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Wedding Photography Styles: Choosing the Right Photographer for Your Vision

Updated: Aug 3

Bride and groom just married
Blue Lace Wedding Photography

Your wedding day symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in your life, a day filled with love, joy, and cherished moments that you will want to remember forever. In the vast sea of wedding photographers, finding the perfect match for your special day can be a daunting task. It's not merely about hiring someone with a fancy camera; it's about entrusting a professional to immortalize your most intimate moments in a way that resonates with your unique style and vision.


Wedding photography styles vary widely, from traditional and classic to modern and artistic. Understanding these different styles can help you narrow down your search for the ideal photographer. Traditional wedding photography focuses on posed portraits and group shots, capturing the essence of formal elegance. On the other hand, photojournalistic or documentary-style photography aims to tell a story through candid and un-posed images, capturing the raw emotions and genuine moments as they unfold.


When selecting a wedding photographer, consider their portfolio to see if their style aligns with your preferences. Look for consistency in their work, paying attention to lighting, composition, and editing techniques. Meet with potential photographers to discuss your vision for the day and ensure that you feel comfortable with them, as a good rapport can make a significant difference in the outcome of your wedding photos.


Remember, your wedding photos will serve as timeless mementos of your special day, so investing in a skilled and experienced photographer is paramount. By taking the time to understand different photography styles and carefully selecting a professional whose vision resonates with yours, you can ensure that your wedding memories are captured beautifully for years to come.


Groom and groomsmen on a hill
Jessica B. Photography

1. Traditional Photography

Traditional wedding photography, also known as classic or posed photography, emphasizes carefully orchestrated shots of key moments and formal portraits.


Ideal For: Couples who want a timeless, elegant look with lots of posed family and bridal party photos.


Characteristics:

  • Staged poses and settings

  • Formal group shots

  • Emphasis on key moments (first kiss, cake cutting)

Pros:

  • Guarantees coverage of all significant moments

  • Produces classic, timeless images

Cons:

  • Can feel a bit rigid or less spontaneous


Ring security at wedding pulling flower girl in wagon
Wandering Heart Photography

2. Photojournalistic Photography

Photojournalistic or documentary photography captures candid, natural moments throughout the day. The photographer focuses on storytelling, documenting the wedding as it unfolds without much interference.


Ideal For: Couples who prefer a more relaxed approach and want their wedding photos to tell a story.


Characteristics:

  • Candid, un-posed shots

  • Emphasis on emotion and natural interactions

  • Minimal photographer intervention

Pros:

  • Captures genuine emotions and moments

  • Provides a more relaxed experience for the couple and guests

Cons:

  • May miss some traditional posed shots


Wedding couple full moon photo
Icarus Photography

3. Fine Art Photography

Fine art wedding photography combines the principles of traditional photography with an artistic, creative approach. Photographers use light, composition, and unique perspectives to create visually stunning images.


Ideal For: Couples who appreciate artistic photography and want their wedding photos to be creative and visually striking.


Characteristics:

  • Artistic compositions and lighting

  • Emphasis on beauty and aesthetics

  • Use of creative techniques and angles

Pros:

  • Produces unique, artistic images

  • High visual impact

Cons:

  • May involve more posed shots and setup


4. Lifestyle Photography

Photos captured by Emma Leigh Photography


Lifestyle wedding photography is a blend of candid and posed shots, capturing moments in a natural, yet somewhat styled manner. It's about creating a relaxed atmosphere and capturing authentic interactions.


Ideal For: Couples who want a mix of candid and posed photos, but in a more natural and relaxed style.


Characteristics:

  • Natural, candid moments

  • Lightly posed shots

  • Focus on interactions and emotions

Pros:

  • Captures a range of moments and emotions

  • More natural and relaxed than traditional photography

Cons:

  • May require some direction from the photographer


5. Editorial Photography

Photos captured by Tall & Small Photography, Wandering Heart Photography, Von Film Co.,


Editorial wedding photography is inspired by fashion and magazine shoots. It often features dramatic lighting, stylish poses, and a high level of creativity.


