Choosing a photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding day. They are responsible for capturing and preserving your special memories – so not only do you want to make sure you work with a professional, but also someone who aligns with your creative vision.
So, where do you start? What if you don’t know what your creative vision even is? A good place to begin is by narrowing down what photography style you prefer. Your photographer should not only have a consistent, signature edit – they should also have a well-defined approach to shooting.
At Limelight, our top concern is keeping you at the center of your day. To help guide you on your journey of choosing a photographer for your wedding, let’s explore some of the most popular styles we see in the industry, starting with editing.
Photographer Editing Styles: What You Need to Know
When looking through a photographer’s website and portfolio, pay close attention to the tones, lights, shadows, and overall mood of their images. Not only do you want to make sure they capture the vibe you’re going for – you’ll also want to make sure their editing is consistent, regardless of lighting scenario or time of day. When a photographer’s editing style is all over the place, it’s usually a sign they lack confidence behind the camera.
Also, be sure to look for images outside of the basic couples’ portraits. You’ll want to see reception shots, getting ready images, exit photos, and more. Wedding days are long and unpredictable, so when a photographer is able to maintain a consistent style through all of the different moments – this can give you the confidence they’ll be able to nail your vision and deliver cohesive images, regardless of what the day brings.
Here are a few popular editing styles to consider:
1. Light and Airy:
The light and airy style emphasizes soft, pastel tones and works best for couples going for a romantic, ethereal look. This style thrives in open spaces like vineyards, estate homes, or ocean-side settings where the natural light enhances the aesthetic. Sometimes this style requires you to sacrifice bold colors and deep contrast in favor of a softer feel, but it has a certain fairy tale look that lots of couples love.
2. Dark and Moody:
Some will argue the timelessness of the dark and moody style, but it can work well with the right couple and aesthetic. Think: candlelit ceremonies, mountainous terrain, or industrial spaces with lots of texture. Photographers who specialize in dark and moody imagery often play with lighting and shadows to highlight intimacy and creativity. It works best on earthy tones, jewel colors, and dramatic lighting.
3. True to Life:
We might be biased, but true to life photography is our favorite. Trends come and go, but the true to life style captures exactly what the eye sees in a way that other styles don’t – and we believe that makes it the most classic, timeless choice of all.
True to life photography focuses on vibrant; yet realistic colors, reflecting the true atmosphere of your wedding day without the look of heavy editing.
This style is versatile and works well in almost every scenario, from outdoor ceremonies to cozy indoor receptions. If you want your wedding photos to look exactly as you remember the day unfolding, true to life editing is an excellent choice that stands the test of time.
Shooting Styles: How Moments Are Captured
While editing styles are important to consider from a visual standpoint, shooting style determines how the moments are physically captured throughout the day. Photographers take different approaches to documenting a wedding day, and it’s important to choose one that aligns with your preferences and personalities. Some photographers may even use a combination of these styles while shooting.
1. Documentary or Photojournalistic:
A documentary-style or photojournalism approach allows a wedding day to unfold naturally, with little to no direction or posing. This style works for couples who want authentic, candid moments throughout the day and want their photographer to serve as more of a “fly on the wall.” The focus is on storytelling, raw emotions, and real interactions between the couple and their guests.
2. Traditional (Posed)
If you often find yourself wondering, “what do I do with my hands?” when a camera is pointed in your direction, a traditional approach might be better suited for you. With this shooting style, your photographer offers more guidance and direction, ensuring key moments are perfectly orchestrated. At Limelight, we use a more modern version of the traditional posing style – leveraging a combination of prompts and poses. This allows us to curate images that still feel authentic and true-to-life.
3. Fine Art
A fine art approach is all about prioritizing creativity and artistry in your images. It’s a blend of both documentary and posed photography, where the photographer may lean on creative compositions, lighting, and styling to capture high end images. It doesn’t always pair well with weddings that have a jam-packed, strict timeline – as these images take great care and detail to be curated.
4. Editorial
When you imagine editorial style wedding imagery, think of the types of images you would see in fashion magazines. The photos are posed, but in a way that tells a cohesive story and pays extra attention to styling, backdrops, and lighting. The final outcome of the images and their cohesiveness is the number one priority the photographer has in mind while shooting.
Choosing the Right Photographer For You
Beyond just the shooting and editing, your wedding photographer is someone you have to work with for a year or more. So you’ll want to ensure their personality, communication style, organization, and overall demeanor works for you as well. Be sure to look through full wedding galleries, ask how they would handle a variety of situations throughout a wedding day. Also, be direct when communicating your vision for your photos!
Best of luck on your search for a photographer, and if you find our style aligns with your vision – don’t hesitate to reach out here! We’d love to be the ones to capture your special day.
