Choosing a wedding photographer can be difficult. However, asking the photographer ‘what is your wedding photography style’ is an important question. You may love their posing and angles of subjects, but not necessarily like their editing style. There are lots of photography ‘buzz’ words, such as ‘documentary’, ‘traditional’, and ‘lifestyle’. These may mean something different to the client, and to each photographer also. Personally, ‘photography styles’ mean a mixture of things; use of light, direction of photographer (are they using emotion to tell a story?), editing the images, and I also believe personality plays a huge role. All this creates a ‘brand’ that as the client, you must connect with.
Let’s look at some of the buzz words associated with wedding photography styles:
Traditional or Classic Wedding Photography
This style of photography is characterized by a very formal approach. The images are usually highly posed and will require a good deal of intervention from the photographer (unless the bride and groom are experienced models and know how to pose!):
- The photographer will work to a time line with specific shots being organized at specific times.
- The photographer organizes individuals into posed groups to produce a set of traditional wedding images.
- For modern brides, sometimes the results can appear very stiff and rigid, and so fail to fully convey the fun and real emotions that are part of many ceremonies.
- However, many modern photographers can include elements of classic wedding photography successfully. Modernizing a classic pose can help retain a timeless feel and prevent photos from becoming dated too quickly.
Contemporary or Modern Wedding Photography
A more informal and relaxed approach by the photographer. This can result in a greater level of spontaneity, including some of the more formal elements.
- This style is likely to produce a unique record of your day.
- The photographer will search for unique backdrops and settings so no two weddings will look the same.
Documentary Wedding Photography
Characterized by a hands-off approach by the photographer who will record spontaneous moments as they happen. Much of the time the photographer will be in the background; you may not even be aware of their presence! There will be very little in the way of posing or organizing of individuals and groups.
- This style produces a very candid record of your wedding with a high proportion of unusual shots that you probably would not expect from traditional styles.
- It’s great for brides and grooms who do not want to be aware of their photographer on the day, and who definitely don’t like posing or staging.
- The drawback is that you simply cannot be sure what you may get in the end!
- Some say this style of photography requires a greater skill than any other style, to be able to anticipate moments before they happen and be ready to capture them as quickly as they disappear.
Lifestyle Photography
Lifestyle photography is candid, but with some gentle direction and styling. The photographer will look for real moments but also set the scene.
- This style is free flowing. It can be a blend of photography styles to create a portfolio that is unique to you and your styles and personalities.
- The photographer may gently influence the scene by removing distracting items, re-position where the subject is sitting for optimum composition and use of available light, encourage certain interactions between subjects, etc.
High Fashion | Editorial
This style is usual for commercial photographers. I believe they excel at creating striking, simple photographs that dramatize the subject. Though not a style generally included in wedding photography, if you’re after artsy and glamorous whilst showing off your dress, with limited candid moments, this style is perfect for you.
Fine Art Wedding Photography
My vague interpretation is that fine art wedding photographers are actively creating art while capturing the story of your day. Every moment has the potential to turn into a photograph that could be a standalone piece in an art gallery.
So, where do I fit in to this list of wedding photography styles? I’m not exclusive to one style, although I do veer towards a mixture of lifestyle and traditional. I prefer to do more ‘formal’ images for group shots straight after the ceremony, then I encourage more lifestyle for the bridal portraits. It all depends on my clients, plus the location of their wedding, the number of guests, the weather, etc. A good photographer can offer a number of styles based on their clients needs and wants.