Photography styles can vary greatly and it's not just about what the images look like at the end of the day; it's a lot about how the photographer works in their process from the planning stages, through the wedding day and even into the post processing part of creating your wedding gallery. Some photographers like to be personable with their clients and may meet for coffee and be available during the planning process, while others may be less hands on during the days leading up to the wedding. I often hear people in the business say "Clients don't even know what they want." Today I am going to break down three trending photography styles for 2024 to help you decide what YOU want. All of these styles have their place in wedding photography and none of these styles is inherintely better than any other. The most important part about choosing your photographer is that you vibe with them. You will be spending a lot of time together on the day of and they will be a huge part of your day, no matter what. When you decide which style suits your needs best, think about that when you are looking at photographers' images and web-sites and ask them what their style is if it is not clearly defined.

 

Documentary photography requires the couple to have good natural chemistry on camera and be comfortable in front of the camera. A fully documentary style means you are willing to let go and let the photographer be a fly on the wall to the point of ignoring their presence in the room. It also means there is little room set aside, if any, to take formal portraits. The creative process is left entirely up to the photographer. In this style of photography, the couple is fully present during the entire event and has put 100% of their trust in the photograoher's style. Element of surprise is 10 out of 10.

 

Posed photography is more traditional. This style is a planned vision between the couple and the photographer, which may include a shot list. There is a lot of communication between the couple and the photographer on the day of. The couple should be comfortable being posed in portraits and giving up plenty of time for the photographer to set the scenes. There may be a large amount of input from the client about what images they are looking to get. In this style of photography, the couple wants to give up time being fully present at all sections of their wedding in order to prioritize well thought out images. Element of surprise is 2 out of 10.

 

Hybrid Candid is a mix of some posed and guided sections of the day with some candid moments as well. A good amount of communication with the couple day of is imperative, but the photographer stands back to get the images the couple is looking for without being too invasive. There is generally about an hour set aside for formal portraits. A shot list from the client is likely present for family formals, but otherwise the creative direction is left mostly up to the photographer. In this style of photography the couple will have plenty of posed or setup images, but will need to trust the photographer's style for the candid images in order to be present for a large amount of the day. Element of surprise is 5 out of 10.

 

 

My photography style is a hybrid candid style and that is what my couples are looking for when they book me. I like to let clients know ahead of time that I do like to have time to make exciting portraits and do something creative, but I try not to control their moments of the day otherwise. The best way to get a lot of candid photos in this style of photography is to plan ahead and have someone in charge who is not part of the guest list or wedding party. The best way to be present and ready to be part of a candid environment is preparation. My couples and I always plan out the parts of the day that will be posed ahead of time and all the expectations are set. I like to have a good amount of communication with my couples before the big day because it helps set everyone at ease when a good raport has been established.

 

Lastly, candid moments happen when people are themselves, have fun and are in the moment. Remember, the photographer is there to use their technical expertise to execute the best possible images from the moments happening in front of them. They are not there to create candid moments because they are, after all, candid moments. Below are 2 images of Jesse & Eliza at Harmony Hill in Warren, Maine. This was a candid moment just after the ceremony when Jesse picked up Eliza. She was not expecting it, nor was I. These images may not be perfection, but it doesn't matter because the raw emotion is there. The 2 images following are planned and posed. You can see the dramatic difference, but they all come together as a gallery in a candid hybrid style.