Traditional Style
Wedding Photography

DLP_2433
CND1

Formal & posed

A Timeless Approach to Capturing Your Day

In the world of wedding photography, trends come and go, but traditional wedding photography remains a classic choice for couples seeking timeless elegance. 

Known for its posed and formal style, this approach ensures every important moment and group shot is beautifully documented. If you’re considering traditional wedding photography, this guide will help you understand its charm, benefits, and what to expect.

What is Traditional Style Wedding Photography?

 

Traditional wedding photography focuses on posed portraits and structured shots of the couple, family, and wedding party. These photos are carefully planned and styled to create a polished and elegant look. While candid photography captures spontaneity, traditional photography emphasizes timeless images that are perfect for framing or creating heirloom albums. 

Key Features:

Posed Portraits: Structured and formal photos with the couple, family, and bridal party.

Focus on Details: Classic elements like rings, bouquets, and attire are carefully styled and captured.

Timeless Appeal: A focus on elegance ensures these images remain relevant for decades.

Benefits Of Traditional Style Wedding Photography

1. Perfectly posed shots

With a traditional approach, the photographer meticulously arranges every element to ensure perfection in lighting, composition, and positioning. These photos are ideal for creating keepsakes and wall art.

2. Coverage of Key Moments

Traditional photographers excel at capturing the big moments, such as the first kiss, the cake cutting, and the first dance, with clarity and precision.

3. Family and Group Portraits

Formal family photos are a cornerstone of traditional photography. This ensures you’ll have beautiful images of all your loved ones together—a rarity in everyday life.

4. Professional Guidance

If you feel awkward in front of the camera, a traditional photographer will provide direction and pose suggestions to help you look your best.

What to Expect During The Wedding Day

 

Pre-Ceremony Portraits

Your photographer will start with styled shots of the couple, wedding party, and family. These may take place at the venue, a nearby park, or a picturesque indoor space.

Ceremony Highlights

Expect photos of the walk down the aisle, the exchange of vows, and the kiss, all captured with elegance and formality.

Family Portraits

After the ceremony, your photographer will arrange group photos. A detailed list of must-have shots can streamline this process.

Couple Portraits

The photographer will spend time capturing romantic and posed portraits of the couple, often at scenic or iconic locations.

Reception Photos

Traditional photographers will document the first dance, speeches, and cake cutting with posed shots while occasionally blending in some candid moments.

TIPS FOR COUPLES LOOKING FOR PHOTOJOURNALISTIC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Choose an Experienced Photographer

Traditional photography requires expertise in posing, lighting, and composition. Look for a photographer with a strong portfolio of formal wedding images.

Plan a Shot List

Work with your photographer to create a list of must-have photos, such as specific family combinations or unique details you want to highlight.

Allow Time for Portraits

Traditional photography involves setting up each shot, so allocate enough time in your schedule to avoid feeling rushed.

Relax and Trust Your Photographer

A great photographer will guide you through poses and ensure you feel comfortable, resulting in photos that radiate confidence and joy.

Common Questions

Traditional photography emphasizes posed and formal images, while candid photography focuses on capturing unscripted moments, however both styles do complement each other beautifully.

Yes! Many photographers incorporate candid moments during receptions or between formal sessions to add variety to your album.

Plan for 1–2 hours for couple, family, and bridal party portraits. The exact time will depend on the size of your wedding party and the number of requested shots. I always say to my couples try to keep your group shot list to a maximum as it can get very stressful. Speak with your photographer beforehand.

Not at all! While trends like photojournalism are popular, traditional photography remains a timeless choice for couples who love classic, polished images.

 

Traditional photography often involves staged poses, while photojournalistic photography focuses on candid, authentic moments.

Don’t worry! Traditional photographers are experts at guiding you through poses and helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera. They’ll ensure you look natural and confident in your photos.

 

Experienced photographers can adjust for any weather situations by finding indoor locations or using creative techniques to capture stunning images despite the conditions.

Look for photographers with a portfolio that emphasizes traditional styles, poses, formal photos. Read reviews, meet with them in person (or virtually), and discuss their approach to ensure it aligns with your vision for your wedding. If you want more tips on finding the perfect wedding photographer you can take a look at this post

Final Thoughts

Traditional wedding photography offers couples the chance to preserve their wedding day in a timeless and elegant way. Its focus on posed portraits, family group shots, and key moments ensures every detail is beautifully documented. If you value polished and professional images that will never go out of style, this approach may be the perfect fit for you.

Looking for inspiration? Take a look at some examples below.