Photography & Entertainment

Capturing special moments and creating memories in 2020.

Photography Trends

"People have enjoyed riding the wave of digital and enjoyed it for many years, but have for a few years, I think, returned to what's important in life, now the novelty has worn off. So, many couples work hard to find the right professional photographer for them, in terms of style, and then expect the photos to take care of themselves; in other words, documentary/reportage is key. People truly value beautiful and engaging images, but they won't want to be interrupted on their big day. This has long been true, but, it's particularly the case, now, that couples want to prioritise their experience during the day and spend more time with their friends and family.

Equally, friends and family will be asked to keep their smartphones in their pockets. No one wants to see the bride walking down the aisle being papp'd by her nearest and dearest when they should be in the moment with her. This is another layer of the first trend, where the experience and the moments are things people want to treasure.

Professional photographers need to blend in more than they ever have before and the Old Skool shooters need to change up or move out of the way.

To make things worse for the old pro's, no-one wants to see any of the editing, so bright and natural images are going to be what we see; incredible HDR images have been captured by everyone with a smartphone for years, so the photographer better upgrade their cameras to get the best performance or be outshined and put to shame. Couple want that beautiful angle and those breathtaking moments, but they also want the full range of light. Expect to see shadows light up, blue skies and rich colour.

Weddings are becoming more and more personal and couples expect to get what they want; not because they are any less generous, but because they can see that there are practitioners out there who can give them that dream gallery or to-die-for film. So, if it's the first-look or the bring-the-house-down speech, the change-up of dress or the music-drop in the first dance, everyone being paid to deliver on the day better be ready! In photography and cinematography, couples want and expect leading standards as it's no less than that t hat t hey're achieving t hemselves."

Mark Ward, Photographer/ Videographer, Awardweddings

Capturing the Couple

"Weddings are becoming more and more personal and couples expect to get what they want; not because they are any less generous, but because they can see that there are practitioners out there who can give them that dream gallery or to-die-for film. So, if it's the first-look or the bring-the-house-down speech, the change-up of dress or the music-drop in the first dance, everyone being paid to deliver on the day better be ready! In photography and cinematography, couples want and expect leading standards as it's no less than that that they're achieving themselves."

Mark Ward, Phot ographer/ Videographer, Awardweddings

"Most of my couples for 2020 are booking a 2nd photographer for their wedding day. This has been the trend with large weddings for several years, but now we are seeing it for weddings of all sizes. I?m happy to see this change trickling down to weddings of all sizes. Not only does it give the couple the ability to see their wedding captured from multiple perspectives, but it reduces the stress on my team and gives us the ability to concentrate on creativity versus trying to be in all places at once."

Mike Busada, Mike B Phot ography

Top Wedding Photography Trends

A trend I've noticed is that couples are identifying between the deeper, darker style of photography and the lighter, luminous style of photography. These two ends of the wedding photography spectrum are clearer to recognise from the popularity of Instagram. By typing a venue hashtag they'll immediately be able to see a selection of styles and be drawn to the one that fits them as a couple, and their day.

I'm finding couples are beyond just looking for a photographer, instead they are looking for a photographer that produces images in the look they love. Both types are equally gorgeous, but as photographers it makes our job simpler to be able to consistently share the type of work we produce. Knowing that there will be lots of couples turned off by this - but that's great as they can find the style they like. But equally we'll be attracting lots that do love the look we shoot too.

Additionally, I'm seeing a trend in both styles of photography - EMOTION.

Whether the couples opt for the brighter or intenser colour tones, the similarity between the photographers that stand out is emotion. The images aren't shying away from getting all the feelings across.

Hannah Mcclune, Owner, Hannah McClune Photography Ltd

I think there will be a shift towards more "in the moment" captures. Candid is great but there is a push from couples wanting more immersive photos and for that the camera has to be up close and personal and be part of the moment.

Iq Dhutti, Director, The VIP Studio

More mixed bridal parties. I've had a few 'Man of honour' and 'Best Woman' which was awesome! More interactive elements like acoustic bands that move around during the drinks reception. The same when it comes to food- more dessert tables, grazing tables. More surprises: singing waiters, fireworks, hidden after party areas. More large scale floral installations. More use of interesting backdrops.

Gyan Gurung, Gyan Gurung Photography

An unplugged wedding ceremony is the number topic for our brides booking 2020 wedding photography. I believe couples are looking for more input over what photos are posted and especially when they are posted. Wedding hashtag?s are all the rage! They are a great way to post from the reception for all to enjoy but brides in particular want to make sure that images posted of them in their wedding dress wait until after the ceremony. Also, couples today are truly interested in the wedding experience for their guest. They would like friends and family sit back relax and enjoy the moment and leave the hard work to the pros.

Arden Upton, Owner, Arden Photography

Unplugged ceremonies became popular a couple of years ago, and they are now becoming the norm. Some couples used to think that asking their guests to silence their phones and leave the photos to the professionals could be interpreted as rude. Nowadays, I think a lot of guests expect it..

Mike Busada, Mike B Photography