Finding the right fit is far more complicated than simply Googling “wedding photographers near me.” Before you can decide on a photographer, you need to determine what kind of photos feel like 🔥 to you! We believe that for every great image, there were at least three major factors that went into its creation.
1. Their artistry, approach, and methodology.
2. The media/format of the camera used (film vs. digital vs. hybrid) to capture it.
3. The post-processing and editing techniques used to produce the final image.
And of course, the talents, training, and expertise required to put it all together!
As you pour through blogs, websites, and social media feeds looking for photographers, think about the considerations above! Really look at things like body language, composition, lighting challenges, and special effects (often applied after the fact), and think about trends versus tradition. All great photographers know how and when to manipulate a shot—no matter whether that manipulation occurs before or after the moment is captured—but they also know when to leave great moments alone. Sometimes, a little subtle tinkering with a setting or gentle guidance through a portrait session can transform a pretty picture into one of those immediate hang-on-the-wall shots. Other times, it’s the authenticity and inimitable emotions that flood from the frame that make the beauty.
Approach + Aesthetic + Format + Post Production Process + Personality + Consistency = STYLE
Photo by Jose Villa
The first way photographers show “style” is through their approach and methodology. How do they set up the shot and find balance? Do they specialize in directed/posed shots or candid photos? How do they work with their subjects? In this section, we’re going to dive into the different approaches photographers take.
Vendors who stick to a more traditional approach to wedding photography shine with more formal, posed shots. (Think shots of the bridal party photos, family photos, and couple portraits!) They’ve got tried and true strategies up their sleeves to craft photos that show off the elegance of your day. The composition and balance of their photos, especially the formal portraits, are often more straightforward and clean cut.
Photo by Rachel Solomon Photography
Photographers who specialize in the traditional style will know how to direct and pose you so you look your best in formal portraits. Whether it’s a tilt in the head or a how-to on how you should hold your bouquet, they’ll help arrange things so they look natural and beautiful. Restless kiddos and distracted moms are no match for these photographers, either—they’re experts at wrangling large groups of people and getting everyone’s attention at the same time, so that you can get the perfect shot and move on to enjoy the rest of your day!
Editorial photographers specialize in creating dramatic and artistic shots—the kinds you would see on the cover of a magazine. If you’re planning a wedding that is a little avant-garde or out-of-the-box, you may find that the editorial style will capture all the creative touches in a tone that matches. Their compositions may have more movement or dynamic elements—a flip of the hair or twirl of the skirt, and they can add a lot of dimension and story to the shot.
These photographers bring a unique vision to the table, and they use their creative eye to compose shots in an artistic and refined way. The editorial style focuses on telling a story, so while they often specialize in portraits, they’re also there to capture the events and sentiments of the day, from getting ready, to the ceremony, celebration, and send-off. Those gorgeous detail shots of the ring box, shoes, hanging gown, and stationery that are so perfectly styled, they’re the ones who were conceived by an editorial photo genius.
Photo by Oliver Fly Photography
If you want to feel your photos, emotion-driven photographers will likely be the best fit for you. These vendors are pros at capturing special, intimate moments like first looks and vows, and the joyful, celebratory moments, too.
Just as a traditional photographer knows how to pose you, and an editorial photographer has a creative vision, emotion-driven photographers are experts at capturing your authentic personalities. Maybe they’ll play some music to get you in the mood, or crack a few jokes to get a laugh and break any nervous tension. Maybe they’ll ask you to tell a story or think of a fond memory you shared together. Whatever method they choose, these photographers know how to make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, so you don’t have to worry about anything other than being your beautiful self.
These shutterbugs might even be the ones who ask you where you’d like to meet for your consultation, so that they can get a great sense for how you act as a couple, what makes each of you smile, what kinds of settings bring you out of your shells (is it over coffee, ice cream, with your fur babies, perhaps?).
Photo by The Ganeys
Photojournalistic photographers specialize in telling a story through candid shots. While they’ll likely take some formal portraits too, photographers with this style live for making things genuine and natural, so poses won’t be too directed or forced.
The photojournalistic approach is all about capturing the magic that is already there. These photographers know how to anticipate spontaneous moments and emotions, so they’re ready to grab the shot when it comes. These pros are the types who can spot a trying-to-hold-it-together gaze in a groom’s eye and seize the moment when the bride makes her angelic entrance and his tears start streaming.
Photo by Blue Rose Photography
Photographers express their style not only through their photographic approach, but also through their editing post-production process. Great photographers capture the light and composition well from the get-go, but editing can help them polish and perfect the shot.
Keep in mind that while editing styles are pretty defined, a photographer’s use of light and color lives on a spectrum. For example, two photographers might both describe their style as “light and airy,” but one may edit lighter and brighter than the other.
This editing style is the one you’ll see most frequently here on SMP! We love the soft, classic touch that light and airy editing brings to photos. Vendors who work in this style try to use as much natural light as possible to create beautiful shots, full of nostalgia and romance.
Photo by Mallory Dawn Photography
Photographers who edit in a dark and moody style create drama. This style is often edited in a warm hue, which brings a kind of intimacy to every shot, even when they are taken in larger-than-life locales. Outdoor weddings that lean more rustic or adventurous lend themselves well to this editing style, because the use of light and shadow captures grand views and moments perfectly.
Photo by Cassi Rosch
Even the world’s best photographers are going to have a hard time creating a light and airy feel in the dark. Whether it’s a windowless ballroom or an outdoor reception at night, they can only do so much with what they’re given. Because of this, it’s important to study how potential photographers handle lack of light. Consider what the light will look like at your venue throughout the day, and ask your photographer how they would handle that kind of lighting. Look at an entire album, and see how they photograph and edit once the sun goes down, and make sure you love that part of their work, too.