Wedding Photography Styles

Wedding photography styles fall into three main categories. Reportage, contemporary and traditional wedding photography.

When choosing your photographer (big decision) have a look at all the styles and decide which one suits you.

Photographers  sometimes combine styles for better coverage.

Reportage

Also know as  journalistic or documentary wedding photography.

This style of photography is quite new to wedding photography. It has become  popular in the recent years. It is a natural approach from the photographer who follows the couple and the guests throughout the day while recording the events of the wedding as they happen.

The main goal  is to make a story out of the wedding by capturing natural  moments rather than poses.  Many wedding photographers accommodate formal shots as well.

Contemporary

Also known as fashion or editorial

Contemporary wedding photography is  inspired by editorial fashion photography. The emphasis is on creating visually interesting images. Although shots are set up, they are less formal or rigid. The photographer aims to find interesting spots as a backdrop and uses or creates strong light effects and unusual angles.

Traditional

Also known as  classic wedding photography.

Traditional wedding photography was the only style in fashion until digital cameras came along. Carefully posed shots of groups ranging from the whole wedding party to just the wedding couple themselves.

Traditional wedding photographers rarely capture candid moments, they usually concentrate on the key moments and group shots only and they shoot a set list of photographs.