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Originally majoring in International Trade but soon shifting his focus to the arts, Nguyen Thanh Luan (33 years old) is currently a professional photographer and videographer in Ho Chi Minh City, dedicated to wedding and commercial photography for over a decade. With experience shooting weddings in 30 countries, photographer Thanh Luan shares three prominent wedding photography trends and styles currently favored by young couples.
Photographer Nguyen Thanh Luan
Secret wedding
More and more young couples are choosing an Elopement Wedding – a private wedding ceremony – as a unique way to celebrate their love. More than just a photoshoot, it's a deeply personal experience where the bride and groom exchange vows in a private setting, with only the two of them and their accompanying team.
Secret wedding style
Couples often choose pristine, majestic natural locations as their backdrop, such as the golden rice fields in Sa Pa, waterfalls cascading amidst the mountains of Da Lat, towering cliffs overlooking the sea in Da Nang, or the tranquil, unspoiled caves in Ninh Binh… Nature is not just a backdrop, but becomes a witness to these emotionally charged and authentic moments.
A secret wedding allows couples to exchange intimate vows in private, rather than being constrained by traditional ceremonies. It's not just a photoshoot, but an adventure where every moment is filled with genuine memories and emotions. Without stage pressure or acting, couples can easily let their feelings guide them, creating wedding photos that are both natural and heartfelt.
Flexible pricing:From approximately 20,000,000 to 80,000,000 VND, or any amount depending on your budget and desires. An elopement wedding isn't as extravagant as many people think. All you need is two people, a beautiful venue, and vows. Fresh flowers or a special concept can be added if desired, but it's not mandatory. The most important thing is to discuss with the team to create a concept that suits your preferences and budget.
Retro style
Retro/vintage wedding photography is the second style mentioned by photographer Nguyen Thanh Luan. These photo sets, inspired by Hong Kong films from the early 2000s with a strong cinematic feel, or evoking childhood memories of our grandparents in the 1990s, offer a sense of familiarity yet uniqueness, easily resonating with viewers.
Retro style
The unique aspect of this style lies not only in its nostalgic color palette but also in the meticulous attention to detail in the costumes. Some photoshoots inspired by traditional attire are carefully crafted down to the smallest detail, such as buttons or accessories. This elaborate process is both challenging and exciting during preparation.
Photography costs:The retro style is usually more affordable, ranging from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND. The setting mainly utilizes familiar street corners, keeping costs low. Accessories are also simple, such as a vintage bicycle, a classic motorbike, or a few nostalgic household items.
Fashion magazine style
The editorial style is heavily influenced by fashion photography, using artificial lighting to create powerful emotions and evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication, as if the images just stepped onto a magazine cover. This is a challenging concept, requiring high technical skill and meticulous attention to detail in every element – from makeup and clothing to the setting – to create a truly artistic photo series.
Fashion wedding photography style
The cost ranges from 30,000,000 to 50,000,000 VND. This style requires meticulous preparation, from developing detailed concepts to selecting outfits from renowned designers, and can be combined with sports cars or luxurious settings.
What should couples keep in mind when choosing a suitable wedding photography style?
According to photographer Nguyen Thanh Luan, trends are always changing, but the most important thing is to be in tune with yourself. Don't hesitate to share your ideas or personal preferences with your photographer/videographer. Following trends is fine, but prioritize what is personal and authentic, because that's what makes a photo series lasting over time.
A beautiful wedding photoshoot requires a balance between aesthetics and emotion. Each couple expresses their love and personality in their own unique way; however, not everyone knows how to convey that clearly. This is where the photographer's role becomes crucial. They help the couple "translate" those personality traits into a suitable photo concept.
To achieve this, open communication and connection are essential between the couple and the team, from sharing their story and interests to collaboratively developing the concept. Only when this process is properly invested in will the photos truly reflect the personality of the bride and groom.
Photographer Nguyen Thanh Luan also shared: “In the future, the trend in wedding photography will lean towards personalization, meaning each photo set will be uniquely designed based on the story and aesthetic taste of each couple. Stereotypical and repetitive concepts will gradually be replaced by photo sets with distinct styles, creating a truly memorable impression for the big day.”
