Wild Trends in the Wedding Photography Industry

Planning to be married and looking for a photographer to chronicle the event? Perhaps someone is a photography buff who would like to break into the wedding photography industry, or they enjoy staying up-to-date with the latest leanings in nuptials as a passion project. If so, it is important that they stay in tune with the most recent and popular movements. That being said, here are some wild trends to take notice of in the wedding photography industry.

1. Selfie Shots–In this ever-evolving technological age, it was only a matter of time before selfie shots took off. Whether people like it or not, selfies are a big part of today’s vernacular and Internet-based society. As such, social media-savvy couples are setting up “selfie stations” for their friends and family, along with a lovely backdrop, to shoot themselves having a great time at the ceremony. This is in the same vein as wedding couples who offered disposable cameras to guests as a way of documenting their special day. It is a cost-saving measure and allows the guests to be an integral part of the festivities.

2. Day-After Pics–A couple’s wedding day is often chaotic and one of the most stressful days of their lives. Many times, things can arise that are beyond a wedding photographer’s control (e.g. intoxicated wedding guests, jitters on “the big day,” eclectic music choices, timing and lighting issues, etc.) and it may limit the shots they can get the day of the ceremony. As a result, day-after shoots are gaining popularity with many couples planning their nuptials. Moreover, it gives the newlyweds some down time to consider what message they want to convey in their pics. Furthermore, day-after photos also allow shutterbugs to shoot the happy couple in an alternate location, apart from the wedding venue and gives the photographer additional time to find the most desired shots.

3. Aerial Photos–This trending technique might involve overhead shots of only the bride and groom, or even the wedding party as a whole. It is an effective way for the shutterbug to capture the spirit and excitement of the day. Additionally, it also gives the photog different angles and vantage points to work from, which optimizes the appeal of many shots.

4. Father-Daughter First Look Images–This popular ceremony must-have has been trending for quite some time and is still going strong. Some brides are having photographers capture their father’s first glimpse of them in white as part of the occasion. It is a tradition based in the South and resonates with that special, unique father-daughter bond.

5. Proposal Shots–It is becoming a popular trend for grooms-to-be to hire photogs to document their proposals so that the moment can be captured and relived many times over by the couple, as well as shared with family and friends. This wild trend is growing by leaps and bounds in the wedding photography industry, and it positions the shutterbugs who offer this service for repeat business from customers.

6. Social Media Incorporation–Couples are encouraged to craft wedding hashtags for guests to upload photos to Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms. It can help promote the event and augment the wedding experience through their eyes. Apps, such as Artifact Uprising, are also allowing smartphone users to upload those photos from social media and create hardcopy memorabilia (e.g. postcards, scrapbooks, albums, calendars, etc.) of the special occasion.

7. Stop-Motion Photo Film–This trending technique takes still photos and brings them to life. This is typically done via video set to a music soundtrack. In particular, stop-motion works well with video sharing platforms, such as YouTube or Vimeo. Furthermore, couples can craft a trailer for social media postings or send out emails to family and/or close friends.

When planning a couple’s nuptials, it is important that shutterbugs stay up-to-date with the latest tendencies so they can properly and thoroughly chronicle the event. Thus, it is helpful to have someone who follows the wild trends in the wedding photography industry. It is a photog’s responsibility to capture the ceremony via its finest moments. After all, every couple wants their special day to be memorable, unique, and representative of who they are and the love they share.

Opinion Written and Edited by Leigh Haugh

Sources:
The Knot–14 Hottest Wedding Photography Trends
Huffington Post–Wedding Trends
Brides–THE 8 PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Images Courtesy of WikiMedia Commons – Creative Commons License