There are two bright trends in wedding photography – analog photography and photos with flash. These are classic values ​​that are receiving special attention this year.

Wedding photos in 2024

The latest trends in wedding photography are actually fundamental photo techniques without which good photography is unimaginable. They have come into the limelight and are used as creative tools in wedding photography. This year's wedding photo trends reflect a return to basics - the photographer's ability to confidently and creatively work with analog photography and flash.

The actuality of analogue or film photography marks the fact that authenticity is becoming more and more important in weddings - in wedding photography it is more important to capture unique moments with all their imperfections, rather than creating polished and staged photos. On the other hand, a photo with a flash allows you to capture moments in motion, in the dark, in those conditions in which a photo would otherwise fail. It allows you to creatively capture the most diverse moments of the wedding day.

Analogue photography for weddings

Wedding photography with an analog camera gives a special mood to the wedding album - tones and texture, sometimes slightly blurred shots, out-of-focus details and other apparent faults make them dreamy. As in a dream, the image is not sharp and precise, so these photos tell about the event, depicting it as in dreamy and airy memories.

Analogue cameras are nothing new for weddings – many couples place such disposable cameras on the tables of the guests to take photos during the evening. This way, the couple can get both natural and lively photos and provide a little entertainment for the guests. However, even in wedding photography today, couples sometimes choose to partially capture the wedding using a film photo. In addition, this photo trend does not mean that you should give up the opportunities provided by digital photography - it can serve as a great inspiration for wedding photography, for example, references to analog photos can be achieved in the post-processing of digital shots.

Digital and analog wedding photography

In fact, it is not of great importance to compare these two types of photos - each has its own advantages and character, and the choice in favor of one or the other will be very personal. Of course, digital photography is technically very advanced, it allows you to take a lot of shots, they are quickly available and easy to process. Digital photography provides precision and sharpness. On the other hand, film photography for weddings is usually chosen by couples for nostalgic and emotional reasons.

Analogue photography is chosen by those who are attracted by its unique aesthetics and unpredictability. But from the photographer's point of view, analog photography requires a very deliberate approach and concentration, waiting for the right moment. Analogue photography is associated with naturalness, they are not technically perfect photographs, because that is most often their purpose - to provide unaltered, unadjusted and unenhanced shots. It is important to note that high-quality analog photography is not just a means of obtaining a retro-style photo. It is a different kind of photography with its own special approach that often results in artistic photographs.

What to consider when choosing analog photography for a wedding

It has already been mentioned that digital photography is faster and simpler, but analog photography attracts with its atmosphere and aesthetics. The main thing to consider is that film photography requires a slower and more deliberate approach – the photographer will be able to take fewer but more deliberate shots. Film photography does not allow for rushing, the same applies to developing and scanning photos - it takes time to do it. And, of course, the costs – photo films are not cheap, and not all shots will be successful.

Since analog photography has become a trend, many photographers have started to dabble in it or process digital stills in a retro aesthetic. Therefore, when choosing a wedding photographer, it is important that you trust the skills of the particular photographer. You have to make sure that the analog photo is the specialty of the particular photographer and that he works with it freely and professionally, and has not recently started experimenting with it because it is relevant.

The charm of film photos lies in their uniqueness, but this is both an advantage and a risk at the same time. In digital photography, everything is usually backed up on two memory cards, but in analog photography there are serious technical risks. To ensure that all the important moments are captured, they must be photographed several times and with several cameras, because nothing will be possible to repeat. There are also technical risks in photo development and it requires knowledge, skills and precision. Photographing a wedding day with an analog camera is a big responsibility and requires the photographer's professionalism and confidence. It should be remembered that all this is also reflected in the payment for the photographer's work.

Most photographers choose to shoot with both digital and analog cameras to minimize risks. In the most important moments of the wedding, similar shots are taken with both cameras. It's a good middle ground if you want to add aesthetic, nostalgic and exclusive shots to your wedding photo gallery.

Photo with flash in wedding photography

The use of flash in wedding photography is nothing new. The flash lasts almost as long as the photo. But this year, photographers have returned to this medium as a creative tool to capture not only well-lit, but also creative flash wedding photos.

