What is alternative wedding photography?
If you’ve come here from the homepage of my site then you may have seen the phrase ‘alternative wedding photography’ bandied around a lot, but perhaps you’re wondering – what is alternative wedding photography, anyway?
Alternative wedding photography is for someone who wants something a bit different to ‘traditional’ wedding photography. And by that I mean, something more creative, more artistic and less conventional than what you might have seen before.
For example, my alternative photography style is that of a film-like look. Although I shoot digitally, I’m influenced by a film-like appearance in my edit, with a colourful edge and a penchant for the ‘perfectly imperfect’ nostalgic feel that film-photography brings. Does anyone miss sending a roll of film off to Jessops and being excited to see what came back? Those happy accidents are what I strive for within my photography – capturing a split-second glance across the room, a secret smile exchanged during the drinks reception, that giddy moment as you first walk out together as newlyweds.
Who should have alternative wedding photography?
Perhaps you’re planning your wedding thinking ‘I’ve been to a bunch of weddings before, and I know what I *don’t* want’. It may be that you’re reading about traditional wedding values and thinking ‘I don’t like the sound of this.’ Maybe you’ve stumbled across publications like Rock n Roll Bride or Rock My Wedding and thought ‘wow! I’ve found my people’. You’ve started a Pinterest board to start compiling all the ideas you have for how you’d like your day to look. You’re excited to get creative on your wedding day, to use it as an excuse to flex your artistic muscles, and work together as a team to create a celebration that’s an expression of the two of you.
This relaxed wedding photography style might suit you if you’re someone who wants to use the creative aspects of their wedding day as a declaration of their personality. It’s a candid style that would suit you if the thought of endless, cheesy posing on your wedding day fills you with dread. Alternative wedding photography is for you if you hate the idea of tradition for tradition’s sake, if you’re looking to have your wedding on your own terms, and you’re not afraid to march to the beat of your own drum.
Alternative wedding photography is perfect for couples who are creative, relaxed and laid–back in their approach to their big day. These types of people don‘t want long photo shoots with every possible combination of family members posed in a certain way. Instead, they prefer candid shots that capture the special moments as they happen, and maybe some fun, creative couple‘s portraits as well. There‘s no room for bridezillas here!
Why would I choose this photography style?
Alternative wedding photography allows couples to express their own personalities, interests, and style in their wedding day images. It also aims to capture some of the more candid moments that may not be captured in traditional wedding photography. You should choose alternative wedding photography if you’re planning a laidback and relaxed wedding, as alternative wedding photography will capture the day as it unfolded – the emotional moments, the messy moments, the funny moments.
Anything you can do to preserve the memory of your wedding day is something that all couples should be considering at the top of their agenda during wedding planning. After all, as the old saying goes – the only thing left after your wedding day is (hopefully!) your marriage, and your memories. Photography is the best way to capture and relive your wedding day in years to come. A look through the perfect wedding photos for you will immediately transport you back to the moment, the sights, the smells and the feeling that you had during that time. Furthermore, the candid nature of alternative wedding photography will allow you to see parts of the day that you would have otherwise missed.
Whether you’re having a festival wedding in South East England or a cool, East London elopement, if you’re looking for an East Sussex wedding photographer or for London wedding photography, I would love to hear from you. Get in touch and let’s chat about your plans!
