When you choose your wedding photographer, you're not just buying a service, you're investing in memories. That's why you should seek a talented photographer whose style fits your personal vision of the wedding day.

The following  information will  help you understand the wide range of photography options, making it easier to find the right one for you. I have put together several examples, representing  the range of styles and approaches used today. A  basic  understanding  of these styles will save you plenty of time when it comes to choosing a right photographer for you.

Traditional wedding photography style:

The history of wedding photography starts with traditional style photography. This is the  timeless style that  you've  probably   seen time and time again. The hallmark of this  style is  carefully  posed photographs of the key moments. Benefits: The traditional photographers usually use a planned  "shot list", which means you'll get all the important images. Drawbacks: The photographer virtually becomes a "wedding official," directing the wedding  party and guests  according  to a pre-planned list. This approach is very time consuming, and as a result, the bride and groom end up spending less time with their guests. The wedding album look is attractive, yet predictable.

Wedding photojournalism:

Contemporary style also known as photo reportage and documentary approach, photojournalism has become a very popular style of wedding photography, featuring a series of candid photos covering the entire day. Benefits:  Wedding photojournalism  gives you a series of unique images aimed to "tell the story" of your wedding day.  Drawbacks:  There is no pre-planned ”shot list," only the photographer's instincts; images are unpredictable. Low levels of available light may cause some pictures to look grainy. The couple may regret the absence of traditional, posed portraits in their album.

Illustrative photography:

The illustrative style photographers place the subjects in certain settings to  take  advantage  of  good  lighting  or backgrounds. Then, once the scene is set, the couple and their party are free  to  be  themselves, and  this  results in a more spontaneous feel. Unlike the photojournalism style, illustrative photography takes advantage of the  photographer's  artistic judgment rather than capturing  a series  of moments. This style often used  in engagement photography.

Additional Resources:

Most people have numerous questions when it comes to wedding services. I have put together a listing of the most frequently asked questions for you to peruse.

Choosing a Photographer...

Choosing a Style...

Who is responsible...?

Pricing...

Understanding your contract...

Sample contract...