Photography is one of only a few physical items that couples will hold on to from their wedding day, and for that reason alone, wedding couples need to learn what options are available to them, and which are ideal for their wedding day.

As you start to plan your wedding, one question you need to ask yourself is -what kind of wedding pictures do I admire?

To help you better understand your options, here are four elements that many couples admire and love in wedding photography. Professional wedding photographers make taking pictures look so easy - yet, so much happens prior to the wedding day, behind the scenes, as well as the photographer's vision that makes us admire these four photographic elements.

#1: A Strong Photo-journalistic Style of Photography

So many brides LOVE a photo-journalistic style. Essentially this means that your photographer does not direct or orchestrate the pictures. The photographer's job is only to document the day, as it occurs, without disrupting the flow of events. A photographer who shoots in this style of photography, strongly values that the day should progress naturally, without staging or posing every moment. It is the actions and reactions of people who attend your wedding that will have the biggest impact photographically. Many love this style because the photo-journalistic approach yields pictures that evoke the most emotion.

#2: Traditional Portraits

While candid photography captures emotion and relies on spontaneity, many couples request to photograph the traditional portraits as well. Traditional portraits, also called formals, are planned pictures that the couple and the photographer must organize at some point during the wedding day.

The fact is, a wedding, can be a great opportunity to record the whole family tree and the new family that is also just beginning.  Many couples believe that these pictures are very important because this event happens only once with all of these people gathered at the same time. Having these traditional portraits means that you can refer to them when you want or need to, a visual record of some of the closest people in your lives.  Imagine for a moment...this is the one day when most or all your loved ones are in the same place at the same time - you may not get a second chance.

#3: Creative Portraits

Traditional portraits sometimes lack the emotional impact that couples yearn for on their wedding day, and is typically the reason why many couples don't prioritize them. One solution is to go beyond the traditional portrait and create something that is unique to the wedding couple. A creative portrait can define the essence of your wedding day and who you are as a couple. Although this creative portrait is a planned situation, it should feel relaxed or has just happened spontaneously. The success of a creative portrait is its emotional impact on the wedding couple.

#4: Love in the Details

You know the saying…"love is in the details." This applies to wedding photography also. Brides (sometimes grooms!) work so hard to make everything just right. The details can be a reflection or give insight to the couple's personality and passions. Details and found objects captured throughout the wedding day, will help complete the wedding story visually.

Your wedding photography assignment

Think about the photography you admire. What is it that you love? What do you want to see in your wedding photography? What's most important to you?

Want to use this article in your e-zine or website?You can as long as you include this complete statement:

NY wedding photographer , Chris Leary publishes the "Weddings by Chris Leary Photography" weekly e-zine. Get your F*REE report: "10 Mistakes Brides Make When Planning Their Wedding Photography" at: wedding photography tips