subject: Wedding Photography - How To Choose The Best Style For Your Wedding [print this page] Wedding photography has come a long way since the 1840s when newly married couples sat staring grimly at the camera, waiting for the photographer to say "watch the birdie". Invariably, the newly-weds look as though they have just been sentenced to a punishing lifetime of harsh labour. There's never a smile or any indication that this is the 'best day of their lives'. Of course, once you realise that exposure times could be anything from one to three minutes and that the couple had their heads clamped so that they couldn't move, then it's not surprising that early wedding photographs show no emotion. Have a go at keeping a genuine smile for three minutes and you'll understand how difficult it is. The style of wedding photographs could not change until exposure times shortened and cameras became smaller. Only then were people able to relax and smile.
These days, you can choose from a range of photographic styles, depending on the theme of your wedding and, perhaps, your budget. This article explains the differences between a range of styles.
Formal wedding and group photographs
Formal wedding and group photographs are the most usual type of request received by photographers. The photographer will have a series of well-rehearsed shots in mind, perhaps starting with the newly-weds as they sign the register. Once outside the wedding venue, there'll be photographs of the bride and groom on their own and then gradually more people will be added in subsequent photos. The couple will be photographed with the best man and bridesmaids, and then parents and maybe grandparents will be invited to join the group. These photos could be followed by one of the bride's extended family, then the bridegroom's extended family, the bride's friends and so on. Your chosen photographer will be used to this type of wedding photography and you can leave it to them to organise each group shot and to make sure that you're looking your best. Formal photographs are an ideal way of documenting your wedding and, because your guests are used to this style of photography they won't mind standing around until they're called. And formal photographs will be a joy for future family historians because it's so easy to sort out the different families and the couple's friends.
Videography
Rather than a series of static shots, a video camera is used to capture both the sights and sounds of your wedding. In years to come you'll be able to walk around the building where you were married and relive the moment when you became partners. But do check well before the day that a video camera is acceptable both inside the chosen venue and during the ceremony because not all site providers approve of videography.
Reportage photography
This form of wedding photograph has become more popular in the last decade or so. A photographer will be engaged to take lots of shots before, during and after the wedding. They'll be looking for the visually unusual, and capturing you and your guests often without you realising that you've been 'snapped'. It's important to get on well with your photographer because they'll be following you around from the moment you wake up, becoming a second skin in order to capture all aspects of your special day. And because it will be a long day, there may be more than one photographer in the team, so it's a good idea to make sure that you've met them all. Because of the time taken, this may be an expensive form of wedding photography so be clear in advance how much it will cost and what you will receive for your money. Many couples prefer to rely on their friends and family to spot humorous incidents and capture them for posterity, but this is not always a wise decision. Although digital cameras are easy to use it doesn't mean that an enthusiastic amateur understands the best way of putting together the story of your day. And it can be awkward to discuss money or other forms of recompense with a good friend or well-meaning uncle. The best advice is to use a professional photographer and let your friends and relatives enjoy your wedding day as guests.
Boudoir Photography
Boudoir photography is relatively new and enables you to give your husband a portfolio of photographs of yourself. Because the photographer aims to take images which bring out the very essence of your personality, and may be quite intimate, boudoir photographers tend to be women. Even so, spend time with the photographer talking through the type of pictures you want to achieve because only you will know what will appeal to your partner. It's not feasible to undertake this type of photography on the day of the wedding, so remember to book the session well in advance. Many boudoir photographers will spend up to half a day with you and turn the event into an occasion, perhaps by serving champagne. The aim is to make sure that you remember the fun you had creating this very special keepsake.
With so many styles of photography from which to choose, it's important to be clear about what you want and expect and what you are prepared to pay. It's impossible to restage your wedding photographs and reproduce the same atmosphere so make sure that your photographer is well qualified and competent. There are many specialist online wedding directories which feature photography and photographers, so you'll be able to see which styles you prefer and with whom you'd like to work, and it's a good idea to ask previous clients if they were satisfied. But whatever style you choose, the main thing is to enjoy your special day and leave taking the photographs in the capable hands of the professionals.
by: Sandra I Thompson
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