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Styles of Wedding Photography
The first thing to decide is what kind of wedding photos you want. Wedding photography styles can be classified into three main categories:
Another option is to have some or all of your photos in Black & White or Sepia -some photographers may be able to do this after the event (if they shoot in digital). If you choose to have a mix of styles throughout the day, make sure you find a photographer who has experience of all the styles you want to see or alternatively hire two different photographers.
Traditional
The most traditional style of wedding photography is formal, posed and at times - rigid. Most photographers who favour traditional styles will ask for a list of photos you would like so that they can arrange people in the appropriate groups for your photos. This type of style is often favoured by parents and grandparents who might want to have a photo of the whole family on your special day.
Advantages:
- You can ensure that everyone is in at least one of your photos
- Perfect for getting the family shots
Disadvantages:
- Traditional photos often look staged and often fail to capture the memory of the day
- You may also start to get jaw ache from smiling so much!
- Listening to the photographer as they gather groups and ask people to say cheese can spoil the romance of the day and be quite disruptive
Contemporary
Contemporary wedding photography is quite a broad style incorporating creative flair and special effects to create a set of informal photos that are often posed without looking so.
Advantages:
- Something a bit different, a bit cheeky, a bit fun
- Won't get jaw ache from posing, but can still get some group photos in a non formal pose
Disadvantages:
- You are relying on the creativity of the photographer which could leave you disappointed with the results
- Contemporary photos often utilise unusual settings and backgrounds - so the photos could be only as good as the scenery
- Contemporary photography can go out of fashion
Reportage/Candid (also known as photojournalism)
Reportage wedding photographers specialise in capturing and recording your day in a series of unobtrusive photos to form a story of your day. The perfect reportage wedding photographer should be invisible and blend in with the rest of the wedding party. Reportage is becoming increasingly popular for the modern bride & groom as couples opt for photos that naturally reflect their day and the personalities of themselves and their guests.
Advantages:
- Reportage is the best style for capturing your day so you can relive those special moments over and over again
- You get to experience touching moments you may not have seen at the time
- Great if you don't like posing for photos
- Allows you more time to mix with your guests
Disadvantages:
- There is no guarantee that you will get pictures of everyone who was at your wedding
- Some couples may also be disappointed with the photographer's interpretation of their day