Welcome back, fabulous past, present and future photography clients! If you’ve stuck with me through the previous six parts, I applaud your stamina and dedication to becoming the client every photographer dreams of. In this chapter, we're diving into the vast ocean of photography styles. Don’t worry, this isn’t a rant or a bash-fest—just a humorous and insightful look at some serious issues photographers face according to my beloved Facebook group pages. Ready to level up your client game? Let’s get to it!
The Quest for the Perfect Photographer: It’s All About the Style, Darling
Picture this: you’re getting ready for a shoot and have a vision in mind—a magical blend of soft sunlight, candid laughter, and maybe a few dramatic, windswept hair moments. But how do you ensure your photographer can capture this dream? By understanding different photography styles, of course! Choosing a photographer whose style aligns with your vision is key to making your photography dreams a reality.
Traditional Style
Think classic, posed portraits with a timeless feel. This style is perfect for formal events like weddings, where you want to ensure you have those quintessential shots for the family album.
Unposed/Prompted Pose Style
Unposed or prompted pose photography is all about capturing real, candid moments by using playful prompts to get natural reactions. Instead of stiff, formal poses, this style encourages spontaneous laughter, genuine expressions, and authentic interactions. It's perfect for clients who want photos that reflect their true personalities and relationships, without the rigidity of traditional posing.
Photojournalistic Style
It's giving candid reality show. This style captures events as they unfold, telling a story through images. Commonly used in weddings and events, it’s all about preserving the raw, unscripted moments that make up your day. Think of it as your life’s highlight reel, one spontaneous moment at a time.
Editorial Style
Think the pages of Vogue. That's editorial. This style is characterized by dramatic poses, striking compositions, and often a fashion-forward aesthetic. It’s perfect for clients looking to create bold, eye-catching images.
My Style?
For portrait sessions, I like to consider myself a delightful cocktail of Traditional and Unposed/Prompted styles. I get it—most folks lean towards traditional because it's what they're used to seeing when they think "portrait." And if we don’t include a few of those during a session, clients can start to get... well, a tad jittery. But let’s be real—my absolute favorites (and often my clients' favorites too) are the Unposed/Prompted shots. These images capture the genuine emotions and personalities of my clients, and they’re the ones that truly make the session memorable.
When it comes to weddings and events, I embrace the photojournalistic style. Posed photos? Meh, they’re not really my jam for these occasions. The magic happens when I get to be a fly on the wall, snapping away as events unfold naturally. Those candid moments? They’re the ones that tell the real story and bring the event to life in a way that posed shots just can’t.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Understanding these styles can help you choose a photographer whose portfolio speaks to your heart. When their style matches your vision, it’s a recipe for photo magic! So, next time you’re in the market for a photographer, take a deep dive into their portfolio, chat about their style, and make sure you’re on the same page. After all, a little knowledge can go a long way in ensuring you get those picture-perfect moments you’ve been dreaming of.
