As we meander through the early months of 2024, wedding photography continues to evolve, capturing the essence of each ceremony with innovative and breath-taking techniques. This year promises an ensemble of exciting trends, each adding a unique flavour to wedding albums worldwide. Let’s dive into the top 10 wedding photography trends that are defining the nuptials of 2024.
The Inclusion of the Odd “Artistic” Blurred Photo
Gone are the days when a blurred photo was considered a mistake. 2024 has embraced the unexpected beauty in imperfection, with couples and photographers alike falling in love with the mystery and emotion conveyed through soft-focus and motion-blur shots. These “artistic” blurs bring a romantic, dream-like quality to wedding albums, encapsulating moments in a way that feels genuine and ethereal.
Candid and Natural Style
Authenticity reigns supreme in 2024, with staged shots taking a back seat to candid, natural photography. This trend focuses on capturing unguarded moments, from playful interactions between guests to tears of joy during the ceremony. The result is a collection of photographs that tell the true story of the day, filled with genuine emotion and spontaneous laughter, preserving the wedding’s spirit in its most unfiltered form.
Vintage Style Direct Flash
With a nod to the past, the vintage-style direct flash is making a striking comeback. This trend uses a direct, harsh flash to create high-contrast images reminiscent of old film cameras. The result is a series of photos that feel both nostalgic and timeless, adding a raw, edgy vibe to the wedding album. It’s a bold choice that pays homage to the photographic styles of yesteryears while making a modern statement.
35mm Shots
Film photography has seen a resurgence in the wedding scene of 2024, with the grain and warmth of 35mm film adding an unparalleled depth to wedding photos. This preference for film over digital captures is not just about the aesthetic, but also the intentionality it brings to photography. Every shot counts, resulting in a carefully curated collection of images that feel both intimate and beautifully flawed.
Element Features
Photographers in 2024 are getting increasingly creative with incorporating element features into their shots. Champagne towers, chocolate fountains, and sparkler arches are no longer just attractions; they are key players in the visual storytelling of the day. These elements not only add a sense of grandeur and celebration but also create dynamic backgrounds and focal points for stunning, memorable photos.
Drone Wedding Photography
The sky’s the limit with drone wedding photography, providing breathtaking aerial views of the ceremony and venue. This trend allows for capturing the scale and beauty of the location, delivering a dramatic perspective that traditional photography can’t match. Drones are particularly popular for outdoor and destination weddings, offering a bird’s eye view of nature-integrated ceremonies.
Moody and Atmospheric Lighting
Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood, and 2024 has seen a shift towards moodier, atmospheric lighting setups. By manipulating shadows and light, photographers are able to evoke a sense of intimacy and drama, turning each photo into a piece of art. This trend particularly shines during receptions and evening ceremonies, where lighting can truly transform spaces and moments.
Pre-Wedding Photo Adventures
The pre-wedding shoot has evolved into a full-blown adventure, with couples opting to capture their love in beautiful local landscapes or more exotic locations. These little photo adventures are a chance to get creative and personal, telling the couple’s story against a scenic or styled backdrop. From mountaintops and seaside’s to local forests and urban streets, these shoots add a layer of adventure and personalisation to the overall wedding narrative.
In addition, expert wedding photographer Emma Seaney says “engagement and pre-wedding photoshoots are a great way for a photographer to bond with the couple before their big day and something I always recommend, they can be glamorous or something more personal.”
Social Media Minis
In an era dominated by social media, couples are requesting ‘social media mini’ shoots specifically curated for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. These brief, dynamic shoots focus on creating content that’s buzz-worthy, incorporating viral trends, and ensuring that the couple has stunning visuals ready to share immediately.
Animated GIFs and Boomerangs
Building on the social media trend, moving images such as GIFs and Boomerangs have become a fun and quirky addition to wedding photography. Capturing brief moments with movement adds a lively and playful element to digital albums, providing a fresh and engaging way to remember the day.
As we forge ahead into 2024, it’s clear that wedding photography is not just about documenting a day, but about creating a rich, multifaceted story that captures the essence of the couple and their celebration. These trends reflect a shift towards more authentic, creative, and personal approaches to wedding photography, promising a year of breathtakingly memorable and heartwarming images.
