Something big has just happened – the love of your life has just popped the question. You’re floating on Cloud Nine but huge decisions need to be made for The Big Day:
“Where should our wedding be held?” “Should we have an open bar?” “Do we have to invite your third cousin Judith?”
And most importantly, “who should photograph our wedding?”
Alright, let’s get started!
Before you even get to looking at lists and recommendations for photographers, you first need to define your vision. It all boils down to what you want your wedding to look like – from your signature color palette to the thoughtful location of your event. Once you’ve determined that, you can dive headfirst into photographers that match your style.
Fine Art: Fine art photographers capture images that are meant to be appreciated as visual art. Careful attention is paid to the composition of each photo – the lighting, background, subjects – in order to tell a specific story. Many fine photographers use a mix of film and digital photography and produce a wide range of styles, from light & airy to dark & moody imagery. If you are planning a wedding in which the aesthetic of your event is paramount, a fine art photographer is the best option.
Photojournalistic: If you want to stray away from your parent’s posted wedding portraits, a photojournalistic (or documentary-style) photographer is at the other end of the spectrum. This style of photography captures candid and spontaneous shots. The hands-off approach of photography means that you’ll rarely see people staring straight into the camera and most of your guests will never feel watched…they may not even notice your photographer at all! These images will capture each moment exactly as they happen and weave together an intimate and authentic story.
Editorial: Love the look of big fashion magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair? Editorial photography might be the right fit for you. This style of photography is an artform in itself. You won’t find many candids here, but instead sweeping and dramatic imagery meant to evoke a larger-than-life feeling. Expect lots of direction and collaboration with your photographer.
Here’s a little secret for you: most photographers shoot a mix of styles. That means that there is something for everyone, just find what mix appeals most to YOU. As you look through potential photographer’s websites, ask yourself the following questions:
Are they consistent in their style? Can you picture you and your honey in those shots? Will these images still look relevant on your walls and photo albums in 10 or 25 years?
If you answered yes to all of these, mark them down on your list and proceed to step two! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
