HOT TOPIC Local experts on what’s hot for weddings in 2022 BEHIND THE LENS Suffolk-based photographer Allen Blasdell has shot hundreds of weddings during his career and after the restrictions of the last couple of years, he is looking forward to capturing many more magical moments in 2022. Here he shares his industry insight into emerging trends in the world of wedding photography. ❤ In the moment In the past we’ve seen photos involving the use of flashlights, assistants holding reflectors, shots where the couple have had to travel to a special location, and so on. The trend for weddings now though is for more authenticity. Often the couple will have no idea a shot is even being taken or, at most, a few minutes may be spent at the venue to get some ‘created’ but not posed photos. Even these will be simple using maybe just a single flash or reflector. This puts the photographer to the test as it requires efficiency and speed, combined with creativity and artistry, to be able to get these kind of shots. ❤ Monochrome revival Of all the couples I’ve met for this year’s upcoming weddings almost all have expressed a wish for black and white photos – not the whole gallery but a decent proportion, which is great. There are often images that simply shout out for it – they have a particular emotion and character that simply doesn’t need colour, which can be a distraction from the essence of the shot. ❤ Engagement shoots Personally, I’ve done way more engagement shoots than ever in recent months for couples getting married in 2022. It’s a good way to become familiar with being in front of the camera and to feel relaxed. It also marks the beginning of their wedding story. ❤ Bridal boudoir During the getting-ready shots on the wedding day, time is almost always tight and things are simply too pressured for anything approaching the personal and intimate boudoir photos possible at a dedicated shoot. Many brides want to give these photos as a surprise gift to their other half and for some it’s more to boost their confidence in front of the camera. ❤ Old-school film Many brides are loving the vintage look of photos from the ’50s and ’60s. Not the old stiff, posed shots but the soft and gentle effect that film photographs have compared to today’s modern digital camera shots which are often too sharp, contrasty and can lack character. Although I won’t be digging out my film camera any day soon, it is possible to use lenses and process images to get an effect that harks back to those days. Allen Blasdell | Photographer www.creativepixelphotos.com EXPERT ADVICE 81
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