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Photographic Styles



Choose a photographic style to suit your taste

 Most of us find it difficult to articulate the style of photography that most appeals to us,
so this page demonstrates seven very different photographic styles.
While all the images here are from recent weddings,
the principles are the same for all genres of photography,
whether it’s a portrait shoot, a family event, or you’re Rocking Ya Frock!

You won’t like all the images here – you’re not meant to!
Sit back – don’t analyse on your first look through.
Just see which style grabs you most.

(If you're viewing on a mobile phone, flip it sideways to see better.)


 

Traditional

These are the sort of photographs our parents are most familiar with.
 
Plain & Simple
Timeless
Formal
Always looking straight to camera

1


Classic

Similar to Traditional but with a
modern twist.
Nothing too fancy.
Still generally looking to camera.
 
Uncluttered
Gentle
Crisp & Clear
Romantic
 

2

Glamorous

This is magazine style beauty
and romance.
Expert control of lighting is essential
so ask your photographer how
they’ll achieve this.

Setting up for these images can
take a little time so be patient.
This is not about spontaneity.
 
Sensual
Moody
Passionate
Alluring

3


Photo Journalism

This captures the action and
your guests in real-time.
Nothing is set-up or posed.
In choosing this style,
you must provide something for
the photographer to photograph!
If s/he is only there to capture a photo
and not create one, the emphasis is on the couple to provide an atmosphere which will bring a series of moments
the photographer can see.
These photos often look great presented in black & white.
 
Fast – Detailed – Unrehearsed

4


Playful

Think: bridal party tossing
a Frisbee on the beach,
the guys piggybacking
the girls across a park,
and the bride and groom
splashing in the shallows.
Often employs a range of props,
such as cigars and signage.
 
Outdoors
Fun & Laughter & Teasing
Storytelling
sometimes Staged

5


Retro

Has a 1970’s feel to it,
but with a modern,
partially photo-journalistic twist.
 
High Key (bright, slightly
over-exposed backgrounds)

typically in natural, early evening light

Short Depth of Field
(just a little bit in focus,
the background highly blurred)

1970’s yellowed colours

retro


Creative & Quirky

Use of a varied range of in-camera
and post-production techniques.
Requires expert camera skill,
and the ability to quickly see
opportunities within the setting.
 
Artistic
Unusual
Differing viewpoints

 

quirky


Chances are, you liked a little bit of several styles, but with one predominating.
That’s fine – just make sure your photographer understands your preferences
and has the skill to deliver on them.

Most photographers have their own style and that’s the only way they’ll work.
Personally, I enjoy the challenge of delivering to a client’s brief.
I like that you can’t readily identify my images as ‘Boutique Photography’
because they’re all so different.

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