My style of wedding photography and how I like to work.

Who knew there were so many different kinds of wedding photography? There was a time when wedding photos all looked the same… boring! A bit harsh but you know what I mean. The typical posed, slightly awkward shots of couples looking into the camera, a close-up of the cake, and the obligatory group shot. Things have moved on a lot and these days you’ve got fine art, editorial, traditional, and documentary to name a few.

They’re all great but they are different, so my main piece of advice to any couple looking for a wedding photographer is to first decide what kind of style you want. Do a bit of research to see what kind of photos resonate most with you two and best fit with the vibe you’re looking for on your day. I always have great experiences with my couples, and I think a lot of that is because they understand my style before they book me, so we’re completely on the same page when it comes to the day. So, what is my thing? Documentary or candid wedding photography.

I’m all about making beautiful photos for people who don’t like to pose.

I like natural shots. Unforced with just a little bit of direction from me to get my couples in the right place and relaxed enough to just be themselves. More about that in a minute, but for now let me explain a bit about the other main styles of wedding photography.

Comparing Different Wedding Photography Styles

Traditional/Classic

This style focuses on posed portraits and formal group shots. Think of the framed photo your nanna would like to put on top of her telly. While it provides a timeless aesthetic, it may lack the spontaneity and emotional depth of candid photography.

Fine Art

Fine art wedding photography emphasizes creative composition, lighting, and artistic expression. Think of the kind of thing that Vogue might publish. It might involve a few off-camera flashes creating a sort of mini-studio to light the subjects perfectly. It does take time to set up each shot, arranging the dress and the flowers perfectly and posing the couple with just the right angles. Personally, I love seeing these kinds of photos. They are beautiful but they’re not the kind of photos I want to take on a wedding day. All that direction means the photos are less natural and don’t truly represent your day. I’d rather get beautiful photos of you being you, enjoying your day and not try to create a Disneyfied fairytale version of it. Let’s keep it real.

Editorial/Fashion

A bit like fine art, this style incorporates fashion-inspired posing, lighting, and styling to create glamorous and editorial-worthy images. While visually striking, it may prioritise aesthetics over genuine emotion.

Old School Fashion Look with Hard Direct Flash

For couples seeking a vintage, old school fashion vibe in their wedding photographs, the use of hard direct flash adds a distinctive touch. This technique, reminiscent of classic Hollywood glamour, involves a direct, powerful burst of light. The appeal lies in its ability to create deep shadows and strong contrasts, enhancing the dramatic effect and adding a retro vibe to the images. The hard direct flash evokes a sense of nostalgia, harking back to an era where photography was bold and raw. This style accentuates facial features and creates sharp, defined shadows, adding depth and character to the portraits. It's more flattering to younger people with classic features. At the time, the intensity of direct flash can sometimes be harsh, potentially washing out details or creating unflattering highlights on the skin. Hard direct flash may not suit every situation, especially in outdoor or well-lit venues where the natural light can complement the atmosphere more effectively. Also, flash is not subtle. It can be quite intrusive and for some people it can be uncomfortable, affecting their natural expressions and making it harder to capture genuine emotions. Personally I like to use it sparingly when I feel the moment's right.

PHOTOJOURNALISTIC

Similar to documentary photography, the photojournalistic style aims to capture authentic moments without interference. However, it may involve more editorial direction and storytelling elements. This is pretty similar to my style.

DOCUMENTARY STYLE

And finally, to my style: documentary and candid. This is all about keeping it real. Rather than spending my time lighting and posing my couples, I’d rather be looking for genuine moments of emotion: a subtle look from the father of the bride, a shared joke between friends or a knowing look between the couple.

Unobtrusive Approach:

Documentary photography allows you to be fully immersed in your wedding day without feeling like you're constantly posing for the camera.

Emotional Depth:

By capturing genuine moments of love, laughter, and connection, documentary photography creates a rich and meaningful visual narrative of your wedding day. I want to tell the story of your day as it really happened.

Timeless Memories:

The candid and authentic nature of documentary photography ensures that your images will stand the test of time, evoking the same emotions decades from now as they did on your wedding day. I try to avoid the latest trends like blurry photos (yes, it’s a thing) because trends come and go but your photos need to stand the test of time.

Personalized Storytelling:

Each wedding is unique. There are usually the same markers to the day (preparation, ceremony, reception etc.) but otherwise, they are all very different. There are so many variables that it would be impossible to make every wedding look the way I think it should. Documentary photography means I can capture the moments and details that make your day truly yours, preserving memories that are as individual as you are. I want you to look back at your photos and say “Yes! That was our day!”.

What about photos of the couple - will you pose us?

I take beautiful photos of people who don’t like to pose. I actually love ‘couple time’ after the ceremony, getting some beautiful shots of the newlyweds. It’s fun, painless and I promise you won’t be standing there for 30 mins feeling like a couple of lemons. Agony.

The most important thing is that you two are totally relaxed and at ease. So it starts with a Zoom or in-person meet before the day. It’s really important we know each other a bit so you feel totally comfortable with me on the day. When it comes to the wedding day I’ll get there early to find the best spots for the photos which means we save time. I’ll give you a little bit of direction and guidance then basically let you do your thing.

All the couple photos you see on my site were done quickly without fuss and I can promise you the couples enjoyed themselves. It wasn’t awkward at all. And I think you’ll agree, despite them telling me they don’t like having their picture taken, the results are lovely.

In conclusion

For me, candid or documentary wedding photography offers a compelling blend of authenticity, emotion, and storytelling that truly captures the essence of your special day. By choosing this style, you can ensure that your wedding photos are not only beautiful but also meaningful and evocative. That’s what I’m all about: beautiful photos for people who don’t like to pose.

YOUR LONDON BASED DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

If you're looking for more than just posed photographs, if you want your wedding day to be documented authentically, capturing real emotions and heartfelt connections – then you've found your photographer. Send me your details and and let's create memories together. If you want to know more about me, click here.