Different Styles Of Wedding Photography defined

Different Styles Of Wedding Photography defined

I wish to give you a very brief overview of the different styles of wedding photography. These styles include a very brief definition of each style. You can understand what is popular and modern in style. I will attempt to answer a few questions to help you choose the photography style and photographer that is right for you.

There are some technical oriented details and photographers jargon, please understand that they are only briefly covered. You will probably have a multitude of questions and you will want to discuss all of them with your potential photographer of anything that is not covered in this article.

Various Styles of Wedding Photography and definitions.

Your wedding day is over in only one day and does not last forever. Many details of your special day and your once valued memories will soon be forgotten. The main item that is left for you to remember your special day is your photographs.

The person that you pick as your wedding photographer must be someone that you are comfortable with and also should be someone that you will enjoy working with. During your special wedding day the bride and groom and your family will be working with the photographer for hours.

One should never settle on the cheapest and most economical photographer, you should however settle on your choice of photographers based upon their style, quality and personality.

There are basically four different and creative approaches that photographers will use: Traditional, Photojournalistic, Illustrative and Creative. Here are the defintions and examples of the styles.

Traditional style of photography is sometimes called posed or formal photography and is used in formal portraits or is used sometimes for informal portraits of the bridal party, family, and friends. These pictures and portraits can be used in close-up and full-length photos. Sometime this is mixed with candid photographs of the major key events at your wedding. Most brides will choose this style or version of photography for their special wedding day. Traditional portraiture is very formal and any decent photographer is well versed in this area. This is one of my favorite styles of photography, and as a photographer, I know what makes a woman look great. Formal portrait photography is great for family pictures and family portraits. Angles and certain poses can flatter a woman’s features, if you have an eye for detail.

Photojournalistic or candid style of photography basically means no posed formal pictures. All of your pictures will be taken in a candid fashion and without any instructions from your photographer with this photography style. A photojournalist photographer can capture your emotions and your guests without even being noticed, save the flash. The photographer should hide in the crowd and capture the emotions of the special day. This is my preferred style of photography for the reception dinner. I am actually a published photographer for a local newspaper and this is the style of photography used in sporting events. You take the pictures as the action happens, there is nothing posed and you do not get a second chance to catch the shot. Children’s pictures are often this style of photography. Pet pictures also fall into this category. Children’s and pet photography have to capture the action as it occurs. Children can be posed, but especially little boys, have too much energy to sit still and you have to follow them to get their pictures.

Illustrative style of photography looks just like the photographs that you see in magazines and among models. These photographic sessions are set up like a commercial modeling photography shoot as the photographer takes care of every little detail of the photographic images. Maternity photography uses this photographic technique at times and digital editing programs are useful.

Creative or Artistic photography will take your photographs from unusual and unique angles, with creative lighting. This style of photographer creates his or her artistic impressions of your wedding day and often uses digital photo editing software, like Photoshop, to create their images just like a painter uses a canvas.

When meeting with potential photographers you should look at a recent portfolio with a variety or rather a mixture of weddings. Ask to see an album of a complete wedding. You should make sure to the photographs are from recent current weddings and that they were the actual photographer. Many companies have multiple staff photographers that will take pictures for them and some have sales representatives that will actually meet with you and not the actual photographer.

You should be aware that the photographer that you view the pictures from might not be the artist that actually takes your pictures with a large photographic firm. Beware of a “staff” clause in the contract. I only use one other person to take pictures and then only when I am unavailable for some reason and it is unavoidable.

While looking at the potential photographers pictures you should ask yourself these questions:
Are the posed photographs well lit and do they have a pleasant demeanor about them?

Do the candid photographs capture the emotion, and are they sharp and in focus and free of blur? Would you be happy with the pictures if this were your wedding?

If any of the photos are not pleasing to you, ask the photographer why the picture is this way or that. It may come to the point their view is not the same as yours. It is best to choose a photography that will incorporate with your views, or him or hers view you are pleased with.

While looking at the photographs ask yourself these technical questions:
Is the lighting situation good? Are the pictures not too bright or too dark?
Is the lighting flattering to the subjects being photographed?

Does it pertain to the mood that it conveys?
Is the posing of the photographer flattering?

Does the picture flatter the figure of the person?

Professional photographers must use flash in low lighting conditions, such as in churches, or indoors to counteract unflattering shadows and sometimes even in an outdoor wedding.

Again, if any of the photographs do not please you, then ask the photographer why the picture is the way that it is. If you are viewing a photographer’s portfolio then just about very single photo should be pleasing to the eye, free of distractions, and they should convey the emotion of the special day.

Interviewing a photographer is almost always something that you should do in person. Take the time to preview their website or online photo gallery. You can speak to them over the phone and get a feel for them.

Ask for a DVD or CD of their recent work for a portfolio. An online portfolio is great for weeding out the good photographers from the great ones. You can narrow your choices down to 3 photographers and make your final decision on your choice of a photographer. Budget your photography needs and expect to invest 10% or more of your wedding budget on a professional photographer.

The cheapest is not always the best choice in this case as after the wedding day is over what will you have to show? You pictures may be all that you have to show for your special day and a pro is always worth a little bit more….