Wedding Photography Styles: Find the right style for you!

Below is a description of common wedding photography styles. Treat this content as one interpretation and be sure to ask prospective photographers how they define their style, then evaluate whether their style suits your taste, regardless of how they define it.

When shopping for a wedding photographer, you need to distinguish between over-exaggerated marketing and reality by reviewing their wedding photographs from one or more weddings.

Wedding Photojournalism

Wedding Photojournalism is a series of candid photographs covering the entire day's events; a unique set of photographs designed to narrate the wedding day. One drawback is that the resulting images are can be unpredictable because there is no pre-planned "shot list". Since wedding photojournalism is typically shot under ambient (existing) light, the resulting photographs could be unpredictable in the hands of an inexperienced photographer and/or inferior equipment that can not handle low-light situations. Some couples later wish they had selected a more traditional style with posed portraits for their wedding album and to satisfy their parents preference for more traditional wedding photography.

Traditional wedding photography

Traditional wedding photography is a series of setup or posed photographs at key points at the ceremony and reception. One benefit of this style is that the photographer typically follows a 'shot list'; specific poses are photographed as part of the process. One disadvantage of traditional wedding photography is that the photographer acts as a "wedding official", by directing the wedding party and guests according to a check list. Traditional wedding photography is usually time consuming and can be rigid; the bride and groom end up spending less time with guests and more time in front of a camera. The photographs can look visually pleasing, but predictable.

Illustrative wedding photography

Illustrative wedding photography is a more creative process; the photographer employs design elements by placing their subjects in settings of interesting composition, backgrounds, and good use lighting. The photographer encourages the couple, bridal party, and guests to interact. This results in a more spontaneous feel. Illustrative wedding photography will show the photographer's artistic, creative, and compositional skills rather than simply capturing a series of moments.

Conclusion

Arm yourself with knowledge upfront, then visit several wedding photography studios. Talk to the wedding photographers and view their photographs, while asking questions. Don't let the photography displays, advertisements, and marketing buzzwords misguide you; listen to what the photographers are telling you and let the photographs confirm what you heard. Look at a full set of photographs for a wedding to get the full perspective. If you are impressed immediately by a photographer's style you are starting to make progress!