As photographers we are often asked to describe our particular style, contemporary, traditional, photojounalistic, lifestyle, modern, artistic…but specifically how do styles differ, and what style of photography are you looking for? As a couple choosing a wedding photographer, this should be your first consideration. You will want the photographer you pick to share your style and your vision. The most concise straightforward definition we have come across in a while comes from Wikipedia, here is an except from their article, (if you would like to read it in full, check it out here Wedding Photography).
There are two primary approaches to wedding photography that are recognized today: Traditional and Photojournalistic. Traditional wedding photography provides for more classically posed images and a great deal of photographer control and interaction on the day of the wedding. Photojournalistic wedding photography takes its cue from editorial reporting styles and focuses more on candid and unposed images with little photographer interaction. These are two extremes and many of today’s photographers will fall somewhere in the middle of these two styles.
A third style that is becoming more and more in demand is a fashion-based approach. In contemporary/fashion-based wedding photography, photojournalistic images of the events of the day are combined with posed images that are inspired by editorial fashion photography as would be found in magazines like Vogue or Vanity Fair.
The term contemporary wedding photography is used to describe wedding photography that is not of a traditional nature. The emphasis in contemporary photography is to capture the story and atmosphere from the day, so the viewer has an appreciation of what the wedding was like, rather than a series of pre-determined poses. However, this term can be mistaken for meaning any photograph that is not posed or formal. The advent and advancement of digital cameras and increased use of the internet mean that many people can offer their services as a wedding photographer. However, contemporary wedding photography is more than just not taking very formal photographs and involves the use of composition, lighting and timing to capture photographs that have a strong visual appeal.
Once you have defined your style it will be much easier to recognize the right photographer for you as you view their website or portfolio. The days of one-size-fits-all wedding photography, gratefully, are over. This is your one chance to capture the feelings, excitement, and vibrancy of your special day, make sure that your photographer shares your vision and your style.
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