What is a Photography Style?

February 1, 2022

Canberra Wedding Photographer and Videgrapher

Photography is an art form. Different photographers will develop a style in they way they shoot and edit photos. Although seasoned professionals can work in multiple ways depending on the genre of photography, when it comes to wedding photography, a photographer should have one consistent style. This is important so that you, as the client, know what style you will be getting back after your wedding day. This is a general guide to you and your fiancé on the hunt for the style that suits you both and something you will want in your wedding album for the generations to come.

WHAT WILL DETERMINE STYLE?

THE LOOK

Wedding photography style refers to the approach and aesthetic that a photographer employs when capturing images of a wedding. There are many factors that will determine how the style looks.

EQUIPMENT: Different camera brands have different colour profiles. Different types of lenses will produce different imagery. Equipment will also determine images sizes and quality. A seasoned professional will likely be using higher end equipment than a beginner – this also factors into price point.

EDIT STYLE: The post production edit is usually the last thing a photographer learns to do well, but it is crucial in determine ‘the look’ of consistent imagery. Beginners rely heavily on presets, hence why you end up with a wave of trends through the decades. Dark and moody is the the biggest trend at the moment. Earlier 2010s, was the light and airy style. Before digital photography, filmic quality was developed differently but photography styles such as ‘fine art’ mimic those earlier looks.

EXPERIENCE: It takes time to develop a consistent style and way of working with couples. Working with an experienced wedding photographer means you are more likely to have an end result that looks similar to their portfolio. They know how to consistently work with the light around them, how they pose couples, the angles they use to capture specific moments. Newer photographers are still trying out all these things.

POPULAR EDIT TRENDS

Dark & Moody | Fine Art | Light & Airy

THE APPROACH

There are different types of approaches that photographers will take in how they capture the day. This is also something to consider in how you want your day captured.

Traditional/Classic Style: Traditional wedding photography focuses on capturing formal, posed portraits of the couple and their families. The emphasis is on capturing key moments, such as the exchange of rings, the first kiss, and the cutting of the cake. The photographer will provide direction and guide the subjects to create timeless and elegant compositions.

Photo journalistic/Documentary Style: This style aims to capture candid and unposed moments, telling the story of the wedding day as it unfolds. The photographer takes a documentary approach, capturing emotions, interactions, and details without intervening or directing the subjects. The resulting images are natural, spontaneous, and authentic, providing a genuine representation of the day.

Fine Art Style: Fine art wedding photography is characterized by its artistic and creative approach. The photographer incorporates elements of composition, lighting, and post-processing to create visually stunning images. This style often emphasizes unique perspectives, dramatic lighting, and the use of natural surroundings or props to create visually striking and artistic photographs.

Editorial Style: Inspired by fashion and editorial photography, this style focuses on creating images with a magazine-like quality. The photographer pays attention to details, styling, and poses to create a stylized and polished look. Editorial wedding photography often involves working with the couple to create fashion-inspired shots, utilizing creative lighting and locations.

Vintage Style: Vintage or retro wedding photography aims to recreate the look and feel of a bygone era. The photographer may use vintage cameras, lenses, and post-processing techniques to achieve a nostalgic and timeless aesthetic. This style often incorporates soft colours, film-like grain, and vintage-inspired poses to evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance.

Dramatic/Artistic Style: This style is characterized by its use of dramatic lighting, creative compositions, and bold post-processing techniques. The photographer aims to create visually impactful and dramatic images that evoke emotion and create a sense of awe. This style often involves capturing dramatic landscapes, utilizing creative lighting techniques, and experimenting with unique angles to create striking and memorable photographs.

MY APPROACH

If you were working with me, you’d fine a mix of approaches depending on the couples preferences. The large majority of couples want some of my timeless romantic poses. I work on this process with couples during their engagement sessions. I find this essential to make the photography experience feel comfortable and natural on the day. However, I believe wholly in authenticity of your wedding and really experiencing the emotions and experiences as they happen. My goal is to build trust with my couples. We do that over the course of planning and the engagement period so that you don’t worry at all that I will capture everything that is happening with as few prompts as possible. Other than portrait time, the large majority of what I capture is candid (photojournalist) moments as they happen. On the rare occasion I have a couple enthusiastic for editorial or dramatic portraits, I can step it up and we can plan some very artistic shots, the same as I would working with a corporate client.

It’s important to note that many photographers may incorporate a blend of different styles or have their own unique approach. When selecting a wedding photographer, consider your personal preferences, the overall theme of your wedding, and the type of images that resonate with you. Reviewing a photographer’s portfolio and discussing their style during the initial consultation can help you determine if their vision aligns with your desired outcome.

If you are still unsure how to pick your wedding photographer, check out my blog here.

Kali is an international wedding photographer. She is based out of Australia and Canada, following the endless summer. If you’d like to see if she is available for your big date.