Is Gen Z Changing Wedding Photography?

Psychologically, our perceptions shift when change happens. After spending 10 years honing your skills, perfecting lighting, and ensuring every photograph is crystal clear, a 22-year-old suddenly shows up with a basic camera and a carefree attitude. You might have noticed transformations in Instagram. The sleek and flawless wedding photos are now being overshadowed by blurry, awkward shots that seem to come from a surreal dream. This is one way Gen Z wedding photography is making its mark.

In his latest video, Toronto wedding photographer Luke Cleland explores this generational gap. He humorously refers to himself as a “crusty millennial photographer,” a sentiment many can understand when faced with unfamiliar trends. Luke raises an important question: Is Gen Z really harming wedding photography, or is Gen Z wedding photography actually reviving the art?

Personally, I think it’s natural to feel defensive when the principles you’ve relied on start to change. But as Luke suggests, what appears to be a loss could actually be an awakening for the industry, especially with Gen Z wedding photography encouraging everyone to question the status quo.

What Irks the Pros?

Luke shares his honest thoughts about the new wave of Gen Z photographers. At first, he didn’t think much of it until he began mentoring a younger photographer in his group. He quickly realized that it’s not just new photographers joining the scene. New clients are, too. Gen Z is getting married and looking for something unique.

Here are four things that initially bothered him:

1. The Comeback of the Dutch Angle
   Remember when tilting the camera was all the rage back in 2013? It makes many of us cringe now. Luke points out that Gen Z is bringing back this tilted style, but they see it as fresh and authentic, even if it seems like a mistake to older photographers.
2. Disregarding Film Photography Rules
   This one really frustrates traditionalists. While Luke appreciates film, he was taken aback by how Gen Z approaches it. Unlike the meticulous exposure methods many worked hard to master, younger photographers often underexpose their shots and embrace grainy or flat images. This is a clear departure from the pursuit of technical precision.
3. Quick Success
   A bit of jealousy is normal. Luke admits he envies how rapidly new photographers can create impressive portfolios these days. In the past, it took years of hard work. Now, with access to online courses and great presets, newcomers can achieve what others took much longer to achieve in just a few months.
4. Unwavering Confidence
   Gen Z photographers have a strong sense of confidence. Luke observes that they firmly believe their trendy, low-fi style is the right approach. After years of learning and staying humble, their boldness can be quite surprising.

Are You Just the “Old Man on the Lawn”?

We’ve all seen that classic movie scene where the cranky neighbor yells at kids to stop walking on his lawn. Luke realized he was turning into that person. It’s hard to face, but he understands that his anger isn’t really about the quality of the work. Instead, it comes from a longing for the past and a fear of change.

I get it. It can be unsettling to think that the reliable style that has brought in income for years might be falling out of style. You start to feel like you might not matter anymore. But Luke has an interesting take on this.

He points out that innovation is nothing new. He remembers when he was seen as a “young rebel.” Back then, experienced photographers criticized him for using wide apertures, like f/1.8, or for pushing his ISO. They believed he was harming the field.

I think every generation needs someone to blame to keep things lively. What was once seen as a mistake can become an artistic choice in the future. In fact, Gen Z wedding photography proves that evolving styles will always cause debate.

Why “Destroying” Photography is a Good Thing

Gen Z is changing wedding photography for the better.

If everything stayed the same in the industry, it would be pretty dull. These new photographers are challenging the old-timers to stay fresh, enthusiastic, and keep learning. They’re revitalizing a style that was getting a bit too predictable.

I find this exciting. When the rules are flexible, new possibilities open up. You don’t have to shoot exactly like a younger photographer, but you can definitely bring in some of their creative spirit. Why not experiment with underexposed shots or a little motion blur? It serves as a reminder that photography is about capturing feelings, not just getting the settings right.

You Can Either Adapt or Get Left Behind

Clients are evolving, and if you want to keep booking weddings, it’s important to grasp what today’s brides and grooms value. They’re not looking for a sterile documentation of their day. They want a genuine vibe. They want photos that capture the true spirit of the celebration.

Luke ends his video by encouraging photographers of all experience levels to join his mastermind group for mutual growth. It’s a good reminder that learning doesn’t end after a decade in the industry. In fact, that’s often when it’s needed most.

The idea that wedding photography is dying has been greatly overstated. Instead of a decline, we are witnessing a revival. So, next time you come across a blurry photo online, think twice before dismissing it. You could be seeing a glimpse of the future of Gen Z wedding photography.

What do you think? Are you open to embracing the grainy and mistaken blur, or are you clinging to your light meter? Personally, I believe a bit of chaos is just what the wedding industry needed. It keeps you adaptable and prevents your work from feeling outdated.

If you find yourself feeling like that “outdated millennial” Luke referred to, maybe it’s time to grab a budget-friendly 35mm camera and explore what happens when you let go of perfection. You might discover that you enjoy the unpredictability more than you imagined.

[Has Gen Z Destroyed Wedding Photography? I Luke Cleland; Image credits: Pexels]

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