Exploring the use of portraiture photography for weddings

How much time and money have you already invested into creating the wedding of your dreams? You may have designed mood boards and looked at color swatches; compared nail polish colors and reviewed new makeup application videos; even gone to an overcrowded bridal show or two and come home empty-handed and exhausted. I’m even betting that you’ve done hours of internet searches and spent thousands of dollars on wedding decorations and attire. And after all your hard work, I’m sure you are excited, anxious, and ready to see how it all comes together. But unfortunately, a gorgeous gown, the most flawless hair and makeup, and a carefully curated color palette are futile at the hands of poor photography. 

Your photographer and how your wedding [and its associated events] are photographed are just as important as the event itself. Photography sets the mood for how you want your wedding to be received and remembered. No one aims to have a wedding that looks “cheap and scarce”. I’ve never had a client tell me that they are going for the “drab, lackluster look”--- so why do so many couples still insist on hiring photographers who cannot meet their expectations?

I believe that photography is equal parts natural talent, education, and unadulterated magic. A gifted photographer and their understanding of lighting and angles can turn a “visually challenged” venue into the Taj Mahal. They can make wedding parties look like rockstars, Hollywood starlets, and regal art gallery muses. So, why do so many couples often rank photography as one of the least important considerations?

The purpose of this post is to elevate wedding style through portraiture photography. Believe me when I say that portraiture photography can heighten the entire wedding experience and produce images that will stand the test of time. 

But first things first, what does portraiture mean?

What is Portraiture?

A portrait can be a painting, photograph, or even a sculpture; however, no matter the media, all portraits share the common characteristics of 1) making the subject’s face (and expressions) the dominant focal point and 2) showing the subject in a still position. A portrait often shows a person looking directly at the photographer/artist with the sole purpose of achieving maximum engagement or connection between the subject and the viewer. 

Portraiture is simply defined as the art of making portraits. A great portrait photographer will be able to create an image that conveys a visual representation of an individual posed confidently with poise, grace, and refinement. 

Fine art portraiture is slightly more difficult to explain and open to varying definitions. In general, fine art portraiture is defined by elements of storytelling, heavy conceptualism, avant garde styling, and the use of additional props and more complex backgrounds. Fine art portraiture is meant to evoke mood, emotion, and connection at an elevated level.  Its intent is to be subjective, rather than objective; it’s meant to be studied, admired, and to spark dialogue. It's also a throwback, or a drive to create an image that is museum worthy, like the paintings done prior to the existence of photography.

Simply put, portraiture would be more similar to high-end magazine styled images while fine art portraiture would be comparable to museum artwork. While either portraiture or fine art portraiture styling may be used interchangeably to photograph weddings, I believe that portraiture styling is better suited for a wider variety of wedding aesthetics. If done correctly, portraiture should be grand, awe-inspiring, breathtaking- not to mention powerful and dramatic, yet simple. It is for this reason that I am absolutely obsessed with incorporating portraiture into different wedding photography opportunities. 

This specific blog post focuses on photographic portraits (or portraiture). The goal is to shift a few hearts and minds towards using this beautiful artform. We’ll help you explore ways of creating amazing wedding images that would even give Vogue magazine a run for their money.

Elements of Style

Portraiture is typically characterized by five distinct elements:

• Lighting with lots of shadow

• Simple backgrounds

• Artistic posing

• Facial expression

• Significant post-production work

1| SHADOW AND LIGHT

Light and airy, natural light photography- portraiture is not! Instead, it is the strategic placement of dark spaces and light to add depth and dimension to the piece. Light is generally more focused on one side of the subject’s face with catchlight or “a sparkle” captured in the subject’s eye.

2| SIMPLE BACKGROUNDS

Because the focus of portraiture is the subject(s), the backgrounds tend to be minimalistic with very few distractions or clutter. While black or dark grey tend to be favorites,  neutral background colors such as beige, grey, or cream also work well. Canvas or paper materials in matte finishes are commonly used.

3| ARTISTIC POSING

How the subject poses is critical for capturing the look of portraiture photography. Think natural, yet structured and poised, when posing for portraiture.

4| FACIAL EXPRESSION

Facial expressions in portraiture range from natural expressions, to straight-faced, to understated smiles and grins. Large, teeth-bearing smiles or other overly dramatic facial expressions are typically avoided.

5| SIGNIFICANT POST-PRODUCTION WORK

The color and tone adjustment required for portraiture photography is typically more involved compared to other types of photography. Individual portraiture artists will have different formulas for replicating a signature, cohesive look throughout their body of work that may take hours or even days to edit per image.

Applications for Portraiture

We’ve explained the basics of portraiture photography, but how does it translate to wedding photography?  Here are a few applications that we are really excited about!

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

Engagement photos are the prelude to your wedding day. In many ways, they may be the first formal photographs that introduce you as a couple to wedding guests. So why not capture your engagement period in this beautifully artistic way?

