Wedding Photography Styles and Formats You Should Know

Do you find yourself more drawn to artsy, dreamy imagery or high resolution, documentary style candids? Is it important for you to have formal group shots? There are various styles and formats when it comes to wedding photography, and it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of them before you hire a photographer. Here is a guideline to help you do just that!

• The first decision you will make is choosing between digital or film. Digital is the more common way of shooting, with a quicker turnaround for you to view photos; the photos could be available possibly just days after your wedding day, depending on the photographer. Digital cameras are able to shoot well with very low lighting, which is an advantage if you need to shoot an afternoon-into-evening wedding. Also, another great perk is the display screen, which enables the photographer to preview shots and adjust accordingly.
• Digital photography allows for more freedom in exploring different lighting options and angles. This means more creative shots, and also more images to select from when putting together your wedding album.

• There is a soft, organic quality to images that are shot with film. Shooting with film tends to require more work and money because processing and editing images take time, and rolls of film need to be purchased.

• Focuses on posed shots with backdrops and professional lighting. Photographers work with a “Shot List,” which includes all the elements the bride and groom have requested. To ensure that every detail of the shot is perfect, the photography crew will make the effort in adjusting equipment, background, subject’s body alignment, and even attire.
• You may want to consider a different photography style if posed formal photos are not your preference.

• Focuses on using artistic angles, creative lighting, unique compositions, and advanced post-production techniques in order to create imagery with a stronger artistic touch. Fine-art photographers are very meticulous about researching scenes and anticipating moments so that they can apply fine-art techniques, without interfering with the surroundings.
• Rather than shooting “say cheese” moments, fine-art photography is about shooting images with an artistic finish in mind. During post-production, photographers will use textures, masks, filters, and advanced Photoshop techniques to create a visually stunning, emotional fine-art image.

• Focuses on telling a story. Instead of having people pose for the camera, the photographer will follow the couple and guests throughout the wedding day, to capture all the special moments that tell your wedding story. This type of photographer has to be able to fade into the background and become “invisible” to the crowd in order to get these candid or unposed shots. Since the photojournalist does not give posing direction, he’ll need a keen eye and a willingness to “do what it takes to get the shot.
• Photojournalists may or may not do posed shots and work with a shot list, alway ask to see how flexible they are. The photojournalist can often be a happy medium between traditional and fine art photographers.