How to Find Your Photography Style

PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Jarreau Photography

:: From the Creative Director’s Desk ::

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF YOUR PRIORITY LIST. STOP AND READ THAT AGAIN. DID IT SINK IN? DO you believe it in your soul?

Ten years from now you probably won’t remember that your feet hurt from those fab shoes and you may not even remember everyone who attended (I’m looking at you co-worker from 3 jobs ago), but you WILL remember how you felt that day and you’ll want to look back at your photos with joy. This is why finding a photographer who is the right fit for you is so important! And don’t worry, I’m going to share how you go about doing that.

Most couples come to me thinking hiring a photographer is all about who is within their budget, but that’s not the case. The first step is actually figuring out what your style is and what kind of photographer you want to work with, then narrowing down which vendors fit those parameters and then which of those is within your budget.

If you’re not one of my clients with exclusive access to my Alchemy Events planning app where I cover this, I always recommend starting by looking at many different types of photographers - even if you think you already know your style. Keep in mind this is artwork that will hang in your home for the rest of your lives and should mesh with your own personal style. Also consider the time of day and setting of your wedding, although any photographer should be able to shoot well in any lighting situation (this is an important thing to look for too, by the way!).

Here I’m going to review different styles that I often see, so hold on while we take a crash course!

SHOOTING STYLES:

Photojournalistic/Documentary - This style is all about telling the story. Similar to being a news reporter, photojournalists capture what is happening without a lot of interference or posing of shots. This shows the true moments of your wedding day as it unfolds naturally.

Editorial - This photographer focuses on creating stunning, Pinterest-worthy works of art. They take time to consider each of the elements being incorporated and their photos often have an editorial feel to them. This photographer will likely pose, or orchestrate down to the fine details, the majority of their images. There will likely be action images, but you can realistically expect to be posing quite a bit.

The ”New” Traditional - No, this isn’t your mom’s wedding photographer. This style is really a mix of the other two styles, allowing events to unfold naturally throughout the day and capturing them, but also allowing the photographer to create some ideal situations for capturing beautiful photos as well, such as those beautiful flat lays we know you’ve been pinning online and posed portraits.

Not every photographer falls exactly in line with one of these styles, and they can overlap a bit depending on the individual, which can also be true for editing styles, which I’ll cover next.

EDITING STYLES:

Dramatic - These images lend themselves to a more emotional vibe, using deep shadows, higher contrasts and richer colors.

Light and Airy - These photos are more romantic, soft and whimsical, with lighter tones and muted colors.

True Color - These images are shot and edited in a way that captures a photo more true to what you saw on your wedding day with your naked eye. You may have some that are bright and some that are dark, but overall, it will be more middle ground than either extreme. Of course, some photographers who edit this way also like bright punches of color, so even this style can vary a bit from photographer to photographer.

Even if you’re drawn to dramatic or light and airy styles, you’ll want to make sure that images aren’t so bright that you lose all the details of your wedding dress, or so dark that you don’t capture the details of a tux with really cool accessories. A good photographer can give you that look while not sacrificing those details.

POSING STYLES:

Traditional - This is what most people think of when you mention posed photos. There is usually studio lighting setup for the best possible outcome, everyone is given direction and placed in a specific position, and then you smile for the camera.

TRADITIONAL STYLE POSING | JESSICA THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Casual - Casual posing might still have you lined up with your attendants, however, in a less time consuming and less formal way. The photographer may just tell you to gather together, to chat and look at each other, to walk toward the camera or just relax and position your body as it feels natural.

CASUAL STYLE POSING | JESSICA THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Fashion Editorial - This style often takes its cues from fashion magazines. Attendants and family members may be placed in creative poses and look more serious or may be lounging on furniture for a very glam look.

FASHION EDITORIAL STYLE POSING | JESSICA THE PHOTOGRAPHER

No matter which style of posing you are most drawn toward, opt for a mix of a few styles just to be safe. What you love today might make you cringe 10 years from now, or you may want a very specific photo with loved ones that feels more intimate than an editorial look. I also always recommend giving the photographer the final call on this. As they are looking through the camera, they can see if something is or isn’t working and adjust accordingly to give you the best possible photos of your wedding day.

Now, here’s some practical advice: do not just go by a photographer’s social media feed or even their website. Ask to see a full gallery of images from a recent wedding they shot (or one that might be similar to yours, such as time of day or location). Everyone, of course, cherry picks the best images of our work to feature on social media, but what you’re doing here is digging deeper. When looking at their full gallery, it should be more than 50-100 photos. If that’s all a couple is getting back (from a full day-long wedding, not a short elopement, etc.), be concerned. If they shoot a thousand images but only a small portion are ones you think are good, consider that. You want to find a balance between getting back a lot of photos and a good number of photos you love!

Finally, if you don’t have a wedding planner to help guide you, ask your other vendors for recommendations or feedback. While good references from other clients are great to have, they are not professionals either. Vendors often know one another, work together frequently and have an insider’s look at things. So a vendor recommendation is a valuable asset!

Once you have gone through several options and narrowed down your choices, go with your gut. Your photographer will be by your side throughout the day so make sure it’s someone you feel comfortable with. Doing engagement photos with them prior to the wedding is a great way to get to work with them and become comfortable prior to your wedding day. Once you’ve got them booked, you know you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your wedding day knowing those memories are forever preserved for you.

Happy Planning!

RenaSweeney

Creative Director, NOW Weddings Magazine + Owner, Alchemy Events