Pose For Effect
Before choosing your wedding photographer, it’s important to decide on a photography style that you and your partner love. Here, Bhria Vellnagel speaks with Sebastian Merle from Sebastian Merle Photography about popular wedding photography trends to help you decide on one that suits you.
Wedding photography styles are constantly evolving; from rigid, staged poses to artistic styles, you’re sure to find one – or a combination – that is perfect for the both of you. From location-centric and artistic, to dramatic black and white tones, there is a range of wedding photography themes to choose from, but finding a photographer whose style matches yours is the first hurdle. “Before you begin researching photographers, you’ll need to decide [on] what type of photography style you prefer,” Merle says. “This will help [you to] determine which photographer you’ll want shooting your wedding. Do you like an edgy and bold style, or do you prefer documentary [photography]? Only you will know what you like, so [it’s important to] do some research.”
A Shared Vision
Enlisting a stranger to capture all of the special moments from your wedding can be a daunting prospect, but it’s important to find a photographer whose style and personality matches yours. “[The] best way for a [couple] to find their photographer is to narrow it down to a [few] whose styles [you like],” Merle says. “You are not looking for the best salesman or studio owner; you are looking for a photographer with great images. [Similarly, choose] someone who understands your requirements, [who you can] trust, and who you get [along] with!” Hiring a professional is a no-brainer when it comes to your once-in-a-lifetime experience. While you and your partner are enjoying the love and happiness on the day, your photographer will be snapping away to ensure you’ll have precious keepsakes to reminisce about the good times for years to come.
Most photographers are trained to capture and edit images in almost any style. However, make sure you take the time to browse through a handful of photographers’ portfolios before choosing one, as this is how you’ll be able to really see their distinct style and experience. Merle loves to shoot portraits just before sunset, which photographers refer to as the ‘golden hour’. “I always search for interesting light to use in my photography,” he says. “We are blessed here in Western Australia for having incredible weather, so I like to use the sun to my advantage.” Like an exquisite couture gown, an experienced photographer will offer their own style, and will then alter it to your unique specifications to achieve the perfect fit. Merle predominantly uses Adobe LightRoom to edit his images, as this allows him to apply his template style for consistent results with every project.
Modern Mementos
In the future, Merle believes certain photography styles will encourage wedding photographers to push the boundaries and capture truly unique shots. “I’m finding that street photography is really inspiring wedding photographers to create more explosive, fun and interesting images, [compared to] standard wedding photos,” he says. With continuous advancements in technology and editing techniques, wedding photography has become a lot more artistic, so Western Australia Wedding & Bride has helpfully identified some of the most popular styles.
LET IT FLOW
Advancements in technology have allowed photographers to experiment with certain styles and unleash their artistic abilities. Artistic photography includes unique angles and is often location-centric, which could include a classic pose on a beautiful staircase or a loving embrace in an enchanting forest. Similarly, many brides-to-be want to recreate images they’ve seen online or in a bridal magazine, but photographers will often work with the couple to make the photos truly unique. “My response [to couples’ requests] is that we can try and create something similar, but I always like to put my own twist on things,” Merle says. “I am a photographer who prefers to not copy other [professionals’] work. If a couple is after a certain look, I will always try to accommodate, however it will be captured in my own unique style.”
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
A current trend in wedding photography is blending classic and creative themes. Featuring heavy, contrasted lighting, these images are often converted to black and white to exude a timeless appeal. Merle says he predominantly produces images in colour, but will convert to black and white – or any other style – should the couple request it. “I typically like fairly high-contrast images and shoot [with an open lens] to [create] a blurry background [and] isolate my subjects, so the focus is on the couple,” he says.
IN EFFECT
Editorial and magazine-style photography, which features set poses and plenty of editing, is also currently in vogue. Your wedding will be one of the happiest days of your life and there’s no doubt you’ll want to look your best, so if you’ve fallen in love with the photos in bridal magazines, this style of photography is ideal. To achieve this, your photographer will direct certain poses and scenes. Similarly, a pre-wedding photo shoot is also extremely glamorous. To make sure you enjoy the lead up to your wedding day, plan this well ahead of time.
PIXEL PROGRESS
Ideal for large group shots or photos of the venue, many wedding photographers will use a drone to ensure your special day is captured from all angles. “I own a DJI Phantom 4 Pro Drone,” Merle says. “I love the vantage point you can achieve from drone cameras that you simply can’t recreate with a normal camera.”
SHARED SHOTS
Ideal for couples who want to stand out from the crowd, Merle says coloured smoke bombs can create a bold and exciting effect. “I have recently started using smoke bombs more in my wedding photography,” he says. “[When used] in the correct setting, [they] can really add interest and colour to an image.” This emerging trend has flooded the wedding photography scene thanks to the daring and dazzling streaks of colour it creates. Coloured smoke bombs can be captured in any style of photography, from posed to natural, so they will certainly add vibrancy to your wedding album.
Keep It Classic
Tried-and-tested photography styles such as classic, documentary and lifestyle are some of the most requested themes for weddings as they provide stunning, natural-looking images. “I am particularly drawn to documentary wedding photography,” Merle says. “I never like to force moments or set things up. [I believe] these are the most beautiful and captivating images [are the ones] where no one realises the camera is pointing at them.”
A FORMAL AFFAIR
Often referred to as traditional wedding photography, classic photography features carefully composed shots and portraiture to perfectly capture the love shared on the day. While most photographers are trained in classic photography, many can fall short of perfecting it, which can often result in stiff and awkward photographs rather than natural, candid images. The major appeal of pre-planned images is that the photographer has a strategy in place, which allows them to expertly photograph the couple with exotic backgrounds and iconic landmarks.
A MOMENT IN TIME
If you want every special moment of your wedding day captured, documentary photography is ideal. This style allows each and every spontaneous moment to be photographed, such as the throwing of the bouquet and your first kiss as newlyweds. Often referred to as photojournalism or reportage photography, this style captures the happiness and love on your wedding day in a completely raw and nonchalant fashion. Your photographer will capture every special moment without constantly asking you to pose for shots, which will allow you to enjoy your day with family and friends. Unlike pre-planned images, these photos will be taken when you least expect it, which allows you to reflect on the special moments that you were too busy to notice on the day. Merle says this style of photography requires a great amount of skill from the photographer as they must anticipate the special moments and capture them quickly. “The aim [for the photographer] is to blend into the background and capture real, candid moments as they happen in real time,” he says. Additionally, the photographer must also carry a camera and lens that can handle numerous shots in quick succession to ensure they catch every last detail.
LIVE IT UP
Lifestyle photography is, in many ways, similar to documentary photography. The main difference between the two is that while the photographer will capture the spontaneous shots during the day, they’ll also ask the couple to pose for a number of formal photos. Combining both documentary and classic wedding photography, this style is ideal for couples who want to mix it up from fun and flirty to passionate and romantic. By choosing a photographer with which you’re comfortable, you’ll have precious keepsakes that will stand the test of time, regardless of what style you choose. Choosing the right photography style for your wedding comes down to your personal preference as a couple. By hiring an experienced photographer whose brand and portfolio you and your husband-to-be adore, you’re sure to love the finished product.