Wedding photography: Find your photography style

You are at a crucial point in your career as a wedding photographer or are considering diving into this fascinating world. The question you should be asking yourself is: "What kind of wedding photographer am I and what kind of wedding photographer do I want to be?" This guide will explain the different types of wedding photographers so you can find the direction that suits you best.

Key takeaways There are three main styles of wedding photography: reportage style, fashion style and traditional wedding photography. Each of these styles has its advantages and disadvantages. You should choose the style that best suits your personal preferences and the expectations of your clients. A mix of styles can often offer the best solution.

Step-by-step guide

1. understand the reportage style

The reportage style is a very unposed approach where you capture the action as it actually is. This means that you do not intervene in the proceedings, but simply document them. An important aspect here is that you can capture the right moment. This requires experience to know where to stand and when to press the shutter button.

When you first start out, you will probably take a lot of pictures so as not to miss the decisive moments. Over time, however, you will develop an eye for which moments are really important and how best to capture them.

2. recognize the fashion style

The fashion style is exactly what you often see in wedding magazines: very stylish, well-styled photos. This style requires planning and can mean extra effort, as the shots are usually not spontaneous. You are able to influence every detail and create images that could appear in a fashion magazine.

However, fashion-style photography can be time-consuming as you need to be present throughout the day to capture those special moments. Keep in mind that not all couples prefer this style, and you should ensure that this approach suits the personality of your clients.

3. capture traditional wedding photography

Traditional wedding photography is usually characterized by certain standard poses and situations. The result is often images that everyone has seen before; they are usually well-lit and show the important moments that are expected at weddings.

One downside to this approach, however, is that it can sometimes result in a loss of creativity, as you are often repeating the same poses and configurations. However, this type of photography is very appealing to many couples, especially those who have classic keepsakes in mind.

4. mix the styles

There is no perfect style that applies to all weddings. A mix of approaches can give the best result. For example, you could use the reportage style during the ceremony and keep a mix of fashion and traditional photography during the bridal shoot.

A versatile approach will allow you to capture the wedding in all its facets: candid moments as well as the beautiful, lovingly crafted images. Also consider how you want to present the styles in your portfolio, as this can influence potential clients.

Summary - Wedding photography: find your photography style

You have now learned about the different styles of wedding photography: reportage style, fashion style and traditional photography. By finding the right direction for you and possibly combining different styles, you can create a diverse portfolio that suits your clients' wishes.