Memories made lasting keepsakes, your wedding photos are the one memento that prolongs your special day–tangible heirlooms to share with loved ones and revisit for generations to come. So it begs the question, how do you want your wedding day to be remembered? While meticulous attention to aesthetics is important in today's day and age, it’s equally crucial to document the authentic, heartfelt moments shared between your nearest and dearest—those precious instances that leave an indelible mark on our hearts. Here, Australian photographer Sebastian Paynter makes a case for a harmonious blend of both approaches, ensuring your photos capture both the curated and candid in a way that is true to your love – the perfect fusion of documentary and editorial imagery to cherish forevermore.
There's Magic in the Candid
With social media being so accessible these days it seems like the comparison game is strong. Couples can fall into the trap of wanting certain photos, designing their wedding around 'Instagrammable' moments rather than enjoying their day for what It is. When it comes to making great photos; simply being present and enjoying your time with each other and your guests is paramount to authentic photos void of looking staged or forced. As a day made up of so many formalities it’s up to the photographer to be constantly shooting to document a true representation of the overall energy and all the happenings. From the small reactions to the big emotions and all the authentic moments in between – grandparents watching on at the ceremony, a mother's tears of joy during morning prep, fits of laughter between two best friends, and a shared look between partners. This is the art of seeing and documenting and will be some of your most cherished memories and photos.
Adding a Touch of Editorial
An editorial aesthetic in wedding photos is a fusion of many different elements, starting with the venue. Firstly, consider the aesthetic style you like when choosing your venue as this will come through in your photos – you can’t make a city location look like Tuscany, or a barn look like a European Manor for example. Venues that have interesting architectural details such as staircases, arches, views and fountains, are all wonderful elements that you can use to your favor for an editorial aesthetic. These elements allow your photographer to capture a wider variety of shots and create interesting compositions.
Secondly, your styling goes a long way in acheiving an editorial aesthetic. Not just with your outfits, but too with the styling decor, elevating the venue to another level and acting as props or points of interest in your photos. A car or champagne tower for example are always a good idea as this allows you to interact with an element to add a point of difference to your gallery, while also introducing a degree of luxury. Lastly, the approach a photographer takes to capture the photo can be the finishing touch that transforms a good image to a great image. Abstract techniques such as using slow shutter for soft movement, angled compositions for scenes that reflect high energy, and unique crops all help paint a story in an editorial way.
Nailing the Balance
Documenting the wedding day as it happens plays an important role in showing your day for what it was and what happened, but let’s be honest, we all want “The Shot”. Prep or portrait time allows for the best opportunity to add an editorial aspect to your wedding photos. During this time, your photographer can find the best location and light to create stunning images that equally look natural and magazine worthy. The most important element however is to still be yourself and enjoy each other’s company as the best photos are ones that reflect your true, authentic personality. If you’re outgoing then let that shine, but if you’re shy, don't feel obligated to try and be something you’re not. Your photographer will bring together all the beautiful elements to truly create an editorial feel that is still true to you.
Make it Your Own
Above all, it's important for your wedding photos to reflect you as a couple and your dream wedding day – not someone else’s. The photos will take care of themselves as long as you’re being present and are having fun along the way. And editorial doesn’t always mean grand, different, or ground-breaking, the art of simplicity in itself can be considered editorial. By combining the two and choosing the correct photographer, you will find that your wedding day will look as magazine worthy as it does heartfelt.
