1960s Wedding Photography Trends in Wales

Wedding photography trends come and go and over the decades we've seen some huge changes as wedding photographers in Wales on the way we approach the day and and the different styles and looks that come and go with wedding trends.

The 1960s was a time of great change, and wedding photography was no exception. Gone were the stiff, formal poses of the 1950s, replaced by a more relaxed, candid style that sought to capture the emotions and personalities of the bride, groom, and guests... sound familiar ?!?.

Photographers in Wales began to experiment with new techniques, such as using wide-angle lenses and shooting in low light, to create more dynamic and interesting images. One of the most notable trends of 1960s wedding photography was the use of colour film. Previously, most wedding photography was done in black and white, but advancements in technology made colour film more widely available and affordable. This allowed photographers to capture the vibrant colours of wedding flowers, dresses, and decorations, and create images that were more true to life.

Another trend of 1960s wedding photography was the use of outdoor locations in Wales. Rather than confining themselves to the chapel or church or reception venue, photographers began to take couples and their wedding parties outside to capture images against natural backdrops. This allowed for more creative and interesting compositions, and helped to convey a sense of the couple’s personality and style.

35mm film cameras were the most popular choice for weddings, as they were smaller and more portable than their larger format counterparts, and allowed Welsh photographers to capture candid moments and action shots. Here are some of the most popular camera makes and models used by wedding photographers in the 1960s:

Nikon F: The Nikon F was introduced in 1959 and quickly became a favourite among professional photographers, including wedding photographers. It was a durable and versatile camera that could handle a wide range of lenses and accessories.

Leica M-Series: The Leica M-Series cameras were known for their compact size, sharp lenses, and quiet shutters, making them ideal for capturing candid moments at weddings.

Canonflex: The Canonflex was one of the first SLR cameras made by Canon and was popular among wedding photographers for its ruggedness and durability.

Pentax Spotmatic: The Pentax Spotmatic was a popular choice for wedding photographers due to its light metering system and interchangeable lenses.

Rolleiflex: The Rolleiflex was a popular medium format camera among wedding photographers in the 1960s, especially for formal portraits and posed shots.

One of the most popular wedding venues in South Wales during the 1960s was the Caerphilly Castle. The historic castle provided a stunning backdrop for wedding photos and was a popular choice among couples looking for a unique and memorable wedding venue. It was a decade of change and revolution, and this was reflected in the fashion trends of the time. Wedding dresses in the 1960s were influenced by the popular culture of the era, with brides opting for more modern and daring styles that reflected their personalities and individuality. In Wales, brides embraced these new styles and added their own unique touches to create memorable and stylish wedding looks.

One of the most notable trends of the 1960s was the shift away from traditional, formal wedding dresses and towards more informal and unconventional styles. As the decade progressed, brides began to experiment with different fabrics, colours, and silhouettes, and the traditional white wedding dress became less of a requirement. Instead, brides in the 1960s began to embrace bold patterns, bright colours, and shorter hemlines. Dresses made from lace, tulle, and chiffon were popular, as were dresses with empire waists, A-line skirts, and bell sleeves. Many brides also opted for dresses with shorter hemlines, which allowed them to show off their stylish shoes and accessories.

One of the most iconic wedding dresses of the 1960s was worn by actress Audrey Hepburn when she married Andrea Dotti in Switzerland in 1969. The dress was designed by Hubert de Givenchy and featured a high collar, long sleeves, and a simple A-line silhouette. The dress was made from a lightweight white silk and was paired with a short veil and minimal jewellery, creating a timeless and elegant look that continues to inspire brides today.In Wales, brides also embraced the trends of the 1960s and added their own unique touches to create unforgettable wedding looks. Some brides opted for traditional white wedding dresses, but added modern elements such as shorter hemlines or unique fabrics. Others chose more unconventional styles, such as bright colours or bold patterns. Along with the fashion trends of the era, wedding traditions also began to shift in the 1960s. Weddings became less formal and more personalised, with couples choosing to incorporate their own interests and personalities into their special day. Many couples opted for outdoor or destination weddings, and casual attire became more acceptable for both the bride and groom.

Overall, the 1960s was a decade of change and revolution for weddings in Wales, and this was reflected in the fashion and wedding trends of the time. Brides in Wales embraced these new styles and added their own unique touches to create memorable and stylish wedding looks. Today, the fashion trends of the 1960s continue to inspire Welsh brides who are looking for something different and unique for their special day.

For wedding photogaphers in Wales in that era everything was shot on film. This meant hours of work after the wedding day in the dark room. A photographer in Wales would have spent additional time developing the film and editing the final images dodging and burning. This process could take several days or even weeks, depending on the photographer's workload and the amount of editing required. What they would have thought of not only digital photography but wedding photography software such as lightroom and photoshop I have no idea, and thats before we even get on to artificial intelligence !!