| 25 November 2011
Each wedding photographer has his or her own style, but most employ some of the styles listed bellow. As the bride and groom, you should be familiar with the basics so that you can ask the right questions and find a photographer who employs a style most suitable for your needs. Naturally, you can have a combination of styles. Your best approach would be to have a close look at the portfolio of the photographer you are interviewing and make a decision based on that.
Photo Journalistic or PJ Style
This approach has been gaining favour over the last few years. It employs a documentary approach with emphasis on documenting the events of the day starting from the preparation and all the way to the bide and groom's departure.
Emphasis is on candid shots rather than overtly posed photos. The idea is to create a story of the events leading up to the wedding ceremony and then the wedding reception, the guests' reaction etc. This style comes across to the viewer as spontaneous and "real".
The PJ wedding photographer generally concentrates on collecting images that are not only a record of the day’s events but are also images that capture as many “decisive moments” as possible. The resultant images should be able to stand the test of time and look as fresh and vital in decades to come as they did when first viewed.
Formal Wedding Photography
This is also known as traditional wedding photography. While this style is still practiced, it's origins are from the days of the film camera where a "formula" was used in regards to set poses. This approach was necessary because the photographer did not know the results until the film was developed and it would have been risky to take "adventurous" shots.
The term "Formal Wedding Photography" does not imply that it is old fashioned. Far from it, the modern digital photographer can make spectacular photos by employing this method. The only criticism in using this style exclusively in a wedding is that the photos come out a bit formulaic.
Regardless of which photographic style is used, it is a good idea to have a few formal wedding photos taken. They are the ones usually enlarged and framed and put on the wall. It is a good idea to have a few taken as pre-wedding photos when everybody is a little more relaxed and were the posing can be better controlled.
Glamour Wedding Photography
This style is best suited for those who fancy themselves as super models (if only for a day). This type of wedding photography is becoming very popular.
The shots are similar to those one sees in magazines and the focus is on elegance and beauty. Naturally, this style is highly posed with virtually no element of spontaneity. Glamour wedding photography has similar elements to the formal approach above. The main difference is that much brighter lights are used to give that super-model effect.
Photos of this style are best done either before the wedding or just after. Most photographers use elaborate lighting equipment and an assistant.
Wedding photos taken in this way lend themselves to coffee table type albums as they are reminiscent of a fashion shoot.
Few couples opt for glamour wedding photography exclusively, rather they have a few photos taken in this style in combination with the other styles listed above.
Romantic Wedding Photography
This style can take many forms and is usually utilized when the bride and groom are alone with the photographer. The location, lighting and posing are combined to create a romantic atmosphere. Sunset against the backdrop of a landscape are popular choices. Photos are often taken between the wedding ceremony and the reception.
A combination of posed and candid shots are generally taken. The mood captured is that of the love, affection and intimacy of the newly weds and yes a kiss is mandatory in one or more of these pictures. Romantic wedding photography is almost always used in conjunction with one or more of the styles listed above.
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