A Brief Look at Wedding Photography

Posted on May 16th, 2023.

Wedding photography is a specialized type of photography that captures the special day of a couple's wedding. Wedding photographers work with couples to document their wedding day from start to finish, from the ceremony to the reception. They use their skills and experience to capture the beauty and emotion of the day, and to create lasting memories for the couple and their families.

History of Wedding Photography

Wedding photography has undergone a long and fascinating history over the past few centuries. The first official wedding photograph in the world was taken in the year 1840 during the marriage of Queen Victoria's daughter, also named Victoria, who married her husband Prince Frederick William. The photograph was taken by renowned photographer Roger Fenton, who made use of wet-plate technology to capture the moment in an image.

In the years following, wedding photography slowly became a more widespread practice, though it remained exclusive and expensive for many years. Until the mid-twentieth century, official wedding photography was mostly restricted to royalty, high-society families, and wealthy elites. The equipment used in photography in those days was big and cumbersome, making it difficult for portrait photographers to move around with their cameras. However, these photographs were often important to the families involved, as they served as a reminder of family unity and stability in an era of frequent global conflict.

During the 20th century, the advancement of film technology and the rise of the middle class allowed wedding photography to become more accessible to the general public. The introduction of flexible, lightweight cameras, along with synthetic films that could capture photographs with finer detail, drastically improved the form's capacity. The growth of wedding photography companies also expanded, with branded companies largely dominating the market.

Once wedding photography became a standard feature of middle-class weddings, photographers saw a rising level of innovation and creativity in the art form. Whereas early wedding photos had a straightforward, businesslike feel, later photographs became more elaborate and stylized, with carefully arranged backdrops, vivid colors, and innovative lighting methods. In the 1980s and 1990s, the increase of photographers funding in new techniques and various themes led to pictures that could be both conventional and visually appealing.

The 21st century has seen a dramatic shift in wedding photography. Thanks to technological advancements in digital photography and editing software, wedding photography has become more refined and sophisticated than ever before. Photographers no longer need the extensive equipment needed in the past, and digital photos can be saved, stored, and shared with friends and family members conveniently via social media platforms.

Types of Wedding Photography

There are two main types of wedding photography: traditional and candid. Traditional wedding photography focuses on capturing the formal moments of the wedding day, such as the ceremony, the cake cutting, and the first dance. Candid wedding photography, on the other hand, captures the more informal moments of the day, such as the bride and groom getting ready, the guests mingling, and the party atmosphere.

Normal wedding photography is usually posed and staged. The photographer works with the couple to create a series of planned shots that capture the most important moments of the day. The photos are usually carefully composed and edited to create a polished final product.

On the other hand, candid wedding photography is more spontaneous and natural. The photographer works to capture the moments as they happen, without interfering or directing the couple or the guests. The photos are often more raw and emotional, capturing the true essence of the day.

Here are some specific differences between normal and candid wedding photography:

1. Style: Normal wedding photography typically has a more traditional and classic style. The focus is on creating timeless images that will look great for years to come. Candid wedding photography, on the other hand, has a more documentary style. The focus is on capturing the unique and unexpected moments of the day.

2. Planning: Normal wedding photography requires a lot of planning and preparation. The photographer needs to know exactly what shots they want to capture and have a plan in place for how they will achieve them. Candid wedding photography is much more spontaneous. The photographer needs to be quick on their feet and ready to capture whatever happens.

3. Interference: Normal wedding photography often involves a lot of interference from the photographer. They may direct the couple and the guests, telling them where to stand and where to look. Candid wedding photography, however, is all about capturing the natural moments of the day. The photographer should be as unobtrusive as possible and let the day unfold organically.

4. Editing: Normal wedding photography often involves a lot of editing. The photos may be retouched to remove any flaws or imperfections, and the colors may be adjusted to create a specific mood. Candid wedding photography, on the other hand, usually requires less editing. The photos are often left more natural and unfiltered.

While both normal and candid wedding photography have their own unique styles and advantages, candid wedding photography tends to be more popular among modern couples who want their wedding photos to reflect the true emotions and experiences of their big day.

Choosing a Wedding Photographer

When choosing a wedding photographer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you need to decide what type of photography you want. Do you want traditional or candid photos? Once you know what type of photography you want, you can start looking for photographers who specialize in that style.

It's also important to consider the photographer's personality and style. You want to choose a photographer who you feel comfortable with and who you think will capture the essence of your wedding day.

Finally, you need to consider the photographer's price. Wedding photography can be expensive, so it's important to get quotes from several photographers before making a decision.

You should also consider the following tips in order to make the process easier:

• Choose a photographer who you feel comfortable with and who you think will capture the essence of your wedding day.
• Get quotes from several photographers before making a decision.
• Be clear about your expectations with the photographer.
• Provide the photographer with a list of the photos you want them to take.
• Be flexible on the day of the wedding. Things don't always go according to plan, so be prepared to go with the flow.
• Relax and enjoy your wedding day! The photographer will be there to capture all the special moments, so you can just focus on being present and enjoying the day.

Wedding photography is a beautiful and important way to capture the memories of a couple's special day. With a little planning, you can choose a photographer who will create stunning photographs that you will cherish for a lifetime.

We at Blueprint Photography Ltd are committed to capturing your special moments with the utmost professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. We understand that your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and we are dedicated to providing you with exceptional photography services that will immortalize your memories forever.

To ensure that you get the very best wedding photography, we invite you to contact us at [email protected] for more information or to schedule a consultation. Our talented photographers will work closely with you to understand your unique vision and bring it to life in stunning detail. Trust us to capture every precious moment of your big day. Contact us today to get started!