Different Styles of Wedding Photography: Classic, Candid, and Natural Portraiture
There are many styles of photography that professionals use while shooting. An experienced photographer will have honed in their personal style and make it obvious what types of images they offer. Some people may use all of the types of shooting styles listed below or just one or two. Choosing a photographer for your event can be difficult and sometimes the terms associated to photography can get muddled and confused. It's important to know the descriptive terms photographers use in order to understand what your chosen vendor will provide. Below are a few basic stylistic terms that will help you understand what to expect when you come across them.
Classic/Traditional
Classic or Traditional Photography is the style you'll almost exclusively see in your parents or grand-parents albums. Every photo is posed and all parties are directed to look at the camera. Images are likely not influenced by dramatic lighting or evocative emotions, but by the simple directions to capture certain combinations of family, bridal party, and guests. While beautiful and consistent looking, there is often very little creative energy behind these types of photos. Current wedding photographers tend to shy away from this type of portrait work except during the formal family shots and a few of the couple's photos. This style may suit you if you're having a City Hall wedding and simply want ceremony images and family photos or if you're only interested in perfectly poised images representing your wedding day.
Documentary/Candid
Documentary and Candid images are the polar opposite of Traditional or Classic images. These images involve more of a paparazzi mindset on behalf of the photographer and pretty much zero direction on posing. These types of images lend to telling a story through true deep emotions of your day. These images capture people in the moment as the day is going on and allow your to see reactions and responses from all of your guests and family that you may not have been privy to at the time. This style might appeal to you if you don't want to stop your day to capture particular moments and if the in the moment content is the absolute most important aspect of your wedding photography portfolio.
Natural Portraiture
Natural Portraiture tends to blend the best of both the aforementioned styles into one. As photographers, we love capturing your day as it happens but we also love good light, good posing, and beautiful backdrops. What natural portraiture does is allow for the photographer to set the scene using their creativity and expertise regarding where the best location for a shot is and then allow a beautiful natural moment to unfold on its own in that space. There's little direction outside of asking the couple to get into position in a certain spot. This style tends to suit most people because it allows for control of setting to produce the best possible results in conjunction with the more candid unfolding of important moments.
Of course, almost no photographer works exclusively within one style. Many people want a healthy mix of formal family and bridal party portraits (classic), candids (ceremony/dancing), and natural portraiture (couples photos). We recommend prioritizing your needs based on your personal taste and finding a photographer that can offer you the style or styles you want to see in your finished portfolio. No one style will fit everyone, so make sure to do your research, take your time, and lock down the best photographer for you!
