There are so many beautiful parts to a wedding –the dress, the flowers, the cake, the décor at the venue. You put a lot of time into picking out just the right things to make your big day special, which is why hiring the right photographer is so important. The day will pass by in a blur, but photographs help the memories last forever.
Before you take the plunge and hire a wedding photographer, it is important to figure out what you want from your wedding day. No doubt you’ve been looking at a lot of different pictures from many different weddings, from magazines full of wedding dresses to Instagram posts of friends who got married to websites and blogs that make up your Pinterest idea board.
While you’re looking at all of those photos to find ideas for what kind of cake you want and the types of flowers you might use, keep the type of photography in the back of your mind as well. What are you attracted to as far as style of photos? Do you like stylized pictures or more candid shots?
Also, pay attention to where the photos are taken. Are they outside, with big landscapes full of mountains or the beach in the background? Or maybe you like pictures of the bridal party inside, showcasing your venue.
Style of Photography
Understanding the basics of what you like and don’t like will help you know which style of photography you want to go with. There are a few common styles of photography popular for weddings.
Traditional. You are probably familiar with this style if you’ve looked through your parents’ photo albums. Traditional photos at a wedding consist of classic poses – the bridal party lined up in front of the venue, the bride and groom with each side of the family, and the bride and groom cutting the cake. This style is a bit formal when put up against the other types of photography, but one benefit is they stand the test of time.
Photojournalistic. If you’re hoping to catch spontaneous moments with fun, candid shots, this is the style you’re looking for. Think of it as a documentary of your big day. It’s a great style for people looking for photos that catch those “in-between” moments such as a stolen kiss, your parents laughing, or a sentimental moment between the bride and maid of honor.
Lifestyle. Combine the traditional posed look with the spontaneity of the photojournalistic style and you have the lifestyle type photos. These are posed shots, but the photographer stages it to look more candid.
Editorial. These are the types of photos you often see in magazines. They’re more focused on an object or subject rather than the surroundings. It’s as if you’re the star of your own photo shoot. Photographers using this style will focus a lot on lighting and posing.
Fine Art. Similar to the editorial style in that the focus is on the subject, but with a light and airy feel. This type of photography is known for its bright sunlight and blown-out skies, making it a good choice for outdoor weddings.
Once you know what type of photography you like, it’s time to look for a photographer. Check out our blog for tips on how to find the right photographer to document your wedding.
Photo credit: @ktscapturephotography
