key elements to consider including in your must-have shot list:
While this list covers many traditional must-have shots, it's essential to communicate with your photographer about any specific requests or unique moments you want to capture. [4] Providing them with a personalized shot list ensures that your wedding day is documented according to your preferences.
Family and group photos are an integral part of traditional wedding photography. These shots serve as cherished mementos, capturing the essence of your loved ones on your special day. Here's a comprehensive list of common group photo combinations:
To ensure an efficient and stress-free experience, it's recommended to provide your photographer with a list of desired group photo combinations in advance. [26] Additionally, designating a friend or family member to assist in gathering and organizing the groups can streamline the process. [25]
While traditional group photos often follow a more formal, posed style, your photographer may also capture candid moments and creative variations to add a personal touch to these cherished memories. [25]
Film photography has experienced a resurgence in recent years, offering a unique and timeless aesthetic for capturing wedding memories. [28] [29] Here are some key aspects of film photography that make it a popular choice for traditional wedding photography:
While film photography may come with a higher investment, it offers a unique and timeless aesthetic that resonates with couples seeking a more traditional and authentic approach to their wedding photography. [28] [29]
It's important to note that film photographers often combine their craft with digital techniques, especially in low-light situations, resulting in a "hybrid" approach that blends the best of both worlds. [28]
"Light and airy" photography is a style characterised by bright, soft, and airy images with minimal shadows and contrast. [31] [32] [37] [38] [40] This style often features light, pastel-coloured subjects bathed in natural light, creating a dreamy and ethereal ambiance. [31] [37] [40] The colours are typically desaturated and lean towards cooler tones, giving the images a crisp and clean appearance. [38] [41]
To achieve the light and airy look, photographers utilise low-contrast lighting and flat lighting techniques to soften and minimise shadows. [44] This approach not only creates a soft, romantic feel but also helps minimise the appearance of blemishes and imperfections. [44] Additionally, the post-production process plays a crucial role in enhancing the light and airy aesthetic by adjusting exposure, contrast, and colour grading. [31] [38]
In contrast to the light and airy style, "dark and moody" photography embraces rich, deep colours and dramatic shadows. [31] [32] [37] [38] [41] These images often feature deep, warm tones and earthy hues, creating a sense of mystery and emotion. [31] [38] [41] The use of chiaroscuro lighting, with stark contrasts between light and dark areas, adds depth and dimension to the photographs. [34]
Dark and moody photography can evoke a range of emotions, from romance and intimacy to power and intensity. [44] Photographers may intentionally underexpose their images or use artificial lighting to create dramatic shadows and highlight specific elements within the frame. [32] [34] [38] This style is particularly well-suited for capturing the ambiance of candlelit venues or outdoor scenes during golden hour. [34]
"True to life" photography, also known as "natural" or "classic" photography, aims to capture scenes as they appear to the human eye. [37] [38] [39] [41] This style prioritises accurate colour representation, proper exposure, and a balanced contrast ratio, resulting in images that feel authentic and timeless. [38] [39] [41]
True-to-life photography avoids excessive editing or stylistic enhancements, instead focusing on showcasing the genuine beauty of the subjects and their surroundings. [38] [39] Skin tones appear natural, and colours are neither overly saturated nor desaturated, creating a sense of realism and relatability. [38] [39] This approach ensures that the photographs will stand the test of time and remain visually appealing for years to come. [38]
The "vibrant & punchy" style is characterised by bold, saturated colours and high contrast, creating images that exude energy and vibrancy. [37] [40] [41] This approach often involves enhancing the contrast and saturation levels during post-production, resulting in images that appear more vivid and striking than their true-to-life counterparts. [37] [40] [41]
Vibrant and punchy photographs tend to have a joyful and lively feel, capturing the excitement and energy of the wedding day. [37] [40] [41] This style can be particularly effective for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, where the rich colours of nature can be accentuated and celebrated. [41]
"Cinematic" photography draws inspiration from the art of cinematography, aiming to create images that evoke the same sense of depth, emotion, and storytelling as a movie scene. This style often incorporates dramatic lighting, rich colours, and a moody ambiance, resulting in powerful and evocative images.
Cinematic wedding photography may involve the use of artificial lighting, such as off-camera flashes or continuous lighting setups, to create striking shadows and highlights. [44] Post-production techniques, such as colour grading and selective editing, can further enhance the cinematic feel, adding depth and dimension to the images. [44] This style is particularly well-suited for capturing intimate moments, emotional expressions, and the overall atmosphere of the wedding day. [44]
The world of wedding photography encompasses a rich tapestry of styles, each capturing the essence of a couple's love story in its own unique way. From the timeless elegance of traditional portraiture to the candid spontaneity of photojournalism, this comprehensive guide has explored the nuances and artistic approaches that define modern wedding photography.
By understanding the distinctive characteristics of styles like documentary, editorial, and fine art, couples can find the perfect visual narrative to encapsulate the emotions, connections, and cherished moments of their special day. Whether drawn to the whimsical allure of light and airy imagery or the dramatic depth of dark and moody tones, this journey through the realms of wedding photography empowers couples to curate a collection of images that authentically reflects their personalities and the spirit of their celebration.
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