Wedding Photography Trends I expect to see in 2023
There’s been a shift in wedding photography. Before Covid the biggest trends we saw in weddings was a fine-art style that favored highly curated, aesthetically beautiful work with an emphasis on perfection. It was peak millennial with a light, clean aesthetic that was well suited to the look of classic film stock like Fuji 400.
Abbi Cooley
Lots of things have shifted since covid and wedding photography style is one of those things. We’ve seen a shift away from perfection toward things that feel real, imperfect and vibey. Here are some the biggest trends happening now (and some of my thoughts on them).
1- Direct flash
Direct Flash was hot last year and is becoming increasingly popular in wedding photography in 2023. While the previous trend in wedding photography was to use flash in a way that made it look like like natural light, I think direct flash will be here for this year and beyond. This style of shooting can be especially useful in dimly lit indoor settings or during nighttime ceremonies.
Anthropologie
I think there’s a place for direct flash. It’s funny how we tried for so long to make images seem natural, but know we’re leaning into the fact that this is artificial light and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I just hope it’s not overdone as that will likely mean these style of photos will go out of style and look dated. I’m loving adding this trend in as a way to diversify the overall set of images, without completely relying on it for the whole wedding.
2- Vintage
Vintage is also a popular trend, with many couples opting for a retro look in their wedding photos. This can be achieved through the use of vintage-style clothing, accessories, more casual and bold, in-your-face poses, as well as by incorporating vintage elements and colors like orange into the overall wedding design. The idea is more “slice of life” than curation, where the style of images look like they could have been taken out of magazines in the 70s, updated with a more Gen Z inspired sense of irreverence in the posing and compositions.
I’m here for this trend and I think it’s really going to have a stronghold for a while as we’re all over the perfectly posed images and tired of playing the pretending game coming out of several years of pandemic. I’m looking forward to incorporating this one in my work this year.
3- Party Dresses
Party Dresses are also gaining popularity among brides. Many are looking for a more relaxed and casual look for their wedding photos and want to be ready to party on the dance floor at their reception.
This trend allows for a more fun and carefree vibe for those photos, and also gives brides the freedom to choose a dress that they feel comfortable and confident after the ceremony is done in and another look to keep things interesting throughout the day. I love this trend of having a second of even third dress. If you can make it work, why not go for it!
4- Blurry photos
Blurry photos are becoming more and more popular among wedding photographers. With this look, you capture motion with a low shutter speed to emphasize it. The end result is very vibey and low fi, but not something you mom is going to want to put on the family photo wall.
I’ve loved adding photos like this into the mix for years so I’m not mad about this trend. I will say though, that as a trend, it came on so fast and strong that I believe it will also be going out quickly toward the end of the year..
5- Black and White Photography
Black and white photos are also going to be big this year. Since I first shot with film in high school, I’ve always loved black and white photography. But it doesn’t always get the love it’s due in my opinion.
So I’m really happy to see people recognizing black and white photos as full and complete in their own right. I feel like this pairs well with the vintage retro and blurry trends as well. I hope this one sticks around!
6- Raw emotion.
I don’t know if this one is really new, but I do feel like we’re going to see more shifting away from the stoic model look to a focus on more raw, unencumbered real feelings.
Whether thats joy, dancing, or whatever form, I think we’ll see that immediate, photojournalistic take becoming more mainstream and desirable in 2023 with a focus on “fun” more than “perfect.”
Overall, the biggest trend in wedding photography for 2023 is a desire for more natural and authentic photos that capture the true spirit of the wedding day. With more and more couples looking for a personalized and unique experience, wedding photographers are experimenting with new techniques, styles and methods to create that perfect shot.
Mary Kate Zach
Brigitte Patterson
Aniella Batten
