With a wedding, two different souls embark on a new shared journey. Matrimony merges two lives in a beautiful union and the wedding album presents this in a symbolic manner. Wedding pictures depict the couple’s love story as much as their tastes. This is the allure of wedding albums and the magic of wedding photography.

Although the love story takes center stage, the unique elements that reflect the personalities and passions of the couple comprise the intriguing background. Without this background, the wedding photos will fail to hit the mark or touch hearts. Here are 7 ways to ensure that wedding photographs portray the couple’s personal style as much as they illustrate the beauty of the special day:

Capturing the Wedding Venue

The couple selects the wedding venue after much deliberation and effort. The venue is typically chosen after the wedding theme. The couple finalizes a venue that fits into the wedding theme beautifully with its existing features, and without the need to completely change the look with decor. The wedding theme reflects the interests of the couple, and by extension so does the wedding venue.

The wedding venue is not a standalone decision. Many small and big choices make up the wedding venue decision. The wedding venue speaks volumes about the couples’ likes and priorities, and capturing it from various angles helps to provide context and insights into the couple’s aesthetic preferences. Including shots of the venue helps showcase the ambiance that the couple chose for their special day. It allows the personal tastes and style of the couple to shine through.

The wedding venue will be the backdrop for several special moments throughout the day; capturing shots from different angles and perspectives helps create a cohesive narrative that deeply reflects the personalities of the two unique people coming together in a matrimonial bond.

Addition of Meaningful Elements in the Decor

The photographer can encourage the couple to add elements that hold special significance in their lives. The couple could have a photo display table or a slideshow featuring their milestones and their families. Photograph the couple around the display table or capture their reactions to the slideshow. Other than pictures, the couple can also display quotes that they love or physical objects that depict their hobbies. For instance, if one or both of them are foodies or good cooks, they could get creative with the food stations. If either of the two is a nature lover, they can include botanical elements in the decor. A couple proficient in crafting can use handmade decor. All such decor elements make for multiple photo opportunities.

Balance Between the Shot List and Candid Moments

The shot list is a must because it reflects a couple’s preferences. It helps guide the photographer’s efforts and reduces the likelihood of the couple being disappointed. Ideally, the couple needs to prepare the shot list in collaboration with the photographer, so that they can benefit from the expertise and experience of the photographer whom they selected so meticulously.

The shot list helps the photographer meet and exceed the expectations of the couple, however, capturing purely candid moments is equally important. That’s because candid photos capture the moments as they unfold, which adds to their authenticity. The spontaneous gestures and reactions reveal various aspects of the couple’s personalities. Since candid photos are taken throughout the day or days and they’re not bound by the constraints of posed photography, they offer a deeper and more nuanced portrayal of the personalities of the spouses.

Tactical Use of Lighting

The photographer needs to avoid using flash in small settings, however tempting it may get. It immediately detracts from the authenticity of the pictures and makes the couple more conscious of the presence of the photographer. Some people are camera shy, and the sudden reminder in the form of a flash tends to exacerbate feelings of discomfort. It will make them awkward and take away from the spontaneity of the moments.

A tour of the venue with the couple before the wedding will provide a better understanding of the setting and help make the right arrangements. The photographer must try to make the best of the low light capabilities of the camera and the available natural light. Using reflectors to bounce light onto the couple is an option, but this should also be done in a non-noticeable and unobtrusive manner.

The position of the photographer also matters a lot when it comes to capturing candid moments while taking advantage of the available lighting and without disrupting the flow of events.

Building a Rapport with the Couple

It’s advisable for the couple and the photographer to meet up or at least get on a call or two before the wedding day. This helps discuss expectations, convey any special requirements/requests, and address concerns. Most importantly, it allows the photographer to get to know the couple and establish a rapport with them. It helps the photographer plan the shots that will bring out the best aspects of the couple’s personalities.

The meetings or discussions help the photographer tailor the approach to the wedding photos according to the preferences of the couple. The couple is also likely to be more comfortable around the photographer on the wedding day since they’ve already forged a connection. This ease will allow them to be their most authentic selves which will be a delight to capture.

Capturing the Details

It’s the little details that set something apart, and make it unique. The photographer needs to observe and capture the small details that reflect the couple’s individual styles. The wedding attire, how they chose to style it, the accessories they chose, and all such details help paint the whole picture.

The lace pattern, embroidery and/or beading of the bride’s dress speak volumes about her style. The cufflinks, tie, and pocket square convey the groom’s sense of style.

One or both spouses may choose to wear unique accessories such as statement headpieces, stylish earplugs, or a monogrammed tie bar. Although it’s a tiny detail, capturing it in the photos is essential for an authentic presentation of their individual styles. The couple may also choose to incorporate cultural elements in their wedding ensemble; if this is the case, snapping photos of those details is also important. It helps depict cultural influence on style and adds depth to the wedding story.

Take Spontaneous Individual Pictures

While most photographs taken on the wedding day will be of the couple interacting with each other or with the guests, at least some should be spontaneous individual shots of the couple. This helps shine the spotlight on the characteristics and special aspects of each partner. The way each spouse laughs, hugs, and tears up tells much about their personalities and relations with people.

Yes, it is the day they take their love story forward, so capturing the special couple moments is a must. However, not taking individual candids would be a mistake. To ensure that the wedding album truly depicts the coming together of two individuals and their lives, it needs to have pictures that celebrate their individuality too.

Wrapping Up

Capturing and portraying the couple’s personal style in wedding photography requires attention to detail, communication, and some creativity. The various aspects of the couple’s personality will help contextualize the love story. Through the portrayal of the individuality of each spouse, the photographer will be able to depict the beauty of their bond in a better way. The wedding album will then transform into a compelling visual narrative that will be preserved and cherished by the couple for a lifetime.

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Check out my previous blog post on How To Choose A Photogenic Wedding Venue!