A Photographer and Specific Styles
Picking a wedding photographer is definitely one of the biggest challenges ahead of you as you begin planning for your big day. Some couples will start on this task early, hoping to use the same artist for both engagement pictures and actual wedding-day photos. While it might seem like picking the photographer is the main goal, you actually want to linger a bit on aesthetics. Though there is a general “wedding photo” vibe you can go for, some couples prefer having a look that fits their unique personalities.
From the whimsical to the bizarre, selecting a photo style can help you in more ways than one. Consider these tips and find a look that works for you.
Why This Matters
First and foremost, you might be curious why the style of your photos matters. While it might not be a crucial component for all couples, many people want control. Beyond this, choosing an engagement photographer can actually help you with planning for your wedding. If you’re stuck on a particular aesthetic for your event, finding a photographer with a style that appeals to you can help you form a plan for the theme of your wedding.
A Traditional Photographer and The Traditional Route
Perhaps the most popular option couples select is the traditional style. This means that the pictures are all posed, typically in a manner that resembles classic portraiture. A majority of the pictures will be staged, usually with various combinations of the couple, the wedding party, and key relatives. All pictures that follow a traditional path will not have the exact same aesthetic, however, as the overall vibe of wedding pictures changes each year as new trends appear and old fads fade away.
The Emotional Path
By nature, a wedding is an emotional event. It makes sense that couples want to capture this in their photos. Staged pictures can’t always cut to the heart of the day’s meaning, especially when you’re trying to sit and smile with so many other feelings swirling around inside. Photographers who base their work around emotion will try to capture you in a natural way. Unlike candids, however, these pictures will usually have a bit of prompting. Jokes may be told to get you to smile and laugh in a way that captures a natural, effortless emotional tone.
The Editorial Style
Ever wonder why there are so many wedding pictures that depict the couple looking like stylized models? It is because the editorial style of wedding photography has become quite popular in recent years. Editorial pictures tell a story beyond the “happy people about to tie the knot” angle. Like a spread in a fashion magazine, the pictures are meant to capture a specific idea. Posing with a bottle of champagne while casually leaning on a luxury car, for example, sells the idea of elegance and class.
The Niche Photographer
If you have some specific interests you want to work into your wedding, then your photos can be a perfect way to achieve this. A couple obsessed with horror films might want to do a shoot where they’re dressed similarly to their favorite slashers. Sports fans can get creative and work the home team into the aesthetics of their wedding pictures. Whatever niche interests you have, no matter how odd or bizarre, you might find it fun to make it a cornerstone of your wedding pics.
The Final Results
The key to enjoying how your wedding pictures look is researching a photographer’s work in advance. No matter what style you decide on, a portfolio by an artist you are considering is all you need to see to make the final decision.
From the weird to the sentimental, a unique aesthetic can make for some great pictures. Start looking at options now to feel inspired and find a perfect fit.