Wedding photography ideas

Wedding photography techniques are different, but the flash is the one that will be used almost always, because with its help you can successfully capture shots in low-light situations. Nowadays, photographers use flash not only for technical reasons; it has become a means of creative expression. Flash adds a modern and dynamic perspective to wedding photos. It allows photographers to control the lighting and turn moments that would otherwise pass by into extraordinary and well-lit shots.

Ideas for creative use of flash in wedding photography:

• Strategic use of flash can achieve dramatic lighting effects, such as contrast between light and shadow, and highlight different textures. The photo of the wedding ceremony can be obtained from the use of a flash - with this it is possible to emphasize this important moment with an expressive, clear and well-defined photo. Also important in black and white wedding photos is the contrast of light and shadow, which can be achieved directly with the flash.
• Flash is a particularly effective tool for capturing natural and unadulterated moments in motion. The flash ensures that the people in the photos are well lit, while still capturing the spontaneity and emotion of the moment. It will be especially useful when photographing a couple's first dance or guests during an evening party. Flash wedding photos are lively, vibrant and capture the emotion of the moment.

• The composition of wedding photographs in every wedding is an aspect in which the wedding photographer can express himself creatively. Ideally, the compositions match the dynamics and aesthetics of the wedding. A professional and skilled photographer will perceive the mood and try to depict it in the composition of the photo. For example, harmonious compositions will suit a classically elegant wedding, but experimental shots will suit a fun wedding party. On the other hand, a couple's photo session in nature allows you to play with different areas, the relationship between foreground and background. Flash is great for creating innovative and creative wedding photo compositions. For example, photographing silhouettes against a well-lit background, as well as creating other original shots that stand out from traditional wedding photography.

• Color is important in photography - the flash makes it brighter and brighter even in poor lighting. When photographing part of the evening celebration with a flash, it will be possible to ensure that the flowers, decorations and dresses are in the desired bright colors. Also, with the flash, you can perfectly capture the most delicate details of the wedding, such as the bride's jewelry and the lace of the dress, highlighting not only their color, but also their texture.
• Wedding portrait photography can be different - from posed static photos to dynamic shots captured in motion. The flash is great for creating portraits with a special mood. Playing with lights and shadows creates a cinematic mood in portrait photos.

Dynamic and emotional wedding photos

As already mentioned, the main advantages of the flash are the ability to achieve various lighting effects, capture moments in motion, as well as capture bright tones even in poor lighting. In a sense, it is a photograph that does not interfere with the situation, does not try to change it - it works with the conditions as they are given and shows them in the brightest, most lively and creative light possible.

If you want modern photos in the style of glossy magazine photo shoots, flash wedding photos will be the right choice. In addition, it will also be perfectly useful in the shots of unadulterated emotions and natural moments of the evening party. It is a photo technique that can be used in various wedding moments and will make every shot brighter, sharper and more lively. This is not unimportant, because it is not always possible to provide perfect lighting on the wedding day - maybe the hotel room where the bride gets dressed in the morning is on the dark side; maybe the ceremony takes place in a shady church or the sun is covered by clouds during the ceremony in nature; perhaps very atmospheric candle lighting is planned during the wedding dinner, in which it is more difficult to take bright and sharp shots - the situations can be different, both predictable and unpredictable, therefore the use of flash in wedding photos is very useful.

Of course, using a flash is not only an artistic, but also a technical technique that requires knowledge and skills. That's why it's important to choose a skilled wedding photographer who knows how to use flash strategically to control lighting, create shadows and highlight details.

Wedding photo styles in 2024 – modern and sentimental interplay

Analogue photography itself is mostly associated with childhood, warm and pleasant memories that take over when flipping through family photo albums. But nostalgia is not the only reason to choose film photography for your wedding. Analogue photography teaches you to carefully choose the moments to capture, which makes them even more special and exclusive. In a digital and fast-changing world, analogue photography is a constant value that many wedding photographers are gradually returning to.

Although at first glance a flash photo is associated with something very modern, dynamic and innovative, it also has a sentimental value. The directness of this photograph reveals unadulterated emotions and intimacy - a moment that the photographer has captured without mediation. Often these photos are also associated with celebrity paparazzi photos, which gives them another charming aspect.

Author of the article: Renate Berga

Photographers: Yellow Bird Visuals, Alex Mari Photography, Nicole Plett, Stephanie M. Photo, Aimlee Photography, Angelika Dupuis, The Saums, Carlos Ferreira, Swidrak & Co Luxury Weddings