What Makes a Photographer “Traditional” (In the Best Way)
If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen phrases like “editorial,” “documentary-style,” or “super candid wedding photographer.” And while all of those styles have their place, there’s something to be said for a more traditional approach.
But let’s clear something up: traditional doesn’t mean boring. Not even close.
Not Just Trendy
A traditional photographer doesn’t ignore trends—but they also don’t let trends run the day. If there’s a creative idea or prompt you want to try, I’m 100% game to play. But I always start with the basics first.
That means:
Making sure we’ve got your must-have portraits nailed down
Capturing the candid emotion of the day as it naturally unfolds
And yes—getting the pictures your mom and grandma are going to love (and frame immediately)
Once we’ve checked those boxes? Then we can get creative.
Focused on Feeling and Memory
Traditional wedding photography is often true-to-color and avoids overly stylized edits that may not age well. My goal is to give you images that make you feel like you’re back there, in the moment—whether it’s one year from now or 50.
You won’t find extreme editing here—no desaturated greens or super blown-out whites. Just photos that reflect your day exactly as it was, with all the joy, movement, emotion, and in-between moments preserved.
Yes, We’ll Get All the Family Shots
If you’ve got a long family photo list—including that classic “Aunt Susan wants 13 different cousin combinations” scenario—I’ve got you.
Being a traditional wedding photographer also means being patient, efficient, and totally willing to work through group photos with clarity and care. These are the moments that matter for generations, and I’ll make sure we carve out time for every person you want in those frames.
Timeless Doesn’t Mean Stiff
Traditional doesn’t have to mean overly formal or awkward. I guide couples through posing that feels natural and flattering so you never feel like you’re standing around unsure of what to do.
You’ll get the clean, classic shots—but also the in-between glances, laughs, and soft moments that happen during transitions. That’s the magic of blending traditional structure with a little bit of space.
Final Thoughts
If you're drawn to a more traditional style but still want room for creativity, emotion, and fun, you’re in good company. My approach is all about honoring the experience of the day without trying to force it into a certain trend.
We’ll build in time for the family shots, the timeless portraits, and the real moments you’ll want to revisit for decades.
See more from Rachel & Caiden’s wedding here!