Wedding photography captures one of life’s most precious moments, allowing couples to reminisce their special day for years to come. As you plan your nuptials, choosing between candid and traditional photography styles is an important decision. While both have their advantages, understanding the key differences will ensure you select the best fit for your wedding vision.
An Overview Of Candid And Traditional Wedding Photography
Candid wedding photography involves spontaneously capturing genuine moments as they unfold throughout your wedding celebrations. The photographer aims to blend into the background, documenting emotional reactions, candid interactions, and fleeting moments that together tell the story of your big day.
Traditional wedding photography, on the other hand, focuses on organized portrait sessions, both before and after the ceremony. This style prioritizes photos of the couple, wedding party, and family posing in predetermined formations, often against scenic backdrops or with coordinated props.
While candid photographers utilize natural light and photojournalistic techniques, traditional photographers meticulously orchestrate both formal poses and stylized scene compositions. Many couples choose one style or the other, while some opt to combine both approaches for a comprehensive wedding album.
Key Differences Between The Two Styles
Beyond the core distinctions in their shooting methods and priorities, candid and traditional wedding photography diverge across several key factors for soon-to-be newlyweds to consider:
Cost
Due to the intensive editing process candid wedding photography demands, it typically costs 20-50% more than traditional wedding photography packages. However, the investment pays dividends through fully customized, artful albums that capture the authentic emotions of your momentous occasion.
Technical Approach
Candid photographers employ fast prime lenses and high ISO capabilities to unobtrusively photograph in low light scenarios without flash. This prioritizes natural moments over technical perfection.
Traditional photographers utilize off-camera lighting techniques and posed compositions to produce consistent, technically excellent photographs. This gives couples more control over the final images.
Focus
The candid approach focuses on naturally unfolding emotions and interactions rather than perfectly orchestrated scenes and poses. Photos capture the spontaneous delight, excitement, and intimacy as the celebrations progress.
Traditional photography focuses on the events themselves and organized group portraits to document proceedings. Couples have more influence over the story the photos convey through directed moments.
Editing and Presentation
Candid wedding photography requires an extensive editing process to curate the best candid moments into a cohesive narrative. These handcrafted albums feature creative compositions and advanced editing techniques.
Traditional wedding albums typically contain fewer overall photos to minimize editing time. The streamlined presentation focuses on significant moments and set poses rather than creative embellishments.
In summary, while traditional wedding photography delivers polished posed scenes, candid photography captures emotional exchanges and behind-the-scenes occurrences. Most wedding photography services offer packages blending both methodologies so couples enjoy the best of both styles when reliving their ceremony for years to come through professional photos.