These images can be re-purposed for multiple uses such as:

• Save-the-date cards

• An engagement folio 

• Wedding websites

• Social media/wedding hashtags

• Wedding invitations

• Wedding day sign-in and/or gift table(s)

• Thank you notes

Engagement portrait styling can range from a casual sweater and jeans to full on black tie and ballgown.

BRIDAL PORTRAITS

Wedding day schedules can be very hectic with make-up applications, hairstyling, and venue time restrictions. A pre-event portraiture session is a great way to get gorgeous portraits in a more relaxed environment. Brides may opt for slightly relaxed styling [of their day-of look] with softened make-up and wind-blown hair in order to save the BIG reveal for the big day.

BOUDOIR PORTRAITS

Treat yourself or your significant other with the gift of elegant boudoir portraiture.

RECEPTION ARTWORK

Transferring portraits to film or projecting them onto venue walls equipped for image mapping technology are great ways to keep your guests visually amused.

GUEST PORTRAITURE “PHOTO BOOTH”

Think outside of the standard photo strip photo booth and treat your wedding guests to their very own mini portrait session. Set aside a small space where a backdrop and lighting can be set-up. Individual or small groups of guests will be so delighted to have styled photographs of taken of themselves that the cocktail hour wait will fly by. Give these photos to guests as thank you’s and/or keep them for yourself as a unique way to document all of your wedding guests in a stylish coffee table book.

Ask an Expert

When we began exploring portraiture, we could not think of a better person to consult than Houston photographer Joanna Booth. Joanna is gifted with the rare creative duality of being able to photograph in moodier portraiture styles, as seen in her Sanguine Portraiture brand, as well as in her signature light and airy wedding style with her namesake Joanna Booth Weddings.

Joanna has had images published in Vogue Italia and won numerous awards for her work with Wedding and Portrait Photography International (WPPI) and The Portrait Masters. She has also hosted workshops such as “Seeing Sanguine” and “How to Develop the Aura of Elegance in Portraiture” for the Tomayia Colvin Education platform and photographed multiple dancers with the Houston Ballet.

Below you will find Q&A sections in which Joanna has been so gracious to answer some of our most pressing portraiture questions.

GETTING STARTED

Q: What types of background colors do you like to use for your portraiture sessions?

A: I love using dark, matte colors. My favorites are brown, grey, [of course] black, gold, burgundy, teal, olive green, and navy.

Q: Are there any rules of thumb for what colors look best with different complexions?

A: In terms of attire, generally EVERYONE looks great wearing black or cream/ivory. For a broader color palette, jewel tones and muted colors also work well on almost every skin complexion. I also love monochromatic looks where brown skin tones wear colors like brown, mustard, and blush and lighter skin tones wear white, blush, and tan colors. 

My biggest aversion is to primary colors- I’m not a fan! Instead of hard blues, bright reds, yellows, and greens, I tend to like either the softer or jeweled toned versions of the primary colors. So colors like a soft blue or a teal, a burgundy instead of a true red, rich mustard rather than bright yellow, or a hunter green tend to work better with my style.

Q: What are some of your favorite techniques that you like to use while shooting?

A: I’m a huge fan of hair and fabric blowing in the wind, so a wind fan is a must!

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS

Q: Can you please provide some ideas of what types of clothing work best with your style of photography?

A: It honestly depends on the level of formality that my clients prefer for their particular shoot. For a more casual look, jeans and a simple black turtleneck are one of my favorite looks. My only hesitations are shorts for men and short or hi-low dresses for women. 

For something more formal, I love creating images with simple clothing in exquisite fabrics such as tulle, organza, silk, chiffon, lace, or soft sequins. There are so many options! Typically, I would just tell my clients to avoid busy patterns and, in general, I’m not crazy about a seersucker fabric.

Q: What’s your best advice in terms of makeup?

A: Normally, most of my clients wear very little to no makeup for my studio shoots; however, I’m not opposed to it. While this may seem a little scary for some, keep in mind that we can always correct blemishes and skin discolorations in post production.

My best advice is to keep the makeup as natural as possible. Skin should be in a matte finish with no bronzers, highlighting, or contouring. If clients want to wear lash extensions or lash strips, avoid styles [thicknesses and lengths] that look artificial.

Q: What are some do’s and don’t in terms of hairstyling?

A: I don’t have any specific hairstyling preferences, but my best advice would be to not overly style the hair whether it is worn up or down. Also be sure not to overdo it with the hairspray if the hair is worn down, I love how hair moves with a wind fan.

Q: Do you have any recommendations on nail length and color?

A: Hands are an integral part of all my shoots, so they shouldn’t distract or take away from the image; they should only enhance the image. In terms of nail length, natural nail lengths are preferred as long nails are harder to pose around the face and body. I prefer neutral, solid nail polish colors closest to your skin tone, in a light blush pink color, or with a thin coat of clear polish or a good buff. No neon colors, metallics, or designs. I typically do not like French tip nails but if my clients like them, I can work around it. Also, keep in mind that I do not Photoshop nails to match my aesthetics, so clients should be sure to follow these guidelines to create a cohesive look.

