Formal Photos
Many betrothed couples envision the perfect wedding photo of them sitting on the mantle in their future home.
Some couples figure it is just another photo taken during their wedding day festivities. It’s important to know what amount of formal photography will be included in your wedding package and whether it will be done the day of your wedding or in a separate portraiture session at either the photographer’s studio or at a picturesque outside locale.
If formal photos are a priority for the two of you on your wedding photo list, you will want to do your research in order to find a photographer that specializes in portrait photography. In fact, some couples may hire a specialist in portrait photography for their formal photos and a highly-regarded wedding photojournalist to document the wedding day itself.
Wedding portraiture involves an intricate combination of technique and lighting. Most portrait photographers have honed their craft with years of experience and education, and have developed their own personal style in which they capture their subjects. Other elements that come into play may include make-up, hair styling, and accessories.
As with any type of photography, it is important to find the right connection with your portrait photographer. Probably the most common complaint that clients have with their portraits is that they don’t feel they are reflective of who they are as a person. Making the right connection with a photographer who has a style and personality you are comfortable with is definitely a factor in ending up with portraits with which you will truly be satisfied.
SHOOTING STYLE
Many couples prefer a more candid style of photography to capture the essence of their wedding day that is often described as natural or unobtrusive. Instead of numerous photos of people grouped together and ready to smile at the photographer’s cue, they choose a relaxed yet elegant style of photography known as wedding photojournalism or editorial-style, to document the activities of their special day.
Some brides and grooms think they may be turned off by this style, classifying it as the latest trend in wedding photography, thinking they don’t want a photographer that will produce or direct their wedding day by creating “cliché” or “posed” shots that were once leaders in the genre, like that of the wedding dress on a hangar or of the groom dipping the bride during their first dance. Actually, by definition, a true wedding photojournalist is there to record the events of your wedding, capturing it all as it happens. Whereas a traditional wedding photographer will mingle with your guests and allow his personality to work with him or her, the wedding photojournalist is more of an observer, working as more of an outside documentarian of the day’s events. Proponents of this style of photography say it results in much more emotion in the final product, with truly heartfelt images.
If you think wedding photojournalism is the style in which you’d like your wedding-day memories preserved, set appointments with several photojournalists to view their portfolios. Find the style that most compliments yours.