Photojournalistic Wedding Photography

Along with the traditional style, couples are most attracted to the photojournalistic style as it resembles documentary and reportage shooting. Photographers have to be skilled to pull this off nicely. They need to be able to quickly change the settings of their camera and frame the moments perfectly. Wedding photojournalism also requires that the photographer blends in with the crowd and be able to capture the candid moments easily. This style of photography will give the clients more natural-looking photographs, which will recreate the exact sequence of events. 


Illustrative Wedding Photography

Illustrative wedding photography makes use of the environment, whether natural or artificial, to frame compelling and visually appealing photos. This style makes use of lighting and background. The couples are made to pose in a way that they look natural. The photographers use more of wide-angle lenses and sometimes aerial photography to get that epic shot. In a way, it is also a blend of traditional and candid wedding photography. 


Fine Art Wedding Photography

Photographers who focus more on Fine Art wedding photography look for artistic shots. Taking artistic shots involves framing the shots creatively, lighting, and post-production techniques. The photographer has to anticipate moments and use Fine Art photography techniques, which can include posing the subjects in a slightly different way. They can use objects like rings, bouquets, and outfits to create the composition that gives the images a more profound meaning and artistic look. 


The limitation of this style is that it can reduce the number of photos a photographer can take. You can use this style with other photography methods like traditional and photojournalistic ones to get a broad range of photos. Photographers can also ask their second or third shooters to cover different styles of wedding photography while they focus on getting Fine Art wedding photos. 


Fashion Wedding Photography

Fashion wedding photography poses, lighting setups, expressions, and trendy backgrounds, when used in the wedding context, give form to fashion wedding photography. This style is used primarily in bridal magazines or to portray bridal fashion. Couples are made to act as models in this style, which results in getting dramatic wedding shots.

Photography is an art that requires the artist to master it with adequate precision, technique, and equipment. Here are some quick wedding photography tips for photographers to avoid mistakes.


A. Wedding Photography Tips - Before the Wedding


  • Check the equipment- Get your gear out and go over the following points. Get the best lens for wedding photography that you can use in either bright or dull light. Check whether the camera batteries are fully charged. Also, check whether the memory cards have sufficient space to store hundreds of photos. Do not forget to carry your best camera for the wedding photoshoot. Just to be extra careful, take two of each item. Also, bring the necessary tools required for out-of-control contingencies like bad weather.


  • Scout the location- If you want to be a good wedding photographer, then take disciplined care to do a preliminary recce of the marriage location to understand the kind of lighting to be expected. Determine whether you should be carrying portable lights or not. Scouting also helps in judging which spots you can use to take position shots and how the lighting will come into play.


  • Meet the family members to understand their expectations better - To understand the wedding process better, meet up with some of the family members after you're done scouting the location. Finalize the wedding photography prices if you haven't done it already. Although it is better to discuss the wedding photography packages before scouting the site and meeting the family. It would also be fruitful if you can get a chance to meet the couple to take in any requests or set expectations. (You can find a general breakdown of the wedding rituals here too.)


  • Try getting a second photographer - This is a prudent measure because it allows you to concentrate solely on the couple and the main wedding proceedings. In contrast, the second photographer could take the venue and family shots. If you're strapped for cash, then a smart way to get a second photographer is to either reach out to amateur or budding photographers in your family/friend circle or ask the community to extend a helping hand in return for a small cash stipend.


  • ‘Candid’ v/s ‘Formal’ shots - Remember to go through a mental list in your head designating the time and place for candid and formal shots. Also, do thorough research on the wedding photography ideas you need to implement during the wedding shoot. In an Indian wedding, formal shots usually happen during the main ceremony and are scripted, and candid ones are taken around the formal ones, totally unscripted.


  • Make a checklist: You need to have a wedding photography checklist so that you can ensure everything is in place before the wedding day arrives. It can include finalizing your gear, location, style, team, setup, etc.


  • Get a Full Night’s Rest: Do not underestimate the value of a full night’s rest. Photographing a wedding requires strength and endurance, not to mention a clear mind for navigating the unexpected challenges that wedding days notoriously bring, whether it be bad weather, an unrealistic timeline, tough lighting conditions, a difficult client (it happens!), or some other source of stress. The more rested you are, the better you’ll be able to address and overcome any unforeseen challenges.


B. Wedding Photography Tips - During the Wedding


  • Stay on your feet - Make sure you are wearing some comfortable shoes because you will be moving around quickly to cover all the events, rituals and moods.


  • Shoot with Storytelling in Mind - Simply put, be sure to capture wide, medium, and closeup shots during each part of the day. For example, if you’re photographing a ceremony, shoot a wide angle shot (maybe 24mm) from the center aisle to showcase the location, the altar/mandap, the couple, and the guests. Then shoot a medium angle shot (maybe at 50mm or 85mm) of the bride or groom from each side of the ceremony site. This might look like a picture of the bride from the waist up, captured over the shoulder of the groom, and so on. Finally, photograph a closeup shot (70-200mm) of the bride and groom holding hands, or perhaps of their expressions (laughing, crying, etc.). The benefit of doing this is telling a compelling visual story while also setting yourself up to design a better wedding album or blog.


  • Don’t Forget to Capture Prep - We often think of the ceremony and couples portraits for wedding photographs, but don’t forget to photograph the bride and groom while they’re getting ready for their big day. Prep is one of the best times to get candid shots of the wedding party while they hang out with friends and family. Rather than photographing the couple in various states of undress, capture the final moments of getting ready, which includes having the best man help the groom straighten his tie or put on his coat, as well as the makeup artist putting on the final touches of the bride’s makeup. Parents are usually present for this, which offers a great opportunity to get a couple of intimate family portraits.


  • How About a First Look? - Some couples prefer to wait to see each other at the altar for the first look on their wedding day. However, it has become increasingly popular to do a first look before the ceremony, and the benefits are many for those who choose this option. Doing a first look before the ceremony allows for more time to capture couples portraits, as well as wedding party portraits with the bride, groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, not to mention family members who may be present. Furthermore, the first look typically results in excellent candid photos of this emotional experience for the couple, who can share a private moment together away from the watchful eyes of the guests.