Working as a wedding photographer in South Wales

Working as a wedding photographer in South Wales is an amazing but also high pressure job.  As such, it’s essential to find a professional  who can capture the essence of your special day in a style that suits you. In South Wales, the options for wedding photographers are endless, but how have photography styles and cameras changed since the 1980s?... Let's take a look.

Photography Styles:

In the 1980s, the most popular wedding photography style was traditional or formal. These photographs were staged and typically taken in a studio or a church. Couples would pose in specific positions, such as the classic "bride and groom facing each other" shot, and the photographer would take the picture. This style often produced stiff, unnatural images that lacked emotion and character. As the 1990s rolled around, photojournalistic or reportage-style photography became increasingly popular. This style focused on capturing candid, natural moments rather than posed shots. Instead of interrupting the day to take staged photographs, the photographer would blend in with the crowd, capturing the day as it unfolded. This style allowed for more emotional, intimate images that truly reflected the day's events. Fast forward to the 21st century, and there are now even more styles of wedding photography available. From the dramatic and artistic to the rustic and vintage, photographers can now cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Couples can choose from documentary-style photographs that capture real moments or fashion-inspired images that look like they belong in a magazine.

Wedding Cameras:

In the 1980s, most wedding photographers used 35mm film cameras. These cameras were compact, easy to use, and produced high-quality images. However, they also had limitations, such as a limited number of shots per roll of film, no instant feedback on the quality of the photo, and the need to develop the film in a lab after the shoot. The arrival of digital cameras in the 1990s revolutionized wedding photography. Suddenly, photographers had access to instant feedback on their images and could take an almost unlimited number of shots. They could also edit and manipulate their images on a computer, giving them more creative control over the final product. Today, most wedding photographers use digital cameras exclusively. There are two main types of digital cameras: DSLRs (digital single-lens reflex) and mirrorless cameras. DSLRs are similar in design to traditional film cameras but use digital sensors instead of film to capture images. Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, do not have a mirror mechanism and are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs. Both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras offer high-quality image capture, with the main differences being in the user experience and shooting style. DSLRs tend to be more popular among traditional photographers, while mirrorless cameras are favoured by those who prefer a more lightweight, compact setup. My personal preference having used all of these cameras is DSLR still and i currently use a Nikon D850 

Wedding photo from a wedding

at the King Arthur, Gower

To Conclude:

The wedding photography industry not only in South Wales but throughout Wales and worldwide has come a long way since the 1980's. From formal, staged photographs to candid, natural shots, there are now many different styles to choose from and a vast array of wedding photographers to choose from. With the invention of digital cameras, photographers and high speed wifi also we can now shoot and edit images with ease, even on the fly! If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in South Wales, have a think about your personal preferences and style. Instagram is a great source and should be the start of your search. Look for a photographer who specialises in the type of photography you want and who not only has experience shooting weddings in the South Wales area but at your wedding venue also. Don't be afraid to ask to see a digital gallery of their work, as this will give you a good idea of what to expect from their services. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a photographer who you feel comfortable with and who understands your vision for your wedding day. With the right photographer by your side, you can rest assured that your wedding photographs will be a beautiful and lasting reminder of your special day. Trust your gut feeling!

Working as a wedding photographer in South Wales