Photo styles are how your photographer captures your day and how your images are going to look in your final gallery. Different photographers have different styles and they achieve them by using their cameras in different ways, posing people using different methods, and editing their final photos with different settings. Choosing a photographer whose style matches your needs is very important because you deserve the pictures that you envision for your wedding.
The definition of photography styles can be defined differently by different photographers. I describe my particular style as a fine art photographer who captures images in a blend of cinematic and docu-editorial style. I like to use movement in my photos so posing is more natural and not as stiff as traditional photography. When I edit my photos I like to add some warmth while still keeping the photos true-to-color.
Fine Art Photography
My background is in visual arts so I like to use techniques that I learned across different art forms. I draw from my background in drawing, painting, ceramics and photography to take aesthetic photos, whether they are posed or candid. I use composition, contrast, color and lighting, so the emotions of the day can be felt in the photo. I use fine arts photography as an umbrella term for my photography since all of my images either directly use this style or are heavily influenced by it.
My style can be reflected both in how I take the photos in the moment but also how I edit my photos. I edit each of the hundreds of photos from your day individually. Each individual photo is a piece of art and the gallery as a whole paints the full picture of your story.
My Style Blend
My photo style is a mix of cinematic and docu-editorial. To better understand my style it’s important to know what my definition of each style is.
Cinematic Style
One way to think of cinematic style is that it’s like watching a romantic movie. It’s inspired by movie stills with storytelling, dramatic lighting, and creative composition. Cinematic style heavily focuses on storytelling. Even brief moments can be used to tell your story. This style can have dramatic lighting such as a lot of contrast which you see in silhouettes. It can also use color like the golden glow at sunset and creative composition such as wide shots or unique angles. This style is most prevalent in my couples portraits.
Documentary Style
A way to think of documentary style is photos that look like you are right there in the moment again. Documentary style is capturing moments as they unfold. The goal is authenticity. When looking back at the images you can feel like you are right there in the moment again. Most of the photos I take during a wedding are documentary.
Editorial Style
You can view editorial style like a magazine. It is inspired by fashion, uses direct flash and natural light and is posed & styled. It’s not stiff and rigid in a “traditional wedding photography” kind of way, it’s more stylistic and modern.
Some of these styles will be more prevalent at different times during the wedding. While I have a blend of styles, I always consider what my clients are drawn to most. If you really like editorial style I’ll incorporate more of those photos in your gallery. If you like the more laid back and relaxed vibe, I’ll take more documentary photos. I want your photos to feel like you.
Final Gallery Features
The three features that contribute to your final gallery are: posing, editing, and atmosphere. These features are all important to complete your gallery in the way you want it.
Posing
I use movement in my posing to give a nice flow and life to the photos. One way I achieve this goal is by giving you a prompt like “walk to me holding hands.” No one wants rigid and staged photos. I try my best to give your gallery a breath of life that will bring you back to the moment and focus on each other.
Editing
I take time and care in my editing. When I edit, I like my photos to have both warmth and stay true-to-color. Some subtle warmth keeps your photos feeling inviting. While staying true-to-color keeps them authentic. True-to-color means if there is white in your photo it will stay white, and skin color will be accurate.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere will also play a part in how the photos look. For example, the time of day will affect lighting if you are outside. In an outdoor setting, weather can massively affect how photos turn out. A sunset is sure to bring romance, while a well-timed rain shower can bring a whole different type of romantic photoshoot. Whether you are inside or out, the venue can also affect the look of your photos and different places can bring different vibes. I will work with you to find the perfect area of the venue, time, and weather for your unique wedding.
What Does All This Mean?
My use of cinematic and docu-editorial style of photos brings a uniquely artistic take to your wedding photos and makes the moment feel more “you.” I consider factors such as composition, contrast, color and lighting. Every little bit of my style is geared to make your wedding photos as real and personal as possible.
If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your wedding in an authentic and artistic way consider hiring me!
