Wedding photography continues to evolve, blending timeless traditions with modern innovation. As we move into 2024, new trends are shaping how couples celebrate and capture their big day. Whether you’re planning your wedding or just curious about the latest photography styles, here’s a look at what’s hot—and what’s not—in the world of wedding photography for 2024.
What’s Hot
Documentary-Style Photography: In 2024, documentary photography, also called “photojournalistic,” will still be very popular. This style focuses on candid moments, capturing emotions, and telling a story throughout the day. Couples are opting for this authentic approach over posed shots, as it gives a raw and real depiction of their wedding experience. From the nervous excitement of getting ready to the heartfelt moments during the ceremony, documentary photographers have an eye for those fleeting yet powerful instances.
Film Photography Revival: While digital cameras have been the go-to for wedding photographers for years, 2024 is seeing a strong comeback for film photography. Analog film offers a soft, nostalgic look that digital often can’t replicate. Many photographers are now incorporating both digital and film formats into their wedding packages to give couples the best of both worlds. Film’s unique grain and colour palette give photos a timeless, ethereal quality that digital imagery can sometimes lack.
Drone Photography and Videography: Aerial shots have gained massive popularity in recent years, and in 2024, drones are continuing to transform wedding photography. Drones provide stunning bird’s-eye views of weddings, capturing the grandiosity of outdoor venues, scenic landscapes, or the expansive guest lists. These shots are perfect for wide-angle views of ceremonies or receptions, highlighting the scale of the day in a way that’s impossible with traditional ground photography.
Intimate and Emotional Portraits: More couples are focusing on intimate, quiet moments in their wedding photography. Whether it’s a slow dance, a whispered conversation, or a shared laugh, couples want photos that convey real, personal emotions. 2024 will see a rise in close-up shots and portraits that emphasise connection—helping to tell the story of the couple’s bond in a raw, intimate way.
Creative Lighting Techniques: Lighting is essential in photography, and modern wedding photographers are experimenting with creative lighting setups. Using dramatic lighting to create mood, such as backlighting, off-camera flashes, or neon signs, is gaining traction. These techniques allow photographers to push creative boundaries and produce striking images that stand out from the traditional, softly lit wedding portraits. Expect to see more artistic and high-contrast shots.
Personalised Details: In 2024, couples are more focused than ever on personalising their wedding day, and this trend is reflected in the photography. Couples are investing in creative ways to showcase their personalities, from customised décor to unique wedding attire. Photographers are tasked with capturing these personalised touches, making sure to highlight the small, meaningful details—such as heirloom items, custom vows, and personalised gifts—that make the day truly one-of-a-kind.
What’s Not
Overly Posed Traditional Portraits: While classic wedding portraits will never go out of style, couples in 2024 are veering away from stiff, overly posed shots. More couples want a more relaxed, natural approach to their wedding photography. Gone are the days of rigid, symmetrical poses and staged smiles. Instead, the focus is on capturing moments in motion, with the couple interacting naturally or simply enjoying their time together.
Excessive Filters and Over-Editing: In the past, some couples have favoured heavily edited wedding photos with filters that smooth out imperfections. However, in 2024, couples are opting for more natural-looking images that reflect their true selves. There’s a shift toward less retouching and more authenticity. While some light touch-ups are still common, the trend is moving away from over-edited photos, preferring realistic and candid portrayals over overly stylised ones.
Uniform Wedding Themes: The days of cookie-cutter weddings with a singular theme are starting to fade. Couples in 2024 are opting for a more eclectic, multi-dimensional approach to their wedding style. Instead of matching everything, from flowers to décor, there’s a trend toward mixing different textures, colours, and themes. This shift is reflected in wedding photography, where photographers are embracing the diversity of personal style and capturing the authenticity of the day rather than adhering to one set theme.
Superficial Trends and Fads: While it’s great to stay on top of trends, some fleeting fads are starting to lose their appeal in wedding photography. Overly gimmicky setups or trendy props can take away from the true emotion of the day. Wedding photos should remain timeless and meaningful, and couples are becoming more discerning about what’s truly reflective of their relationship. The move is towards authenticity rather than chasing viral photo trends that may quickly date.
Conclusion
Wedding photography in 2024 is all about authenticity, creativity, and personalisation. From documentary-style photography to the resurgence of film, there’s a focus on capturing raw emotion and unique moments. Drones, creative lighting, and intimate portraits are helping couples relive their big day in fresh and innovative ways. Meanwhile, traditional posed portraits, over-editing, and overly staged themes are becoming less popular as couples increasingly seek a more genuine representation of their wedding experience. It doesn’t matter what style you like as long as it tells your own story. Your wedding pictures will be memories that you will always have.