Wedding photography style

Wedding photography is all about finding the right photographer that takes photographs that you like. This would be down to picking the artist that works for you as photography is bespoke and every time it is different.

This page of the wedding photography website is to provide a definition of the photographic styles and pro's and cons with the different styles of photography.

Please note that we only shoot part of the group shots as tradtional photography as well as one from the key parts of the wedding.

1. Traditional styles

Traditional photography is considered as a formal or portrait approach to photography. It has neatly arranged subjects which make a triangle which is the way the human eye works when looking at pictures. Traditional styles requires a lot of interaction with the photographer and the guests to position them for each shot which is taken. This style has a distinct number of advantages over other types of photography. I would recommend that people consider having a few traditional shots for their album regardless of there approach to there main wedding photos.

Traditional Advantages
The subjects in the photo's are usually still which gives the photographer has time to make sure the camera is setup correctly and each person looks their best.
The photographer has time after the picture is taken to check that they have the desired shot and retake if they so wish.
Wedding photographs taken some time ago will look pretty much the same as those taken today.
They can be very well composed because there is time to make more balanced images with subjects and objects.
Traditional photo's don't go in and out of fashion as they are considered to be "time-less classics".


Traditional Disadvantages
The style isn't as popular it is a "fixed" style that doesn't tell a story of the day.
The group shots can take a long time to organise the people and gathering the correct people.
Needs a larger working space which is big enough for organising larger groups.
Not a very "fresh" in its approach.

2. Reportage

Reportage is a popular as the main style for wedding albums, this style is taken with a informal approach to the capturing the picture's.
It's roots are in the "paparazzi" styles of photography and requires quick reactions and a good array of opportune moments for your photographer rather than organisational skills which is associated with traditions and contemporary styles.

Reportage Advantages
Tells the story of the day as it happens.
Most of the images are taken "on the fly" while you go about your day.
It captures more of the emotions and events as they unfold in a more natural way.
Very fashionable (currently).
Suit's people who are uncomfortable in front of a camera
Delivers often better image results of the day's events where people are more relaxed.
free's up time for you to enjoy your day.
No design or staging of the shots as in contemporary and traditional styles.*

Disadvantages
No design or staging of the shots as in contemporary and traditional styles.*
Can sometimes give you 'untidy' images with some people out of focus or missing from pictures.
Reportage is based on "taking the shot" not " making the picture".
It is the subjects behavior and interaction with others at the event that is captured.
Larger volume of shots are taken, but not all may be printable image's.

* This can be a good or a bad point regarding the style and time of your wedding day.

3. Contemporary

A contemporary style is defined by a strong element of design within each image, but there origins come from the reportage style but leads into more traditional staged approach. This is where the pictures are captured thought some planning and design. This style allows images to be created and kept informal akin to the reportage style. Contemporary style in short; is a staging of a reportage style, as you have seen in many of the magazines.

Contemporary Advantages
Images can contain a style that are interesting and fun.
Much more modern than traditional images and blends both the reportage and traditional styles. The finish is neater than reportage styles.
People captured in the images can arranged.

Contemporary Disadvantages
Works best in the outdoors or with an interesting set of backdrops and locations.
Fun contemporary works needs fun, flexible people.
Time consuming, this means a lot more time taken out of your day to capture images and staging them.
You either like a image or you don't. It is much more important to find a photographer with a style that you enjoy.