Ideal For: Couples who want their wedding photos to look like they belong in a high-end fashion magazine.


Characteristics:

  • Stylish, posed shots

  • High attention to detail and styling

  • Creative use of lighting and settings

Pros:

  • Produces glamorous, high-fashion images

  • Great for couples who love style and drama

Cons:

  • Can be time-consuming and require more setup


Wedding party dancing on the dance floor
Wandering Heart Photography

Tips for Choosing the Right Photographer


1. Identify Your Style: Start by identifying which photography style resonates with you and your partner. Look at different photographers' portfolios to see which style you’re drawn to.


2. Set a Budget: Determine your budget for wedding photography and find photographers within that range. Keep in mind that quality often correlates with price.


3. Meet in Person: Schedule meetings or calls with potential photographers to discuss your vision and see if you have a good rapport. Chemistry with your photographer can make a big difference in the final product.


4. Check References and Reviews: Read reviews and ask for references to get a sense of the photographer’s reliability and professionalism.


5. Ask About Packages and Deliverables: Ensure you understand what is included in the photography package. Ask about the number of hours of coverage, the number of edited photos you’ll receive, and any additional services like albums or prints.


6. Review Contracts Carefully: Read the contract thoroughly to understand the terms and conditions, including payment schedules, cancellation policies, and rights to the images.


Photographer/Videographer capturing the moment
Laura Peterson Photography

Choosing the right wedding photographer is a crucial step in ensuring your big day is captured beautifully and authentically. By understanding the different photography styles—such as traditional/classical, photojournalistic/documentary, and fine art—you can find a photographer who aligns with your vision.


It's important to recognize that most photographers have a versatile approach, incorporating elements from each of these styles to create a comprehensive portfolio. However, many photographers tend to lean heavily in one direction or another. For example, a photographer who specializes in traditional/classical photography may focus on posed and formal shots, but they can still capture candid moments and add artistic touches. Conversely, a photojournalistic photographer primarily captures spontaneous, natural interactions, yet they can also provide beautifully composed and stylized images.


When choosing your photographer, take the time to review their portfolio to understand their predominant style and how they integrate other techniques. Schedule a consultation to discuss your preferences and ensure they can adapt to your specific needs and vision. By doing so, you can find a photographer who will bring your vision to life and provide you with timeless memories to cherish forever.


Happy planning!


 
Christina Rockett and Michele Suttile, Co-owners of SYWPEvents

Christina Rockett is a seasoned professional in the world of wedding planning and event coordination, bringing her passion for creating unforgettable experiences to every celebration she orchestrates. As the co-owner and lead wedding planner of Sincerely Yours Wedding and Premier Events, Christina oversees the planning and execution of weddings with precision, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.


With years of experience in the wedding industry, Christina has honed her skills in designing and coordinating weddings that reflect the unique style and personalities of each couple she works with. From intimate ceremonies to lavish affairs, she approaches every event with meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for design, ensuring that every aspect of the celebration is executed flawlessly.


Christina's dedication to her craft extends beyond the logistics of wedding planning; she understands the emotional significance of the occasion and strives to create a stress-free and enjoyable experience for her clients. Her warm demeanor, calm demeanor, and exceptional organizational skills put couples at ease, allowing them to fully enjoy their special day with confidence and peace of mind.


In addition to her role as a wedding planner, Christina is deeply involved in the wedding community, staying abreast of the latest trends, innovations, and industry developments. She is passionate about continuing education and professional development, constantly seeking new ways to elevate her craft and exceed her clients' expectations.


When she's not busy planning weddings, Christina can be found exploring new venues, attending industry events, or spending quality time (usually on the soccer fields) with her family and friends. She is dedicated to making each wedding she plans a truly memorable and magical experience, and she looks forward to bringing her clients' wedding dreams to life.




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