Wedding Photography Styles and What To Expect

One of the most prioritised aspects for a couple on their wedding day is the photography. Therefore, I’d like to go over wedding photography styles and what to expect!

What’s left after all the wedding is over? You’ve eaten the cake, danced the night away and gained your marriage certificate. What’s left are many happy memories and the photographs.

However, choosing the right photographer can be an absolute minefield of suppliers, information and challenges in itself.

Couples who are just starting their wedding planning may not be aware of the different photography styles available to them.

You may not have heard of the the three main wedding photography styles. So, let me break down for you: Traditional, Reportage and Contemporary.

Traditional Wedding Photography

Traditional, or sometimes known as formal wedding photography, incorporates guidance from the photographer to achieve the classic wedding images. These capture the key elements of the wedding and are usually more posed and directed shots.

The photographer usually follows a shot list, and includes the conventional milestones of the wedding day, such as group photos, cake cutting and toasts.

• 

Top Tip: Traditional wedding photography enables you to capture images of family and friends, in a timeless way.

Reportage Wedding Photography

Reportage photography is the ‘art of storytelling’. Often, it is also described as documentary or photojournalistic.

Unlike traditional wedding photography, reportage photography captures the story of the wedding, from beginning to end. It uses a more candid approach rather than posed.

Reportage photographers aim to capture the moments as they happen in an unobtrusive way, so to document the true emotions and memories.

Top Tip: Reportage photography is a great solution for couples who are camera shy and dislike the idea of posing.

Contemporary Wedding Photography

For couples who want stylised and creative images, contemporary wedding photography may be the best option.

The photographer will work with the couple in a private photoshoot to compose creative images using interesting angles, backdrops, lighting and props.

Top Tip: Contemporary wedding photography often give the couple time away from the wedding day; whilst this isn’t for everyone, it’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time together.