Wedding photography comes in many different styles, and most professional photographers will specialise in just one or two as part of their wedding package offering. Despite this, many couples book their wedding photography without taking their photographer’s unique style into account. This can lead to disappointment when the photos of their day arrive and aren’t as they expected.

Considering your wedding photographer’s style before booking is crucial if you want images you’ll always treasure. In this guide, we explore all the reasons to pay attention to this essential detail before booking your photographer.

Photos true to your vision

Every couple wants stunning photos of their special day with all the people they love. What makes a picture beautiful will mean something different for different people, and for many, it comes down to the style of the photography.

Consider the atmosphere you’re hoping to create at your wedding. Will you be having a sit-down dinner or a casual buffet? Will your entertainment be low-key and elegant, or will you be treating your guests to an upbeat act? There’s nothing worse than experiencing a wonderful moment, then looking back at your photos to find it’s been captured differently from how you’d imagined. For photos that’ll do your wedding celebration justice, you’ll want to pick a style that feels true to your vision for your day.

Appreciation for your photographer

Unfortunately, receiving photos you’re unhappy with will not only be disappointing for you – it’ll be a big problem for your wedding photographer too. A professional photographer will always communicate their style in the initial meeting they have with you to make sure you’re happy to proceed. This is because they generally won’t be able to adapt their style or retake any shots you’re not satisfied with if they’ve delivered what they promised on their end.

Receiving photos you’re displeased with can be disappointing for your photographer because they’ll likely be passionate about what they do, and will have put a lot of care and effort into capturing your special moments. By doing your research on your photographer’s style prior to the big day, you’ll be ensuring they get the respect and appreciation they deserve for taking stunning photos.

How to recognise your photographer’s style

There are many photography styles you can choose from for your wedding day, and the right one for you will depend on the energy or theme of your celebration. Some photographers may take dark and moody shots, while others might take editorial or vintage-style photos – one of the most popular styles is undoubtedly documentary wedding photography, due to its fun but unobtrusive, authentic nature.

Ultimately, you don’t need to understand all there is to know about wedding photography styles – that’s what the professionals are there for. However, it is important to take the time to look through your photographer’s gallery of previous work, to ensure you’re on board with the kind of images they’re offering.

Your wedding photos are an important part of this very special day, so be sure to choose your photographer wisely. If you’re in doubt about which style is right for you, reach out to your potential photographer for helpful inspiration and advice.