Planning a wedding is like trying to solve a thousand-piece puzzle while someone keeps shaking the box. The dress, the venue, the flowers, the best man and maid of honor, the three-tier cake (or four-tier, for the brave ones)… And just when you think you’ve got it all sorted – comes the ultimate question: “What kind of wedding photos do we want?” At that moment, two worlds appear before you: artistic and traditional wedding photography. One offers a dreamy atmosphere and creative expression, the other – timeless elegance and reliable documentation. So, what now?
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between these two styles, their pros (and tiny cons), and give you tips on how to choose the one that fits you best – without stress, and without spending the whole night scrolling through Pinterest over your third coffee.
What is traditional wedding photography?
Traditional wedding photography is like a vanilla crescent cookie on the holiday table – classic, always welcome, and everyone loves it. It focuses on clearly composed, formal shots: the couple with their best man and maid of honor, parents, that aunt from Canada, and the dog who got a bowtie just for the occasion.
Features of traditional wedding photography:
- Formal portraits (yes, the “Everyone look at the camera and smile” kind)
- Structured shooting plan (in order: getting ready, church/registry, park photos, party)
- Minimal post-processing (realistic colors, natural lighting)
- Focus on documenting all important moments
Why do people choose the traditional style?
Because it’s tried and true, safe, and moms will absolutely love it. Everyone is well-framed, no blurry faces, and no artsy experiments that might lead to comments like, “Why is my hairstyle blurry in that photo?”
If you want your album to look like an illustrated guide to a perfect wedding – traditional wedding photography is the way to go.
What is artistic wedding photography?
Artistic wedding photography is like an indie film – it’s more about the feeling than the plot. It’s not just about what happened, but how it felt. The light, the colors, the expressions, the little moments no one noticed – until you see them in the album and your heart skips a beat.
Features of artistic wedding photography:
- Creative composition and playful lighting
- Emotions and spontaneity in the spotlight
- Photos that resemble artwork more than documentation
- Aesthetic tailored to the photographer’s vision
Why do people choose the artistic style?
Because they want their album to have soul, not just pictures. Artistic wedding photography tells the story of your day from a unique perspective, and every frame has “that something” – maybe it’s the golden rays of sunset, the groom’s smug grin, or the moment grandma wipes a tear during the speech.
If you want your wedding story to look like a Vogue Weddings editorial – this is your style.
What about feelings? Or budget?
In a world chasing Instagram perfection, we sometimes forget that you should love your photos – not the algorithm. So, when choosing your style, consider the following:
- Your personality: If you’re the kind of person who makes plans in Excel and loves structure – traditional might suit you better. If you’re a free-spirited creative soul, lean toward the artistic side.
- The type of wedding: A castle wedding with dramatic lighting installations? Screams for an artistic approach. A cozy family wedding in a downtown restaurant? Traditional might be the better fit.
- Budget: Some artistic photographers invest a lot of time in editing, which can increase the price. But remember – these are lifelong memories.
Can you combine both styles?
Absolutely! Who says you have to pick between chocolate and vanilla? Many professionals today blend both approaches – you get reliable documentation of key moments (let’s give that aunt from Canada her spotlight), and creative, emotion-filled shots for your wall or Instagram (or both – why not?).
For example, on Nemanja Dimitrić’s website, you can see how a single photographer can capture both classical beauty and artistic emotion – all in one album.
How to choose the right photographer for you?
When choosing a photographer, don’t just look at price tags or Instagram follower counts. Look at the portfolio. Peek into entire albums, not just the “greatest hits.” And – most importantly – talk to them.
The right photographer doesn’t just shoot what they see – they capture what they feel. On your wedding day, they’re part of your team. If you’re not comfortable around them – it will show in the photos. And we want smiles, not awkward grimaces, right?
So we suggest checking out the galleries on Nemanja Dimitrić’s website, and scheduling a meeting – it’s painless, and could lead to a fantastic collaboration (and an even better wedding story).
Conclusion: Style matters, but feeling matters more
Whether you choose traditional wedding photography with classic poses and lovely lighting, or artistic photography with soul, what matters most is that you feel seen in that style.
Don’t choose what’s trending if it’s not you. Choose what makes you recognize your smile, your emotion, and your day. Because photos aren’t meant to impress others – they’re meant to remind you how happy you were that day.
And if you’re still unsure which to choose – you know what to do: contact Nemanja Dimitrić, browse his work, grab a coffee and talk style. The photos will follow. And they’ll be – perfect.
