Ditch the Cheesy Poses: What the Heck is an Alternative Wedding Photographer?
So, you’ve seen the term “alternative wedding photographer” floating around and you’re curious what it means. Maybe you’re planning a wedding that’s a little different, something that reflects you and your partner’s unique personalities. Or maybe you just hate the thought of spending your wedding day striking forced poses for hours on end.
Well, fret no more! Here’s the lowdown on what it means to be an alternative wedding photographer and how it might just be the perfect fit for your non-traditional celebration.
First things first, being an alternative wedding photographer isn’t about having a bunch of tattoos or rolling up to the ceremony on a Harley (although, hey, if that’s your jam, more power to you!). It’s about capturing the essence of who you are as a couple, celebrating your individuality and ditching those outdated wedding industry traditions that can feel, well, a bit like a curse.
Think of it this way: if your wedding is breaking the mould, you want suppliers who are on the same page. An alternative photographer throws out the stuffy rulebook and lets their creativity flow, capturing the energy and real moments of your wedding day.
Now, I’ve been banging this “alternative” drum for over a decade now, and the one thing I hear most from couples is that they crave honest and creative imagery. Forget the cheesy staged photos – these couples want something real, something that reflects their story. So, don’t get hung up on the label. Take a peek at my portfolio – do the pictures resonate with you? Do they feel like a genuine reflection of a wedding day? If so, then bingo! We’ve got a connection.
Here’s the thing: being an alternative wedding photographer doesn’t mean I only shoot alternative weddings or couples (although, sometimes that’s the case!). It’s all about my approach and working with folks who want something a little different.
From warehouse weddings to cliffside elopements, what unites my couples is a desire for a wedding that’s truly theirs. Alternative wedding photography means capturing all the things that make you and your day special. It’s about using a creative documentary style to tell your authentic story.
Sure, I call myself a creative documentary wedding photographer more often than alternative photographer. That’s because I love shooting all kinds of couples and all kinds of weddings. But what stays consistent is my focus on storytelling. I hone in on what makes you unique and capture the joy – because joy, my friends, is my absolute favourite thing to photograph!
Big moments? Covered. Little moments in between? Absolutely. Quiet interactions, those stolen glances, the details of the day – these are the things that make your story sing.
Your wedding, your way! My style is a blend of artistic and creative, sometimes a touch surreal, sometimes quirky. Ultimately, it’s about capturing the feels. I love documenting those fleeting moments you might otherwise miss, but pretty details are important too. It’s not all about the shoes and the dress (although, hey, let’s be honest, a good dress deserves its moment!). The sky on your wedding day, the view from outside looking in – these details matter.
Truthfully, the more challenging the environment, the more excited I get. Give me a rainy day, a dark hallway, a random doorway – I’ll find a fresh perspective, a new way of seeing things. I want to show you the day through my lens, how it felt to be there. Sure, good weather, stunning beaches, and epic cliffs are amazing, but I don’t need those things to tell your story. All I need is your trust – trust that I see the beauty and the extraordinary, wherever we are and whoever you are.
Because you are the heroes of this story, and your story deserves to be told, right?
There are two main camps in documentary wedding photography. On one end, you have the purists, the fly-on-the-wall types who won’t interfere or take staged shots. Then there’s the traditional end, the pose-all-day, super-obtrusive photographers.
Thankfully, there’s a happy medium.
I love epic portraits and creative shots just as much as the candid moments. For me, it’s all part of your story, and you deserve it all – the laughter, the magic, the in-between bits. We can sneak off for some stunning portraits without you missing out on the party. I’ll guide you, not pose you, calm your nerves, and help you look your best. And yes, of course, I’ll grab that group shot with your grandma and get a fantastic picture of that cake your mom spent ages on.
My approach is all about letting your day unfold naturally, documenting it all until my input is truly needed. But don’t be fooled – when you see your final photos, you’ll realize I did have a subtle influence.
Because sometimes, capturing the essence of a moment, the emotions, the feeling – that’s more important than just recording exactly what happened. That, for me, is the heart of storytelling.
So, are you looking for staged photos and cheesy grins? Then maybe an alternative wedding photographer isn’t the right fit for you. But if you want your wedding photos to be a true reflection of you, your story, and the unique way you celebrate your commitment, then let’s chat! I’d love to hear about your plans and see if we’re a good match.
Remember, your wedding day is all about you. Don’t be afraid to ditch tradition and embrace something that feels truly authentic. And hey, if that means riding a Harley down the aisle, well, more power to you – I’ll be there to capture it all!
