I like 2 styles... natural light photojournalistic with a mix of fashion. I could sit here and dissect all of the styles and how they are performed but that would just be boring for both of us. My style is to see the light, use it in creative ways and finally find the emotion in the image. When I have the bride and groom one on one I like to add a flair of fashion (lighting/pose/post processing) to the photograph. But, the bottom line is still finding what light is there and getting a natural/candid pose out of the photo. I liken my fashion style to a candid, work with what you have, be creative and flexible.
In modern wedding photography you are suppose to see a bride look "happy" so the above image may be something you would see in a fashion magazine but for a wedding photographer it may have failed. A smiling bride is much better. Like the image below.
In this image you see a stronger "graphic" quality. A large amount of Photoshop manipulation. A quick analyisis would show a flattening of all the planes and areas. Detail is lost in a trade off for color and simplicity. I like to call it the "Matisse Style". Flat shapes, great lines and heavy color. This is one of the choices brides have in this digital day and age. Less of a photo and more of a photo manipulation. I love it and it is another creative form. Fashion and photojournalism with a heavy photoshop manipulation.
But, I can also be a purist and usually am. I have expensive Nikon equipment. All professional stuff that renders fine detail very well. Sometimes too well but that is another story. As you can see below, a traditional photojournalistic style is all about the emotion and use of available light.
Straight photography. Finally, a nice balance of all these elements makes for exciting and great wedding photography.
These are photojournalistic...with a slight fashion graphic quality. I don't think one is better than another. I am more about giving the Bride and Groom as much information and knowledge as possible so they can make an informed decision. I like to keep the integrity of the photograph with as much detail as possible. The photoshop should enhance the image not take it over in my opinion. But there is a time and place (photo) for every technique.
I came to photography from a Fine Art background so making something a highly stylistic, painterly, graphic art print is exciting, creative and fun. I don't think it should be overly used in every photo. Some images should be straight, photojournalistic, with minimal manipulation leaning on the found light and the emotion. Other images should look like what you see in a fashion magazine, a mix of great photography and post processing. Finally, use of graphic photoshop qualities that perhaps mimic old darkroom techniques but bring an image into the 21st century can enhance any wedding album.
Balance in everything.
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