Learn about Editorial Style Wedding Photography

What is the best style of wedding photography, classical or photojournalistic?
For most brides neither meets their needs. What they really want is a merging of the two styles. This is editorial photography and it does address that need. Contemporary brides want their wedding album to tell a story. They expect the photographer to capture three things. The first is emotion, the joy, the tears, the sharing of love reflected in the faces of the bridal couple, family and friends. The second is the fashion present in the details of the wedding day, details in the bridal gown, the flowers, the cake, the event venues, and the light illuminating their day. The third is the art of the new coffee table wedding albums. The new albums are works of art personalized to the couple’s special day and worthy of publication. These albums are displayed for years in the family home and shared with family and friends. This is in contrast to the older collection of prints that collect dust on the top of the closet shelf.
Editorial wedding photography is easy to recognize.
Think of a top bridal or fashion magazine without the advertising text. You will see a story that includes more than a ceremony and reception. Frequently there will be an integration of the engagement, rehearsal dinner, gown fitting and the elaborate preparations for the special event. The camaraderie of the groom with his buddies and family. This covers everything from a surfing session on the wedding morning to a meditation or prayer session between the groom and his father. The bride’s preparation including hair styling, makeup session and dressing of the bride and her best friends and family while sharing stories and the excitement of the upcoming bonding of two families. Fashion details may be reflected in the lingerie, shoes, jewelry and of course the gown. Family concern and excitement are reflected in the photography. Pictures at the ceremony not only reflect the pageantry, but also the emotion of not only the bride and groom but also family and friends as they respond to the shared love.
Photographs should capture the unique qualities of the wedding venue and the play of light either inside or outside. Formal pictures are a small part of the editorial style and sometimes done in part before the ceremony. Other formals may be done prior to the reception where the fun kicks into high gear. Here is the opportunity to capture the family and friends having a good time. The emphasis is on the activities and fun and less on static table shots. The departure of the bridal couple signals a new beginning and in some cases photography of the beginning of the honeymoon. Something as simple as a tuxedo jacket and gown hanging on a chair can close the story.
A good editorial wedding album brings all of these elements together in an uncluttered artistic style that will remind the bride of her day in a manner worthy of Vogue or Elle magazine. Every story is different and every album should also reflect that individually.
Editorial photography meets the simultaneous needs of the hip young set and the pictures the grand parents can also treasure. Editorial style works for both weddings that are elegant in their simplicity or elaborate in size and venue. It works indoors or outdoors and it works for both young couples and more mature couples merging families. The children become an integral part of the story. Good editorial photography requires two photographers working simultaneously sometimes independently and other times as a choreographed team. A graphic artist designs the coffee table album and artistic slide shows. There is frequently a mix of color, black/white and other artistic toning of images in the album. DVD slide shows with music can portray movement and action and in some cases are replacing videography
When selecting your photographer look for emotion, look for fashion, look for art in the photography and presentation. When you’ve found these elements you’ve found the photographer who has “IT”.