Choosing a wedding photographer is about much more than finding someone with technical skill and a pleasing portfolio. It's about finding an artist whose vision and style align with how you want to remember your special day. This guide walks you through the main photography styles you'll encounter in your search, helping you identify which approach will best tell your unique love story.
Traditional Wedding Photography
Key characteristics:
- Emphasis on posed, carefully composed shots
- Comprehensive coverage of formal wedding moments
- Classic, timeless aesthetic with attention to proper lighting and positioning
- Structured approach with a standard shot list
- Often includes formal family groupings and wedding party portraits
Ideal for couples who:
- Value timeless, classic imagery
- Have many family members whose formal portraits are important
- Prefer a controlled, predictable approach to wedding documentation
- Appreciate photography that will look as relevant in 50 years as it does today
Questions to ask potential traditional photographers:
- "What formal groupings do you typically capture?"
- "How do you ensure everyone looks their best in posed shots?"
- "What's your approach to lighting formal portraits?"
Photojournalistic/Documentary Wedding Photography
Key characteristics:
- Focuses on capturing authentic, unposed moments as they naturally occur
- Minimal photographer intervention or direction
- Emphasis on storytelling and emotional moments
- Candid images that reflect the genuine atmosphere of the day
- Often includes creative composition and unexpected angles
Ideal for couples who:
- Value authenticity over perfection
- Want their genuine emotions and interactions documented
- Prefer to experience their day without frequent photographer interruption
- Appreciate photography that captures the feeling and atmosphere of moments
Questions to ask potential photojournalistic photographers:
- "How do you anticipate and capture important moments?"
- "What's your approach to working unobtrusively?"
- "How do you handle low-light situations without disrupting the moment?"
Fine Art Wedding Photography
Key characteristics:
- Driven by the photographer's artistic vision and creative expression
- Often features dramatic composition, unique perspectives, and creative techniques
- Carefully curated moments with attention to artistic details
- May incorporate experimental approaches like unusual framing or selective focus
- Images could stand alone as art pieces even out of wedding context
Ideal for couples who:
- View their wedding as a creative expression
- Appreciate artistic, evocative imagery
- Value unique, one-of-a-kind wedding photographs
- Are drawn to emotional, atmospheric images
Questions to ask potential fine art photographers:
- "What inspires your artistic approach to weddings?"
- "How do you balance artistic expression with capturing key moments?"
- "What makes your creative vision unique?"
Editorial/Fashion-Inspired Wedding Photography
Key characteristics:
- Influenced by fashion magazine photography
- Highly stylized, sophisticated approach
- Significant photographer direction for dramatic, impactful images
- Emphasis on making the couple and wedding party look like fashion models
- Often incorporates dramatic environments and lighting
Ideal for couples who:
- Dream of wedding photos that could appear in a magazine
- Have invested significantly in fashion-forward wedding attire and styling
- Are comfortable being directed to achieve specific looks
- Want a glamorous, high-impact wedding album
Questions to ask potential editorial photographers:
- "How do you scout for dramatic portrait locations?"
- "What direction will you provide to help us achieve editorial-worthy images?"
- "How much time should we allocate for fashion-inspired portraits?"
Hybrid Approaches: Getting the Best of Multiple Styles
Many modern wedding photographers blend elements from different styles, creating a comprehensive approach that might include:
- Documentary coverage of the ceremony and reception
- Traditional formal family portraits
- Fine art or editorial-inspired couple's portraits
When reviewing portfolios, notice if photographers show range across these styles and discuss how they might apply different approaches throughout your wedding day.
Beyond Style: The TagTheDay Advantage
Regardless of which professional photography style you choose, consider how tools like TagTheDay can complement your official photos. While your photographer focuses on their artistic approach, TagTheDay can collect candid, spontaneous moments from your guests' perspectives, providing a comprehensive record of your celebration.
Making Your Final Decision
When selecting your photographer, consider:
- Portfolio consistency: Look for cohesive style across multiple weddings
- Full wedding samples: Review complete wedding collections, not just highlights
- Personal connection: Choose someone whose personality makes you comfortable
- Shooting philosophy: Ensure their approach aligns with how you want to experience your day
Remember, the best photographer for you is one whose style resonates with your vision, whose personality puts you at ease, and whose work consistently captures the kind of moments and emotions you want to remember from your wedding day.
