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Wedding photography adapts its style in line with ever changing fashions. In this Look Book, the Nikon European Wedding Collective has uncovered an exciting collection of classic, current and emerging trends in wedding photography – all captured on a Nikon camera and NIKKOR lens – and provided tips on how to recreate some of the iconic shots.

Creative Flash

A flash is normally a necessity at every wedding and photographers have taken to using it more creatively in recent years; whether that’s to introduce movement to an otherwise static shot or provide a burst of backlight to a special moment.

Taken in Capri by Ross Harvey using the D750 and AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

“By lowering the shutter speed and exposing the image sensor to more light, you can be extra creative with the movement of the attendees. I set the shutter speed to 1s, fired the flash with the shutter press and dragged the camera while the shutter was open. This let me ‘paint’ with the ambient light around the dancing couple.”

Ross Harvey, UK

Reportage

The more relaxed, informal reportage trend has grown in popularity and prominence, while the editorial photographic style has taken a back seat. The little details become a part of the backdrop, while the emphasis is on people, precious sentiments and reactions.

Taken in Czech Republic by Simona Smrčková and Kamil Saliba using the D750 and AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

“The AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens gave me the opportunity to shoot a close-up moment between the bride and her grandmother, and capture the obvious emotion between them from the other side of the room.”

Simona Smrčková and Kamil Saliba, Czech Republic

Contrasting Light

Problematic lighting in the height of summer and awkward wedding locations can create challenges that must be worked around. Today, wedding photographers are embracing the high contrast in light resulting in powerful photographs.

Taken in Italy by Ross Harvey using the D750 and AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

“Use natural light sources to your advantage – when light breaks through the shadows it can provide the perfect opportunity to capture a natural contrast. I spotted a beam of light through a gap between two buildings and used the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G lens, which is great for shooting in low-light, to capture this colourful and striking image.”

Ross Harvey, UK

Taken in France by Chloé Lapeyssonnie using the D750 and AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Dramatic Images

Contemporary couples are looking to capture a sense of drama from their wedding, as they want to show just how vibrant their day was. These shots are a less staged version of the posed images we have seen in past trends, and can encompass dramatic scenery, as well as action.

Taken in Greece by Chloé Lapeyssonnie using the D750 and AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

“Don’t just capture the dramatic locations or actions, focus on the emotion it incites in a person. As the groom and his guests were travelling at fast speeds, I increased the shutter speed to 1/1600 rather than drop it, as some photographers might, to catch their expressions in crisp detail.”

Chloé Lapeyssonnie, France