(This column first appeared in the November print edition of the Hendersonian.)
Capturing the magic of your wedding day is an art, and your chosen photography style can profoundly influence how those cherished moments are remembered. From the vibrant spontaneity of documentary photography to the elegant sophistication of fine art, each style unveils a unique narrative of your love story. Which of these seven wedding photography styles best suits your nature?
Documentary/Photojournalistic: Embraces candid, real-time, unposed moments that allow your day to unfold naturally. The goal is to authentically capture the wedding experience.
Classic/Traditional: Seeks timeless elegance through formal, posed portraits and group photos that showcase you, your family, and your guests. The goal is to achieve timeless quality, focusing on classic composition, natural colors, and clean lines, using a ‘shot list’ to capture all desired elements perfectly.
Fine Art: Celebrates the aesthetics of love with emotional and romantic images that treat every photograph as a deliberate piece of art, prioritizing aesthetics, storytelling, and emotion over traditional documentation. The goal is to create a visual experience, featuring pastel tones, soft colors and an overall romantic and feminine feel.
Editorial: Blends the elegance of high-fashion magazines with wedding photography for a sophisticated look. The goal is to emphasize intricate detail in fashion, jewelry, and florals with dramatic lighting and stylish portraits, creating stunning images that provide a magical visual experience.
Dark and Moody: Perfect for those who appreciate drama, rich jewel tones, dark shadows, dramatic lighting, and a moody ambiance, this style focuses on emotional storytelling and intimate moments. The goal is to create a dramatic aesthetic, using editing techniques to create an artistic feel with warm and earthy hues.
Light and Airy: Photos are editorial, clean, bright and generally feature soft, pastel-colored subjects. The goal is to create a soft aesthetic—delicate and dreamy, perfectly reflecting your special day.
Adventure: For couples filled with wanderlust, envisioning a destination or elopement wedding, adventure photography captures the essence of their journey in stunning landscapes and exhilarating experiences. This style of photography not only highlights breathtaking scenery—from majestic mountains and tranquil beaches to lush forests and charming hidden gems—but also embodies the couple’s shared spirit of exploration and discovery. Each photograph tells a story of love intertwined with the thrill of adventure.
You’ve chosen your photography style; now you need to select from various coverage options. Full-day coverage captures the entire celebration, documenting everything from the getting-ready moments to the ceremony and the lively reception. For those who may not need an all-day service, partial coverage is available, allowing couples to focus on specific highlights of their big day, such as just the ceremony or the reception. Additionally, photographers often offer event-specific packages designed for unique celebrations—think coverage for just the ceremony or perhaps an intimate elopement.
Beyond the core photography packages, couples can enhance their experience with various add-ons. Pre-wedding sessions can capture the couple’s journey leading up to the big day, while engagement shoots provide a chance to showcase their love in a relaxed setting. For added fun at the reception, many photographers also offer photo booths, which create a lively ambiance and give guests a chance to take home memorable keepsakes.
Moreover, some photographers are embracing hybrid packages that combine both photography and videography, ensuring that couples have a rich, multifaceted record of their wedding day that captures both still moments and dynamic highlights. With these diverse options, couples can curate a photography experience that truly reflects their unique celebration.
My Love Note: Selecting the right photography style and coverage can elevate your wedding experience, allowing your love story to shine through the lens and create lasting memories to treasure forever.
Pem Pfisterer Clark has been hosting the nationally syndicated radio show “Wedding Planning With Pem” for over 20 years. The show provides valuable advice, insider tips, etiquette and money-saving ideas to listeners across the country. Bill Stevens Stark is the executive producer of the show.
