Let’s not pretend it’s not hard to tell one photographer apart from another these days. We all buy presets that match whatever is cool and trendy (right now that is film!) But every now and then you might’ve scrolled and someones work reallllyyyy stood out to you. I’m gonna tell you why that might be.

Pick a photographer true to their art

I think in a world where art is seen as just another way to make money, it can be soooo easy to just get basic pics, slap a preset on it and call it a day. Especially when documentary was really a big buzzword (and plz don’t think I’m a hater, we all just trying to make it). But some artists are really looking at their work and going mmm no, I want it to mean something. And when that extra care is being applied, I really think it shows.

Consider choosing someone willing to take (and post) risky photos

It’s very tempting to play it mega safe on a wedding day. The pressure is so high because no one wants to ruin someones wedding day! I think that if you want something different and much more artsy, you have to be flexible and allow your photographer to take risks. This means not being attached to mega-specific “candid” shots. (This doesn’t mean don’t expect a first kiss photo though haha). But more if you want interesting photos full of feeling and that have a unique vibe, don’t worry if you don’t have a pic of the exact moment he reached up to wipe away a tear one time at 2:04 pm right before he walked down the aisle. While that sounds very cute in theory, in practice, we have no clue if that will happen. If your photographer catches it, very cool! But if they were setting up another shot (that you end up LOVING btw).

Then it’s ok. And if that sounds horrible to you thats ok, you probably like documentary style thats more clean cut! Still very pretty! (This really sounds like I’m a documentary style hater but I’m not I swear).

Back in the late 2010s, it was common practice to kind of manufacture a lot of moments for the photos. Pose to put on the dress, pose to clink your drinks, bridesmaids all hugging neatly on a bed. We’ve all seen them, we’ve all pinned them. So the best way to get more unique photos is:

Let the day flow naturally

I’m all for a very directed editorial moment. I think they are beautiful and I think you can make them so so unique. Buuuut if all the photos are like that, thats where the same old same old feeling comes in. So by letting your day breathhhh. By staying in the moments and doing things naturally, you’ll automatically have cool and unique photos that are YOU. And also you’ll actually enjoy your wedding day.

I remember my sister-in-law telling me about a wedding she went to. She said they spent HOURSSS taking photos. The cocktail hour lasted soooo long and then the dancing was very late. And by the time they started dancing, everyone was over it. And yes I know that weddings are about the couple and what they want. But truuust you do not want to spend the whole day just taking photos. So move through them quickly and gracefully. Get the joy but don’t overstay. If your photographer knows their stuff they’ll have you moving through the day perfectly and only grabbing you for 4-5 minutes at a time.