What is a Cinematic Wedding Photographer?
a guide to this style of photography and how to differentiate it
Moving emotional images, gorgeous scenery, and beautiful light are all hallmarks of a cinematic wedding photographer. All images in this post by Michelle Elyse Photography
“Michelle’s aesthetic is unmatched and the photos capture the aura of the day. She has an amazing ability to capture the most genuine, candid photos and there was not a single moment when things felt forced or posed”- past bride
(Hey! I’m Michelle- a cinematic wedding photographer! If you enjoy this style for your wedding day, please contact me HERE)
What is a Cinematic Wedding Photographer?
Perhaps you’ve heard the term “Cinematic wedding photographer”. But what does that even mean???
How can still photographs be cinematic?
I am going to go ahead and break it down for you so that you can be more educated in your search for the best wedding photographer for your day.
I’m a big fan of keeping it simple. So, lets just start out with a very simple definition and then expand from there.
CINEMATIC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY IS THAT WHICH TELLS A BEAUTIFUL STORY: IT CONVEYS EMOTION, BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS, AND GREAT LIGHTING. It’s more than just your standard point and shoot photo.
Scenic, emotive images are the cornerstone of cinematic photos. All images by Michelle Elyse Photography
Cinematic comes from the word cinema. Lets think about what we see in movies that makes it a fantastic experience:
We love movies that make us really feel something. They move us. In terms of wedding photography, this would likely make you feel joyful when you look at the photos.
Feeling immersed in a beautiful world. For me at least, when I think of the movies I love most, I tend to love those which are filmed in beautiful locations. Especially with beautiful lighting. Think: sunsets over tuscany, candlelight as you hear the crickets singing in the background. Its simply FULL of beautiful context.
(Psst: I’m a cinematic wedding photographer! If interested in learning about my packages, please contact me HERE)
Skillful use of natural light is a characteristic of a Cinematic Wedding Photographer. All images in this post by Michelle Elyse Photography
In my opinion, a cinematic wedding photographer will especially be tuned into DRAMATIC and BEAUTIFUL LIGHT.
Light is what makes a photo. And it’s also what makes a video. As a wedding photographer, I am personally very tuned into light, and I can tell you that some is ok. But some is GREAT. That great light adds so much “pow” and “drama” to a photo. It gives it that movie star quality. Dare I say, it’s cinematic?
WHAT IS CINEMATIC LIGHT?
When I say cinematic light, images conjure in my mind from movies where the drone sweeps over the land as the sun shoots flare across the screen. This can be part of it.
Personally, I think the knowledge of how to creatively work with natural light is a gift that a cinematic photographer has. For example, knowing how to capture people laughing as the candlelight flickers on their face. Or knowing how to time their photos for that warm, hazy, golden sunset light.
The ability to capture this gorgeous natural light doesn’t just rely on great camera gear. It requires a drive and passion to put in the work to line things up for the shots.
Capturing beautiful documentary style images that tell the story of your day are part of being a cinematic wedding photographer. All images by Michelle Elyse Photography
Showcasing your Beautiful Story
What is a movie, but an interesting story told in an interesting way. The same is true of cinematic wedding photography. You have a beautiful love story, and we are here to capture that in the most beautiful way.
CONTACT ME: CINEMATIC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
If you are looking for a cinematic wedding photographer to capture the emotions, beautiful light, and gorgeous scenery of your wedding day, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me through my online form HERE and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I can’t wait to hear all about your love story!
Can't you just feel the dizzying, wild, and fun felt in this late night reception photo? This conveyed feeling and story is part of Cinematic wedding photography. All images by Michelle Elyse Photography
sweeping landscape photos captured by drone are a logical characteristic of cinematic wedding photography. All images by Michelle Elyse Photography
