Photo trends I'm *obsessed* with and want to see more of
Hi, hello, welcome, or welcome back! This week’s blog is going to be a fun one as I’m really trying to lean back into my creative side. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, everything is green, all of my favorite things!
Today, I’m gonna be talking about some of my favorite photography trends or styles, the ones I want to see more of, and some of my predictions for what’s about to blow up. Here’s the Sydney Rose Portraits Ins and Outs list for weddings. Let's get into it!
Low light/candle light/no flash dinner photos
We all love to play with light. We go towards the light (oh no, haha), look for open shade, you get the picture. I’m anticipating people being a lot more inventive with lighting in general — here’s how.
These are going to begin to be a much bigger thing. I think we, as both people *and* photographers are beginning to gravitate toward the real and authentic. Instead of over-lighting everything with flash and overexposure, we are going to embrace the darker lighting.
Candle light is also gorgeous and so aesthetically pleasing. Adding that element is also popular because candles can fit with nearly every type of ceremony, from rustic to elegant, and they are such a timeless way to bring a wedding together.
Off-camera lighting/flash
Keeping with the theme of looking more natural, I’m predicting less direct flash and more of this. It’s less harsh than other types of lighting or flash, so you won’t be fully illuminated, similar to a candlelight situation, and it will look more aesthetic. We’re okay with shadows and not showing everything over here!
Daylight flash
Daylight flash is an interesting lighting trick I’m predicting more people will start to use. As much of an advocate for natural light as I am, sometimes, even in the daylight, the light doesn’t quite fill the areas we’re looking to fill. Using flash this way helps photographers capture everything they’re looking to capture and light everything they’re looking to light. It’s pretty helpful. And, some clients are looking for that bright, overexposed look, which this helps to achieve.
The color red
We all know and love red. It’s our favorite shade of lipstick, a confident feel good color that can really fit with every season. That’s part of why I’m anticipating more pops of it at weddings. It’s bold and stands out in a bouquet, it symbolizes love, and it can truly do it all, from classy, traditional ceremonies to old Hollywood, vintage-themed weddings. I’m particularly fond of unique bouquets featuring longer, hanging flowers and pops of red in there, or colored candlesticks as centerpieces.
Doing what you want on your wedding day
I know this blog is briefly talking about trends, but it’s equally important to note that you do NOT need to follow trends. You just need to follow your heart! If there’s something that really speaks to you, do it. Life is too short to be influenced otherwise! As your photographer, I’m on your team, and I’ll always stand by the decisions you make to help yourself.
New/unconventional angles
My interns (and anyone who read my resolutions blog) know I love to get on the ground, crouch in bushes, find “unsafe” rocks to perch on, and generally just be committed to getting the best angle possible. I think we should all lean into this more and start experimenting with what really looks cool. Images through doors and windows, from much lower angles to show perspective, new and unique positions with couples, and creating things that haven’t been seen before or captured from a certain direction. All of this is really going to enhance creativity.
Vintage and ornate designs
Not only are these absolutely gorgeous, but they leave room for a personal touch. And what’s a wedding celebrating your unique love without adding some personality and history into it?! Bring on the family heirloom lace table runners that your grandparents also had at your wedding. I want to see intricate veils that have meaning to *you*. Don’t be afraid to infuse things that are of value to you into your wedding.
More intentionality
Going back to what I said about infusing bits of yourself into your wedding, don’t be afraid to make decor or design choices that are intentional and true to you! It’s okay to be intentional and thoughtful about every aspect of your special day! If you want to make sure you have alone time with your partner, make sure you have a private dinner. If you want a flower that symbolizes something special to you, have it in your bouquet. Instead of a traditional guest book, grab your favorite coffee table book or sentimental book for your guests to sign. Making the intentional choice to do what’s right for you has never been better.
Photo booth for guests, but like professional lighting and studio style
A photo booth is a great wedding addition. People get to be silly and take photos, and leave with an adorable little strip of them to hang on their fridge and have to remember your ceremony forever. Now imagine if these crowd-pleasers had professional lighting and more of a studio feel? Yeah, it’s beautiful, isn’t it? These would be so fun to implement, and the results could be considered part of each guest’s wedding favor. Everyone is already dressed up, and come on, when’s the last time your family and friends had a nice professional portrait to share and commemorate your day??
SRP Ins and Outs
In:
Having your pets at your wedding
Attending your cocktail hour
Marrying who you love in a way that you love
Nontraditional bouquets
Color
No kids at weddings
Out
Inviting your homophobic relatives
Wearing uncomfortable shoes
Matching wedding party dresses
Having a wedding party stand up with you if you don’t want to
At the end of the day, the best thing you can do for your wedding is what feels true to *you*. If you want a glitzy, glamorous party, let's send out the invites. If you want to elope on a mountainside, I’m getting my hiking boots on. I can’t wait to help you make the wedding of your dreams come to life!
