Brides today have little interest in mugging for the camera the way their mothers did and prefer to have their special day captured in a more natural, artistic way. But what most people don’t realize is many of those candid shots they see in photographers’ portfolios or in fashion magazines are actually prompted or posed. “Photojournalism is a misnomer,” says West.

True photojournalism is reactive, not proactive. “A lot of wedding photography today looks so natural and beautiful that when brides see it, they think it’s easy,” says West. “However, these pictures require a lot more of my clients than traditional pictures.” West says that what you see in magazines is editorial, not photojournalism. “What brides don’t realize is that it is a stressful day, everyone is looking over their shoulders, and they have to bring happiness up from their soul,” she adds. “Brides think they can be passive but they have to participate and be an actor.”

An editorial shot is photojournalistic in style but is posed to show something off, like a portrait that emphasizes a detail on the dress or captures flattering light from a window. This style might require the bride to twirl in her wedding gown or walk holding hands with the groom. While these might be actions that the bride would never do, the poses are untraditional and the resulting images appear off-the-cuff. The goal of editorial photography is to get good shots without looking contrived.

Brides don’t have to choose just one style of photography. Milton Gil of Milton Gil Photography in Lyndhurst (201-438-3018; miltongil.com) says telling the story of your wedding day requires a mixture of several different styles. “Photojournalism, traditional, editorial, detail pictures, even sports photography and glamour shots are all used to best capture certain moments that combine to tell a story,” says Gil. “You need to find a photographer that is practiced in all the disciplines.”

Gil also advises brides to manage their expectations. If you do hire a pure photojournalist photographer, you will not be able to dictate or predict the shots you will end up with. Before your big day, meet with your photographer to review what shots you want taken and in what style. You should also expect to reserve time on your wedding day for a shoot with the photographer. This also should be discussed in advance.

Whether you choose traditional, photojournalism, or a combination of different photography styles, there is one rule for getting the best possible images of your wedding day. If the bakery delivers the wrong cake, if your fiancée’s uncle has too much to drink and flirts with your mom, or any of the other hundreds of details don’t go off like you planned, take it in stride and keep smiling. You never know when a camera is nearby to capture the moment—and the happiest brides are always the most beautiful.