Are your wedding detail photos stuck in 2018? If you’ve felt your approach to capturing those Pinterest-worthy tablescapes and flat lays needs a refresh, you’re not alone.
Wedding detail photography has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, shifting from strictly perfect symmetry to something with a bit more life.
In this episode of The Glow On Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Schreiber, former digital editor at Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides, to discuss how detail photography has evolved from pristine perfection to authentic storytelling—and why the best photographers are learning to master both.
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From Martha Stewart Perfection to Storytelling: The Detail Photography Evolution
Sarah Schreiber has reviewed thousands of real weddings throughout her career at top publications, including Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides, giving her a unique perspective on how detail photography trends have shifted over the years.
“I am so grateful to have been part of both of those publications because I think they offer both perspectives in a really interesting way,” Sarah shares. “Martha, of course, was where I was very classically trained. My eye was trained to find the perfect horizon line, all of the symmetry… absolute perfection in place setting shots and flat lay and all of that.”
But as wedding photography has evolved, so has the definition of what makes a compelling detail shot. The pendulum has swung from meticulously styled, symmetrical shots to a more lived-in, authentic approach that tells a deeper story of the wedding day.
Here are some examples of those “perfectly styled” detail photos that feel a little dated now:
Finding Balance Between Perfection and Authenticity
The key to modern detail photography isn’t abandoning technical excellence—it’s knowing when to deploy it and when to embrace a more relaxed approach.
“It’s probably good to figure out how to do a little bit of both,” Sarah explains. “To get those perfect detail shots, whatever they are. And then to also give yourself a little bit of room to breathe and loosen up a little bit.”
This balance creates a comprehensive visual narrative that appeals to both traditional publications and modern couples who crave authenticity. It’s not an either/or proposition—it’s about developing versatility in your approach.
5 Ways Detail Photography Has Evolved
1. From Static Objects to Living Elements
Traditional detail photography often isolated objects—the rings inside a velvet ring box, the invitation suite perfectly aligned, the empty tablescape awaiting guests. While these shots remain valuable, modern detail photography increasingly shows these elements in context.
“I want to see a cocktail in the hand. I want to see a dress on the body. I want to see what the guests are wearing and the purses,” Sarah emphasizes. “It just builds the story, and it is just more for you to play with.”
How to modernize your approach: For every static detail shot you take, challenge yourself to capture that same element being used or experienced. Photograph the signature cocktail alone, then in the hands of a guest. Capture the empty tablescape, then the same scene with guests admiring it.
2. Playing with Light and Shadow
Detail photography is moving beyond flat, even lighting to embrace more dramatic and moody lighting techniques that add dimension and feeling.
Sarah describes an innovative approach she witnessed: “Claire Furey of Pat Furey Photo created this incredible machine… that created this dappled light. They put the invitation underneath the machine and it shot it, and it looked like the actual flat lay was underwater.”
How to modernize your approach: Experiment with light patterns by using items like sheer curtains, palm fronds, or lattice to create interesting shadows across your flat lays. Try shooting through prisms or colored glass for unique light effects. Play with flash and harsher shadows. For tablescapes, look for natural light patterns created by trees or architecture and position your shot to include these elements.
3. Embracing Movement and “Chaos Core”
The wedding industry is experiencing what Sarah calls “chaos core”—a deliberate move from perfect symmetry to more dynamic compositions that feel alive and in motion.
How to modernize your approach: Introduce intentional motion into your detail shots by capturing elements mid-action. This could mean photographing a wedding dress with natural movement from wind, capturing tablescapes with slightly askew elements, or embracing a less rigid approach to flat lay composition.
Sarah notes: “The transition from one to the other has been interesting and reflective of something greater that’s happening in events on the whole.” This shift mirrors broader cultural movements toward authenticity and away from perfectionism.
4. Incorporating Guests as Detail Elements
Perhaps the most surprising evolution in detail photography is the strategic inclusion of guests to add life and context to traditional detail shots.
“Guests are props. Guests are props for props,” Sarah laughs, quickly clarifying, “You can’t make them feel like props. But honestly, I think today’s guests… are showing up and showing out at weddings, like it is a fashion show.”
How to modernize your approach: Look for guests whose attire complements the wedding design elements. Discreetly photograph guests interacting with detail elements—reading the seating chart, admiring centerpieces, or enjoying signature cocktails. Always approach this with respect, using compliments and clear communication.
5. End-of-Night Detail Documentation
A newer trend in detail photography is capturing tablescapes and decor elements after they’ve been enjoyed—the “lived-in” version of the wedding design.
“The end-of-night tablescape is a very interesting newcomer,” Sarah notes. “I kind of do love a sexy bag on a table… it’s saying something. A sexy bag on a table is like, this event was chic. And also, they’re all having fun because they left their bag unattended.”
How to modernize your approach: Plan for time at the end of dinner or during late-night dancing to capture tablescapes that show signs of the celebration. Look for thoughtful compositions that tell the story of the evening—abandoned high heels under a table, lipstick-marked napkins, or half-empty champagne glasses can all become poetic elements of the wedding narrative.
Why This Evolution Matters: Meeting Modern Expectations
This shift in detail photography reflects more significant cultural changes in how couples approach their weddings and what they value in their documentation.
“Right now, you have a generation of people that are really questioning whether or not a wedding matters,” Sarah observes. “Gen Z… want to know the value add. And I don’t think they find any value in this picture-perfect celebration. I think they find real value in the messy and the real.”
By adapting your approach to detail photography, you ensure your work speaks to what today’s couples prioritize: authenticity, emotional resonance, and meaningful storytelling.
The “perfect” tablescape shot may impress industry peers, but the same tablescape with authentic guest interaction often resonates more deeply with modern couples.
Finding Modern Gems in Your Archive
Sarah suggests that photographers likely already have “modern” detail shots in their archives—it’s just a matter of developing an eye for them during culling and editing.
“As time changes, as our perspective changes, so does our eye,” Sarah explains. “It really is all about the cull. At a point in time, these images are probably there in your total body of work. It’s just figuring out how to select the right images for the right moment in time.”
How to find modern detail photos in your past galleries:
- Review recent galleries with fresh eyes, looking for images you may have overlooked
- Search for motion, emotion, and interaction in your detail shots
- Consider images with interesting light patterns or shadows you might have previously rejected
- Look for detail shots that include human elements, even if slightly imperfect
- Experiment with black and white conversions for detail shots with strong compositional elements
How to Refresh Your Detail Photography Approach
Ready to update your detail photography approach? Here are our key takeaways:
- Master both precision and authenticity: Learn when each approach serves the story and the client best.
- Capture details in context: Show beautiful elements being used and experienced.
- Incorporate people thoughtfully: Include guests to add life to your detail shots.
- Experiment with light and perspective: Try dappled light, shadows, and unique angles.
- Look for the story: Ask what each detail contributes to the emotional narrative of the day.
- Build a visual case: Remember that your images are creating an argument for the beauty and feeling of the day.
- Embrace motion: Allow elements of movement to bring static details to life.
- Find your balance: Develop your own signature approach that values both perfection and authenticity.
Your Next Steps: The Tablescapes Checklist
Want to ensure you capture all the must-have tablescape photos that planners and florists will love? Download our free Tablescapes Checklist: your quick reference guide formatted specifically for saving to your phone so you’ll always have it handy during wedding days.
This comprehensive guide includes:
- 5 must-have tablescape angles
- A checklist to reference to make sure you photographed everything you need to make your clients and vendors happy
- Formatted for your phone for easy reference on the wedding day
Keep evolving, keep experimenting, and keep telling the authentic stories of your couples’ most meaningful celebrations.
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