Photography Trends: How to Spot (and Avoid) Them

Many wedding photographers decide to make photography their profession because other wedding photographers inspire them. And most continue to find inspiration through their fellow photographers' work. 

There's nothing inherently wrong with this. But it can become a problem when everyone starts producing the same kinds of images. And from what I'm seeing (and, probably, you too), there are two popular types of wedding photography: light and airy. And dark and moody. 

These trends are beautiful in their way. But they're also just that - trends. 

And as all trends do, they're likely to age poorly. 

Photography is not only my career - it's my passion. I am a student of photography. And it is something I work on getting better at, learning, and understanding every day. I love the history of photography and study the work of masters and ask myself, "What makes these images still relevant? What makes these images age so well?" 

I take these answers and apply them to my wedding photography because I want your images to stand the test of time. I want your wedding images to age well, like those created by Walker Evans, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and Dorothea Lange.

In this post, I want to help you (and inadvertently, me) form a clearer picture of what makes a photo genuinely timeless. So the next time you scroll through Instagram, you'll be able to spot the trends and avoid them on your wedding day.

A Brief History of Photography Trends

In the early 2000s, Photoshop was becoming a more ubiquitous tool for photographers. They could turn a whole image black and white and leave only the roses red or the bride's eyes blue. 

A real eye-catching trick.

Shortly after this photographic tragedy, a new wave of trends tumbled in. This time, photographers added texture to their images. Like, waterdrops to look like the rain had fallen on a photo. Or they were layering two film images on top of one another to create one image. This was a little more tasteful than the previous spot coloring trend if you ask me. But it still dated the photos. 

In the late 2000s, photographers started using the tilt-shift lens, which produced photos out of focus. And then came the "all day coverage" trend where the photographer spent ALL day with the couple - waking up early to leaving late after the formal send-off.

These photographers also ended up delivering clients thousands of images. This image overload left most clients overwhelmed. And without a clue as to what the story of the day even was. Moreover, it left them not being able to enjoy their wedding photos. 

Fast Forward to Today

One of the biggest trends that will age your images is a brown or orange filter. You see it a lot on Instagram and out in the midwest and west coast. And just like it sounds, it's when a photographer edits images in such a way that everything has a slight brown or orange tone to it. The sky. The trees. Your skin tone. Everything. 

On the other side, there's the light and airy trend where just about everything is either out of focus and looks "glowy." Or, the sky is completely white. And you can't see any detail on a bride's dress.

Light and airy is often mistaken for fine-art, film photographs. But unlike film, it doesn't capture natural color accurately.

Here's the thing: In the age of social media (notably, Instagram), many photographers are showcasing their work to impress other photographers or get published. And, unfortunately, they care little about how well their images will age for their clients. 

These photographers flip flop between whatever trend is popular at the time. Which ultimately results in inconsistent editing methods. And, from what I can imagine, uncertainty in your eyes as to what your photos will end up looking like. 

Wedding Trends: Terrible Over Timeless

Some wedding trends are "tradition" but antiquated and generally embarrassing for you and your guests. Take the bouquet and garter toss, for example.

How awkward is it when the groom "fishes out" his bride's garter in front of his and her family? Then he tosses it in the air, but guess what? Of course, none of the groomsmen want to catch that, so it ends up in the hands of some nephew who has no idea what's going on. 

Then there is the whole cutting the cake and feeding it to each other situation - which dates back to Roman times when the groom would break bread over the bride's head to symbolize the end of her purity and the beginning of her submissiveness. Yikes. 

You don't have to cut a cake just because it's what has been done in the past. And you certainly don't have to smash it in your partner's face. Don't. I can tell you from seeing it time and time again; it's not a good look.

Whether or not you participate in these trends is up to you. Because what I'm most interested in is ensuring that you have time with your guests. Sure, getting the photos is incredibly important and it is my job. But it's also ensuring I do it well so that you have time with your family and friends.

I do admit that I have a favorite trend, though… Do your wedding your way. 

There are no rules. There are no expectations. There is no something borrowed, something blue, something blah, blah, blah. Heck! You don't even need to have a ceremony if you don't want to. I've photographed a handful of weddings that didn't have one.

The only trends you should concern yourselves with - whether they're wedding-related, photography-related, or something else - are the ones that make you happy—end of story.

Have a wedding because you want one. And because you want to celebrate your love for one another with your friends and family.

If you feel like you and I are on the same page, let me know. I'd love to chat.

And when we do, I promise to avoid all of the things mentioned above. And to only deliver honest, heartfelt photos that stand the test of time.