Finding the Perfect Wedding Photographer that Best Suits You
2020-08-29

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Like how the old adage goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Now that COVID-19 containment measures have limited the number of wedding guests you can invite at any one time, it’s not wrong to say that majority of your could-have-been guests will experience your marital union through your wedding photos and video.

Similar to all the other items that are featured on your wedding planning checklist, choosing the right wedding photographer will need a lot of deliberation on your part. To help you narrow down your options, you need to first decide on your preferred wedding photography style.

But first, what makes a wedding photographer special?

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The convenience offered by technology has made photography deceivingly simple and easy to do. After all, all you need to do is to press a button to capture a scene! However, while photography is a lot more accessible due to the proliferation of phone cameras, producing quality photographs that are able to accurately tell a story and convey raw emotions is, undoubtedly, another ball game together. 

Not only does one need to know how to compose the scene, one needs to be well-versed in lighting principles and editing as well, and these are all very important for capturing candid moments and documenting events. Imagine if your wedding images were to come out awkward with untimely shots of unglamorous moments — it’s safe to say that nobody would want the sole record of your big day to be those. 

This is why engaging a wedding photographer is highly recommended, and each photographer will have his or her unique style that is made up of a combination of a few general styles, which are as follow: 

Traditional 

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Before the emergence of digital and technological advancement, traditional photography has reigned supreme when it comes to wedding photography styles. This conventional aesthetic requires you to pose for shots, taking direction from the photographer.

You’d most likely see it in your parents’ wedding photographs — straightforward portraits, posed and taken at eye level. These are not the most creative and may not necessarily capture the fleeting moments of the day, but they are timeless shots that you can keep for a lifetime and often work well for family portraits after the ceremony. 

Fine art 

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One of the growing trends today, fine-art photography is most commonly associated with — but not limited to — film. In general, fine-art photography plays around a lot with composition, depth, and lighting, and offer artistic-looking shots taken from uncommon angles. It also can either take on a more airy, bright style, or a dark and dramatic look. 

Contemporary 

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For those want their wedding photographs to look like a feature spread in a high-end fashion magazine, contemporary wedding photography may be just your thing. Contemporary photography takes its inspiration from fashion photography, making full use of dynamic poses, lighting, and angles to create a luxurious look. 

That said, this type of photography may not capture the unfiltered mood of the ceremony since the subjects are typically posed. It would fit pre-wedding photography well, though!

Reportage/Photojournalistic

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Sometimes referred to as documentary photography, reportage photography is the new approach to the wedding industry as candid snapshots grow in popularity. The main aim of this style is to document the entire day in an unobtrusive fashion, delivering the narrative in its purest, rawest form. 

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Not everyone is experienced or skilled enough to take expertly-timed shots beautifully, and these type of photography will require you to be comfortable with being yourself in front of the camera. 

Black and white 

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Since black and white photographs are devoid of bright, loud colours, they are perfect for bringing out the feelings and emotions captured in certain shots. A wedding photographer skilled in black and white photography would be able to use this to the fullest, drawing out the genuine passion from heartfelt moments! 

Finding the right match

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When searching for your ideal wedding photographer, identify the aesthetic that resonates with you first by exposing yourself to a variety of wedding photography styles (Pinterest and Instagram will be your best friend). Once you have decided on what you like and dislike, you may begin to reach out to photographers that align with your preferences!

Do make sure to discuss your vision with them prior to signing a package, and provide them with references from their portfolio if possible. The same applies to finding a wedding videographer. This way, you won’t end up feeling disappointed!