Next to saying your “I Do’s” with your spouse; your photographer will be one of the most important parts of your day. In many instances, the planning takes place nearly a year or more in advance and when the day is through it’ll seem like it only took a moment to live through.

But, when all the food is gone, the flowers are long dead, and the dress preserved – your pictures will serve as the memories you remember, have forgotten or never experienced. I cannot express how important it is to choose the photographer that fits your style and personality, because it’s through this medium that you will remember your special day.

If your preferred style is formal/posed, than you should commission a photographer that excels with this type of portraiture. If you like a fine art approach, then you should commission a photographer who excels at a fine art approach. To ask one photographer to duplicate the style of another is pointless because you will not be happy with the final result or with the photographer.

Since I live in the real world, I know that budgets come into play. There are great photographers in all budget categories. You just have to do your research. Does your style not match the style in most “traditional” wedding photographers? Are you budget challenged? You may have to go outside your comfort zone and seek out freelance photographers who would fit your budget and/or style preferences.

Let’s review the 4 most common styles of wedding photographers.