There are a number of wedding photography styles to choose from. Each type is very different from the next. For this reason, it is important to consider your options carefully before making a final decision. The style you choose should suit you and your wedding day perfectly. Additionally, photographs of your marriage are long-lasting visual records of your special day so you must pick a style that will make you content for years to come. To help you make the right decision, here is a guide to the main features of each wedding photography style.
The documentary style
Documentary, or reportage, wedding photography has risen in popularity in recent years. This method of taking photos focuses on capturing natural and spontaneous shots of the bride, groom and their guests that tell a story of the day. The documentary style is less concerned with posed scenes. Rather, it concentrates on emotional and honest shots of people talking, laughing, dancing and generally enjoying the day.
Many professionals throughout the country, including Telluride wedding photographers, specialize in documentary style photography. One thing to note about this style is that it can make some people uncomfortable if they feel like they are being snapped without warning. You may wish to inform your guests in advance of your wedding day and encourage your photographer to be as unobtrusive and discreet as possible.
The modern style
Modern wedding photography is all about creativity and cutting edge images. Although the photographer will artistically direct, the photos will look less posed than traditional wedding shots. The photographer will search for visually interesting photo opportunities. He or she will play with the lighting, focus, and backgrounds.
This style would not suit couples who are looking for an honest account of the day. This version of wedding photography involves a lot of creative input from the photographer, both during the day and in editing post-wedding with Lightroom Presets. This style would appeal to couples who want their wedding photos to look like they belong in a magazine.
The traditional style
Traditional wedding photography is the style you will probably be most familiar with. It involves the photographer directing strategically posed group and intimate shots of the bride and groom, their family, and their guests. This style produces classic photographs that, providing you have found a good wedding photographer, you can’t really go wrong with.
The main disadvantage of traditional wedding photos is that they focus on the people present at the wedding, rather than the atmosphere and emotions felt on the day. Additionally, posing for pictures can a great deal of time, especially at a large wedding.
Mix and match styles?
Brides and grooms should note that it may be possible to have photos taken in more than one of these styles. For example, many documentary wedding photographers are more than willing to take some traditional, posed shots as well. Discuss with your photographer the options that are available to you.
We hope you find this guide helpful in choosing the perfect photography style for your wedding day.
