As a bride, one of the most important decisions you'll make for your big day is choosing a photographer. But with so many options out there around Sydney, it can be tough to know where to start. 

One option that has appeared on social media is opting out of hiring a wedding photographer, and choosing a fashion photographer instead. 

Should you go with a traditional wedding photographer or opt for the edgier, more editorial style of a Sydney fashion photographer?

In this article, I'll explore the pros and cons of each to help you make the best decision for your unique wedding vision. At the end of the day, you are after somebody who is capable of capturing the memories and emotions of your wedding day.

So let's dive in and take a closer look at the debate between hiring a wedding photographer versus a fashion photographer for your wedding.

What is the difference between a wedding photographer and a fashion photographer?

Wedding photographers specialize in capturing the candid, emotional moments of your wedding day, while fashion photographers specialize in posed, editorial-style photos with a focus on style and aesthetics.

How do I choose between a wedding photographer and a fashion photographer in Sydney for my wedding?

Consider your personal style and vision for your wedding photos, and research and compare portfolios and reviews of photographers in your area. Meet with potential photographers to discuss packages and pricing, and don't be afraid to negotiate or customize a package to fit your needs and budget.

Are wedding photographers more expensive than fashion photographers?

Not necessarily. Pricing can vary depending on the experience and skill level of the photographer, as well as the length of coverage, number of photographers, and quality of equipment. It's important to carefully consider your budget and what you're looking for in a photographer before making a decision.

Can fashion photographers capture candid, emotional moments like wedding photographers can?

There is a pre-conceived idea that fashion photographers may be able to capture some candid moments during a photoshoot, but most fashion photographers have a primary focus is on creating posed, editorial-style images.

If capturing the spontaneous, emotional moments of your wedding day is important to you, a wedding photographer may be a better choice.

Can wedding photographers create editorial-style, posed images like fashion photographers can?

Yes. There is a myth about wedding photographers that they can’t produce a more edgier, editorial style, and they can’t see things more uniquely on a wedding day, or that they don't capture enough details.

In fact, there is a movement of wedding photographers who are moving away from the posed and outdated style of traditional wedding photos. 

Consider the types of publications that they have been published in, for example:

• The Lane
• Vogue Australia
• Harper’s Bazaar

These are highly curated outlets that have selected weddings and often feature work by wedding photographers who produce a more edgy, fashion-inspired look. 

Advantages of hiring a wedding photographer

Experience and knowledge of the unique demands of wedding photography

One major advantage of hiring a wedding photographer over a fashion photographer is the experience and knowledge of the unique demands of wedding photography. Wedding photographers have extensive experience shooting weddings and are familiar with the timeline and logistics of a wedding day. 

Ability to capture the candid, spontaneous moments that make your wedding day special

They know how to anticipate and capture those special, candid moments that make your wedding day memorable. They also have the skills and equipment to handle a variety of lighting and location conditions, ensuring that you get beautiful, high-quality photos no matter what the circumstances. Fashion photographers may not be able to work with locations that don’t have controlled lighting, where they don’t have time or space to set up large pieces of equipment. 

Another analogy is this - think of it like hiring a qualified videographer over a cinematographer. A cinematographer loves to use big, heavy cameras and big lights and takes a long time to set up, but a wedding videographer is experienced in weddings enough to know that they need to have a small camera/microphone to be able to shoot quickly and on the fly, like they’re shooting a documentary. Now replace what I said but with fashion photography and wedding photography. 

Familiarity with the timeline and logistics of a wedding day

On the other hand, fashion photographers may not have the same level of experience or understanding of the specific needs and challenges of wedding photography. They may not be as adept at capturing those candid, spontaneous moments, or at navigating the timeline and logistics of a wedding day. While they may be able to produce stunning, editorial-style images, they may not be able to fully capture the emotions and memories of your special day in the same way that a wedding photographer can.

Overall, while fashion photographers may have their own unique strengths, a wedding photographer's experience and knowledge of the unique demands of weddings make them the better choice for capturing the authentic, emotional memories of your big day.

So how do I find the right wedding photographer for me?

• Research and compare photographers' portfolios and reviews
  
• Consider your personal style and vision for your wedding photos
  
• Meet with potential photographers to discuss packages and pricing
  
• Don't be afraid to negotiate or customize a package to fit your needs and budget

To conclude

While fashion photographers are able to create beautiful, editorial-style images, they may not have the same level of experience and understanding of the specific needs and challenges of wedding photography as a wedding photographer does. A wedding photographer's primary focus is on capturing the candid, spontaneous moments that make your wedding day special and unique, as well as the emotions and memories that you'll want to look back on for years to come. 

When it comes to choosing a photographer for your wedding, it's important to carefully consider your personal style and vision, as well as the experience and expertise of the photographer. While a fashion photographer may be able to create stylish, interesting images, there are more wedding photographers out there who produce a more edgy, fashion-inspired look than you think. 

A wedding photographer is the best choice for capturing the authentic emotions and memories of your special day. So if you want to make sure that you have beautiful, high-quality photos that truly reflect the joy and love of your wedding, be sure to hire a skilled and experienced wedding photographer.