Many of you have probably read about the latest trends in wedding photography, but even seeing examples of these trends can leave you wondering, “What the heck is THAT?”  As you plan your wedding photography, you may hear a photographer mention some of these options, or you may want to ask about incorporating these trends into your wedding photography.

First, you need to know exactly what these trends are, so you can speak intelligently about them and figure out what is – and isn’t – right for you.  Here’s a brief outline on the latest wedding photography trends, so you can make the right decisions for you and your groom.

Trash the Dress

A Trash the Dress photo shoot isn’t about destroying a stunning, beautiful (and often-times expensive) wedding gown.  It’s about obtaining stunning, beautiful, (and often-times dirty) photos of you in the wedding gown!  Trash the Dress is a trend gaining in popularity that also goes by the name Rock the Frock and Fearless Bride.  The concept consists of a photo shoot taken in an environment where the dress is literally going to get trashed.  Typically taken after the wedding, these photos allow couples to take pictures in water, on sand, in a forest, climbing mountains, or in whatever terrain suits their style and personality.
John Michael Cooper, a Las Vegas wedding photographer, is credited with starting the photography trend in 2001.  He was reportedly bored with taking the same wedding photos and persuaded some of his clients to pose in grungy settings after the wedding.

www.altf.com

I love the idea, and the photos that come out of these shoots are amazing!  For those brides who aren’t willing to part with their actual wedding dress, you can purchase another (cheaper) one for the photos.  Whether you buy it on sale or on eBay, you’re bound to find a dress to sacrifice for your Trash the Dress shoot!

Boudoir Photography

bloomerandblush.com

Boudoir photography is becoming a popular trend among soon-to-be-brides, who often use the resulting photos as a gift to the future husband!  “Boudoir” derives from the French word “to pout or sulk” and refers to a woman’s bedroom or dressing room.  The photos are meant to be classy and tasteful, taking a nod from classic pinup-inspired posters.

Boudoir photos are typically taken with the woman partially clothed, wearing lingerie or strategically placed linens, although she may be nude, but not showing off anything. The photo shoot usually is taken a week or two before the wedding, and many photographers will include a boudoir shoot as part of their wedding photo package.  The bride is encouraged to bring in her own clothing, anything that makes her feel sexy – it could be a corset, or even unbuttoned jeans!  It can take place in the privacy of your home, your bedroom, a hotel room, or the space you choose.  The photos can take many forms – playful, subtle, sultry, demure – almost anything goes as long as the bride is comfortable.

One of my favorite Boudoir Photographers is a woman I met at the Ultimate Engagement in march, Jennifer from Bloomer and Blush Her style is classy and sexy and her work speaks for itself.

Photo Booths and Snap Shot Studios

www.5thavenuedigital.com

Photo booths are fast becoming a fun way for guests to take pictures at a wedding.  Everyone remembers the booths from their childhood and they’re quick to get behind the curtain, pulling in different groups of friends!  The booths are entertaining and allow your guests to be creative, whether you provide props or just allow them to goof off behind the curtain.

Another advantage of the photo booth is that it allows guests to take home a photo as a wedding favor.  The photo booth allows for spontaneity and creativity – try holding a contest for the funniest photo!   They’re fun for everyone to look at and compare.  The booth also provides entertainment during cocktail hour – that lull in time between the wedding and reception, when the wedding party is off taking photos.

There’s a newer, more modern take on the old-fashioned photo booth that does away with the curtain and brings the process out in the open, so everyone can share in the fun.  Our version of the photo booth, called YouBooth, provides full size photos (not just the little strips) within seconds, with a choice of formats, and can even include a message or the date of your wedding.
Another advantage of the YouBooth photo booth is that you’ll receive an online link and DVD of all the photos afterwards – something you can’t get with most other photo booths.  This allows you to incorporate the photo booth photos into your digitally-designed wedding photo album – something else you can’t do with photo strips from the old-fashioned booth.

Now that you’re informed, you can speak with your photographer about these trends and decide together which (if any) you want to include in your wedding photography.  It’s all about tailoring your wedding photography to reflect the personalities of you and your groom, avoiding the cookie-cutter approach and making sure the photos truly your own.