Planning a wedding is a monumental task, with countless decisions to make. One of the most crucial choices you'll face is selecting the right photography style to capture your special day. With so many styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which one will best suit your vision. In this post, we'll explore various wedding photography styles and offer tips to help you find the perfect fit for your big day.
Understanding Different Wedding Photography Styles
Traditional/Classical
Characteristics: Posed shots, formal portraits, and a focus on key moments (e.g., first kiss, cake cutting).
Ideal For: Couples who want timeless, classic images that will stand the test of time.
Photojournalistic/Documentary
Characteristics: Candid, unposed shots that capture genuine emotions and moments as they happen.
Ideal For: Couples who prefer a natural, authentic representation of their wedding day.
Fine Art
Characteristics: Artistic and creative compositions, often with a focus on lighting and detail. Images may have a soft, dreamy quality.
Ideal For: Couples who appreciate art and want their wedding photos to look like works of art.
Editorial/Fashion
Characteristics: High-end, magazine-style images with a focus on styling, lighting, and dramatic poses.
Ideal For: Couples who want glamorous, stylized photos that look like they belong in a fashion magazine.
Lifestyle
Characteristics: A blend of documentary and traditional styles, with a focus on capturing the story of the day in a natural, yet slightly directed way.
Ideal For: Couples who want a mix of candid and posed shots with a relaxed, natural feel.
How to Choose the Right Style for Your Wedding
Consider Your Personal Style and Preferences
Think about what type of photos you are naturally drawn to. Do you prefer candid shots or posed portraits? Do you love artistic, dreamy images or sleek, high-fashion looks?
Reflect on Your Wedding Theme and Venue
The style of your wedding can influence the photography style that will best complement it. A rustic, outdoor wedding might pair well with a documentary or lifestyle approach, while a glamorous ballroom wedding might suit an editorial style.
Look at Photographer Portfolios
Spend time browsing portfolios of different photographers. Look for consistency in their style and see if their work resonates with you. Don’t be afraid to ask to see full wedding galleries to get a comprehensive view of their work.
Consider Your Budget
Some photography styles, like fine art or editorial, may require more time and resources to achieve, which can affect the cost. Make sure to discuss pricing and packages with your photographer to ensure it aligns with your budget.
Think About How You Want to Remember Your Day
Ultimately, your wedding photos are a lasting memory of your special day. Choose a style that will bring you joy and evoke the emotions you felt on your wedding day every time you look at them.
Choosing the perfect wedding photography style is a personal decision that reflects your unique love story. By understanding the different styles and considering your preferences, you can ensure that your wedding photos will be a beautiful and cherished reminder of your special day.
VENDORS: Planner: Custom Love Gifts and Events / @customlovegifts
Lead Planner: Lush / @lush.customlove
Venue: Hiwassee River Weddings and Events / @hiwasseeriverweddings
Photographer: Linkes Photography / @linkesphotography
Florist: Athens Flower Shop / @athens_flower_shop
Catering: High Haute / @highhautefoods
DJ: DJT3 / @deejayt3
Bartender: Vital Event Services / @vitaleventservices
Hair + Makeup: Veil Beauty Collective / @veilbeautycollective
Rentals: Selfie Stop / @selfiestopbooth
Transportation: Tennessee Luxury Coaches / @tennesseeluxurycoaches