Integrating Structure and Spontaneity in Your Wedding Photography Style with Experts

This article is 100% written by AI about Episode 46 of Workflows with Michael Cassara & Lauren O'Brien.

In our latest episode of the Workflows podcast, I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with two incredibly talented wedding photographers, Mike Cassara and Lauren O'Brien. Together, we delved into the various styles and challenges of wedding photography, sharing experiences, tips, and a few personal anecdotes.

Balancing Styles: The Hybrid Approach

Both Mike and Lauren describe their photographic styles as hybrids. Mike blends organic candid moments with posed elements, adding movement and prompts to create natural, genuine photos. Lauren, on the other hand, combines movement-based organic moments with a touch of structured, editorial poses reminiscent of a vogue magazine. They both agree that a purely photojournalistic, hands-off approach isn’t usually feasible; most couples need some direction and structure in their wedding photos to feel comfortable and look their best.

My style, which I shared with them, is more documentary-focused but includes the traditional posed family photos. This mix ensures that 90% of my wedding output captures the real essence of the couple’s special day, with just enough formal shots to keep everyone happy.

The Physical Demands of the Job

One topic that really opened my eyes (no pun intended!) was the physical toll wedding photography can take. From Lauren’s painful stiletto incidents to her harrowing experience of getting a paper cut on her eyeball in 2017, it’s clear that our profession isn’t just about pretty pictures. Mike added to the conversation by sharing his own struggles with “photographer elbow” and the frequent falls and trips he encounters while shooting.

We all agreed that while these injuries are part and parcel of the job, they can significantly affect our ability to work. Lauren’s intricate story of dealing with her eye injury during a wedding shoot and relying (sometimes too much) on her second shooter highlights the importance of preparation and professionalism in the face of unexpected challenges.

Launching a Podcast: Tips and Tricks

Mike and Lauren also offered fantastic insights on starting a photo-related podcast. Mike recommends launching as a video podcast to leverage growth on social media. They attribute their own podcast's success to their engagement on social media platforms and the strategic use of short-form video content. Lauren prefers podcasts with co-hosts for the natural banter and chemistry, something I also find crucial for keeping listeners engaged.

The Role of Social Media and Other Marketing Strategies

Our conversation then shifted to marketing tactics in wedding photography. Lauren and Mike both stressed the importance of using a diversified approach. While Instagram is a great tool for rapid growth, they also emphasized the value of SEO, Google listings, and even podcasting for driving engagement and inquiries.

Interestingly, we found that wedding photography styles and trends can vary by region. For example, the structured weddings on Long Island contrast sharply with the more relaxed, elopement-style weddings in the Midwest. Despite these differences, the core principle remains the same: respecting and communicating effectively with venue staff and other vendors is essential.

Final Thoughts and Appreciation

In closing, I asked Mike and Lauren for one tip they’d give to photographers starting a podcast aimed at attracting wedding clients, planners, and venues. Their answers were insightful and will be shared in the next part of our transcript.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our enlightening discussion! As always, thank you for tuning in, and do check out the episode if you haven’t already. Your support means the world to us, and we’re committed to bringing you valuable content every week!

Until next time,

Scott Wyden Kivowitz