Q: Do you have any preferences for facial hair for men?

A: No preference. I can appreciate a range of looks from clean shaven to full, thick beards - just as long as they are tidy and well-groomed.

PUTTING THE LOOK TOGETHER

Q: What are some common “search terms” that couples should use when trying to find images closest to your style?

A: Simple searches such as ‘fine art portraits’, ‘fine art bridals’, ‘New York wedding’, ‘vogue wedding’, ‘vogue bridal’, and ‘vogue engagement’ may be great starting places for inspiration.

Q: What kinds of prep work should clients do before a portrait session?

A: Creating a mood board is a great way to pull the overall look together. Mood boards can help establish color palettes, formality, and even lighting and mood. This helps me tremendously! You can either create your own mood board or request one from your wedding planner.

We would typically discuss styling and the details of the mood board in the weeks leading up to the shoot. These details should not be decided upon on the day of the shoot. The day of the session, I need my couples to be as relaxed as possible and confident in how I will capture their vision. I will help them with posing and placement upon arrival.

Q: What should couples consider before selecting a style and color palette for portraiture?

A: Couples should look at the big picture and determine how these images will be used, making sure that various aspects coordinate [not necessarily match] and complete their story. A great way to set the tone for what is to come is by invitation selection. So if someone wants a super formal engagement session and wedding elements, I would for example recommend more simplified wedding invitations with stately fonts and the use of rich colors throughout the wedding.

If someone wanted more whimsical, light and airy images, they could use watercolor invitations in lighter colors. Although the light and airy feel is outside of my Sanguine brand, check out my Joanna Booth Weddings branch if that’s more your style.

THE INVESTMENT

Q: How much should couples expect to spend on portrait sessions?

A: The average person tends to spend somewhere between $1800-2500 on their portraits depending on the types of images (portraits versus fine art portraiture) and the print products that the clients are requesting.

Q: Why is this type of photography typically more expensive?

A: There is a lot of very specific work done in post-production time. For example, I create my own filters and have developed my own color tone “recipe” that makes my images look consistent. Additionally, skin editing is always a long process unless clients have really clear skin. Body shaping, adding volume to hair, and brightening the eyes and teeth also takes a very long time. On average, I spend anywhere from about 2-20 hours getting a single image just right.

Q: What’s included in the portraiture pricing?

A: My session fee includes the following items:

• Pre-event session planning

• Styling tips and assistance

• Professional hair styling and make-up

• Session time

• Usage of my studio wardrobes, fabric, props, crowns, etc.

• My expertise in posing and lighting

• Reveal session

• Complimentary dinner for two

• Ownership of your images (for personal use only, see below)

Q: What can we use our images for?

A: Couples can use their images for personal uses such as social media, invitations, and their own personal wedding website. They are not intended for business use and cannot be sold, especially to stock photography sources. 

If a couple would like to (1) submit their photos to a magazine or commercial website or (2) enter their photos into a competition, they would need to obtain my permission first as these types of uses are protected by my own copyright and additional fees may be accessed for extended usage.  

To summarize, couples own all of their final edited images, but there are just varying levels of copyright which limits or gives a client access to how they can use them.

As a side note, keep in mind that images with darker backgrounds will typically save as larger data files. So please check the technical specs for image uploads on your wedding website, social media platforms, and/or with your stationery vendor first. Also, be sure to download both the original files as well as web versions at no extra cost.

Final Thoughts

Think of your wedding day [and courtship] as an era frozen in time that may be shared and adored for many years to come with your children and even grandchildren. By definition, the image quality, beautiful lighting and posing created with portraiture photography will produce images with a timeless, stunning glamour. Wouldn’t it be amazing to relive every magical moment - and your elegant depiction - every time you see a photo?

Simply put, you are about to celebrate one of the most monumental moments of your life, so be cautious of who you select to document your big day. Your selection of a wedding photographer can truly make or break the output of your final images.  Please do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions before booking a photographer. Make sure that they have a wealth of knowledge on basic photography principles such as lighting, positioning, and processing. Communicate any concerns that you may have with your selected venue or with being over or under-processed when it comes to post-production retouching. Talk about your budget, their fees, and what you expect to receive in return. At the end of your search, your photographer of choice should know how you want to be photographed and what mood you are trying to convey through your images- and they should know exactly how to do it at a fee that both parties can agree on.

Did you know that custom mood boards and color palettes are included in all Aisle Runners [planning] Experiences? Let us know how we can help you plan beautifully.

Special thanks to Unbridaled Houston for all of the gorgeous bridal gowns, Floral Concepts by Cynthia for the flowers, our glam squad-Kim Clark Artistry and Sean Dapper Studio, and our magical models Ileisha and Sean.