So I personally feel like a huge selling point a lot of photographers use is how long you have them there for. And that’s very valid and I’m not hatin. But what about if you’re thinking big picture end result vs just basic documentary?

To me, style/vibe is how your photos will feel post-wedding day. So we are talking choosing the cinematic director of your wedding day memories.

You could be aiming for a true-to-life moment. Straight documentary vibes. You could be veryyyy in your Lana Del Rey, filmy, vintage, Super 8 film era. Or you might want something light and magical! But knowing that will help you soooo much when looking at photographers.

Another thing to consider would be how they approach a wedding day. For me, I look at it as something I want to document truthfully, but I also love a vibe and want it to be both artistic and have personality. So I’m doing all kinds of fun things to truly capture what it felt like. And I personally do like to get beautiful “clean” documentary-style shots because I think those are insanely important. I’ve been doing this for about 7 years now. And trends are always changing and evolving. But no matter how I adjust my editing style or favorite lenses, I know I like two things.

1. A beautiful, well-lit, clean shot.
2. Photos that are pure vibes and feelings.

I’ve found for me, I then have both shots where I can clearly see what was going on and I have stuff that is just vibey moodboard core. Because together they create a gallery that is a story with loads of feeling.

I also reallllyyy pay attention to the vibe and energy of my couples and the wedding. Because I don’t want to make a wedding that was an emotional, intimate gathering look like it was Project X if that is just completely false.

I think this is where editorial and documentary meet in the middle. Docutorial if you will. Throw in some extra dramatic tumblr energy and that is how I see the world.

To me, this is truly why choosing vibes is better than just getting basic shots for 10 hours. Cause honestly iphone footage is pretty damn good these days. So documentation can happen on multiple levels. (I personally offer digital cam footage for that raw and real vibe as well).

Aesthetic/vibe/style can be a lot harder to do since it requires understanding lighting, stying and editing. If you go with a more hybrid person (Docutaorial leaning) thats a great compromise.