A Brief History of Wedding Photography

In its most general sense wedding photography is simply any form of photography which in any way involves weddings. As such it could well include any photographs taken of a couple, whether together or separately, prior to the event for purposes such as sending invitations, or indeed photos taken at the reception party following the marriage ceremony itself.

We do however tend to think mostly of those still group photographs that record the actual wedding, taken at the same venue at which the vows were made. We envision rows of people in smart suits and best dresses, posing for the camera and, metaphorically or maybe even literally, saying "cheese" with an appropriate grin.

Like all art forms photography has evolved somewhat through the years. An early wedding shot of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria is widely believed to have been taken in 1854, in other words some fourteen years after the marriage itself. If true, it will have been a re-creation specifically for the benefit of the camera due to the fact that there had been no photographer there at the actual event. The photographic medium had, after all, only been invented in 1826. In fact this kind of practice was commonplace, and it was not until much later - in the 1860s and beyond - that wedding photographs in general came to be taken at weddings themselves.

Because of the cumbersome logistics involved with early wedding photography it tended at the beginning to be restricted perhaps to a single photograph of the happy couple. Only some time later did it become the established practice to include group shots of all the guests.

Despite colour photography coming into being in the early 20th century, its prohibitive cost tended to mean that for decades afterwards black and white remained the norm. At the same time improved technology and more portable equipment, coupled with lower costs, led to the practice of photographers turning up to weddings uninvited and taking pictures that they would then try to sell on to the participants. It was the arrival of this "competition" which finally persuaded experts within the industry to venture out of their studios and offer on-site services.

Today in the modern digital age photography is more affordable and accessible than ever before, but with the wedding remaining such a special and hopefully unique event in one's life it is still usual to hire a professional specifically for the purpose.