Korean wedding photoshoot trends
It’s natural to want to have a perfect pre-wedding photoshoot. After all, these pictures are meant to capture the special bond between you and your partner. To take your wedding photoshoot up a notch, look to South Korea – their keen eye for aesthetic lends a K-drama-esque dreamy touch to their Korean wedding photoshoots.
To give you some inspiration for your wedding planning, we’ve compiled 9 Korean wedding photoshoot trends that will transform your lovey-dovey moments into something out of a K-drama.
1. Basic neutral grey wall shots
The Masterpiece Made With Love 2019 concept photo
Image credit: studiowonkyu+
Neutral grey walls are a staple of Korean wedding photoshoots. Though simple, the faded colour allows the couple’s white outfits – especially the details of the bride’s dress – to stand out.
Ephotoessay 2020 concept photo
Image credit: ephotoessay
As compared to white walls, grey walls don’t let as much light bounce around the room. This is good for shooting white outfits, which tend to look overexposed in photos when it reflects too much of the surrounding light.
2020 Begin Again concept photo
Image credit: PIONA studio
The Lady concept photo
Image credit: My First Lady
Textured grey walls will also give your wedding photos a rustic touch.
2. Casual cafe shots
Square Vono 2019 concept photo
Image credit: Square Vono
Koreans are avid cafe-goers, and hence, it’s not surprising that many choose to take casual couple shots at pretty cafes during their wedding photoshoots.
2019 L1.Recall concept photo
Image credit: Luce Studio
There are a plethora of unique cafes in Korea, with designs ranging from minimalist to fancy places reminiscent of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Ephotoessay 2020 concept photo
Image credit: ephotoessay
Cafes with a white exterior decorated with plants are popular. Many couples like to pose outside such cafes, as if they’re on a cute afternoon date. 20 years down the road, it’ll be fun to look back on these photos and think about the cafe dates you had as a young couple.
The Masterpiece Made With Love concept photo
Image credit: studiowonkyu+
To make your photo extra drama-like, ask your photographer to take a shot from outside the cafe, with the window framing you and your partner. It not only frames the sweet interaction between the 2 of you, but also allows the surrounding area to be reflected in the shot.
3. Timeless monochrome shots
OBRAMAESTRA 2019 concept photo
Image credit: OneTwoThreeFour
Monochrome shots have a way of instantly making your photos look extra artistic. Without the distraction of bright colours, this form of photography directs one’s focus to the subject in the photo – you and your partner.
Sixth Floor concept photo
Image credit: studiowonkyu+
This love for the vintage look stems from Korea’s newtro trend, which places value on incorporating retro elements into the modern world. A monochrome shot of a kiss is a perfect way to timelessly capture the love between you and your partner.
Dear My Muse concept photo
Image credit: Rari Photography
Although greyscale photos tend to look dramatic, that doesn’t mean it only suits formal backgrounds and poses. A monochromatic palette can work surprisingly well when juxtaposed with cheeky, everyday moments, such as you and your partner strolling down the street.
One Life One Love concept photo
Image credit: The Chungdam
2020 Begin Again concept photo
Image adapted from: PIONA studio
4. Fun camping shots
Ephotoessay 2020 concept photo
Image credit: ephotoessay
Your wedding photoshoot will not be complete without capturing the fun moments between you and your partner. In Korea, camping is a well-loved family and couple activity.
Natural concept photo
Image credit: ST. JUNGWOO
Many couples favour pre-wedding photoshoots with “camping” as the theme because it highlights the spontaneous nature of their relationship. The concept also symbolically hints at “embarking on an adventure together” – the journey which they’ll go on together as a married couple.
The Masterpiece Made With Love 2019 concept photo
Image credit: studiowonkyu+
Some also choose to contrast the casual camping setting with formal wedding wear, adding a fun twist and talking point to the photos.
5. Classic tall window shots
One Life One Love concept photo
Image credit: The Chungdam
A window shot is a must-have for every Korean wedding photoshoot. The simple romantic Romeo and Juliet picture that it paints is an unchallenged favourite and a classic opening picture of many Korean wedding photoshoot albums.
2020 The New ONE FINE DAY concept photo
Image credit: ONEFINEDAY
The natural sunlight that shines through the window makes the shot look heavenly and dream-like.
Window shots are usually taken as wide shots to show the full height of the floor-length windows, adding a sense of grandeur to the photos. That said, close-up shots by the window have increased in popularity recently. Well, there’s no harm giving both a go when you’re already in the studio.
The Masterpiece Made With Love concept photo
Image credit: studiowonkyu+
Close-up windows shots allow the couple to showcase affectionate gestures, such as sweetly gazing at each other and forehead kisses.
6. Cute pastel-themed shots
2021 Camelia concept photo
Image credit: The Chungdam
Pastel colours are trendy in Korea and incorporating them into wedding photoshoot concepts can help to depict a cute and innocent relationship.
Difference concept photo
Image credit: studiowonkyu+
Ladies, don’t be afraid to suggest a quirky pastel-themed concept where you get to pose with soft, pretty shades. Gentlemen, there’s no need to feel embarrassed about taking pastel-themed photos because the soft colours will look just as adorable on you as on the ladies. We stan men who don’t let colours threaten their masculinity.
Ephotoessay 2020 concept photo
Image credit: ephotoessay
7. Dreamy string light shots
2021 Trust Me concept photo
Image credit: Roistudio
Just last year, fairy lights were the in thing. But now, exposed light bulbs are taking over. Strings of exposed light bulbs are often used at night to create a warm and sentimental atmosphere in photos.
2020 Begin Again concept photo and 2021 Camelia concept photo
Image adapted from: PIONA studio and The Chungdam
Studio Bong 2020 concept photo
Image credit: Studio Bong – 스튜디오봉
A background with vertical strings of bright exposed light bulbs illuminates the silhouette of the couple, creating a whimsical look.
2020 Begin Again concept photo
Image credit: PIONA studio
On the other hand, dimmer exposed light bulbs give off a dreamy mellow vibe, just like a scene straight out of Crash Landing on You.
8. Candid nature shots
2020 The New ONE FINE DAY concept photo
Image credit: ONEFINEDAY
The biggest advantage of taking photos in nature is sunlight – the best lighting is natural lighting, after all. Greenery in the background also makes pictures look raw and authentic, which is perfect for candid poses.
One Life One Love concept photo
Image credit: The Chungdam
Andrew Kwon Studio 2020 concept photo
Image credit: Andrew Kwon Studio
Candid poses can include holding hands while taking a walk, having a playful conversation, and basically anything you’d do on a casual date at the park.
Dear My Muse concept photo
Image credit: Rari Photography
Make sure to shoot during the “golden hour” – the gorgeous warm tones you’ll get will make you and your partner look like the leads in a romance movie set in the autumn.
9. Surreal sunset shots
The Masterpiece Made With Love concept photo
Image credit: studiowonkyu+
They say some things are worth waiting for. For pre-wedding photoshoots, it’s the golden hour and the sunset that comes after. Sunsets, especially when there are pastel tones in the sky, look surreal and breathtaking at the same time.
Difference concept photo
Image credit: studiowonkyu+
2019 L1.Recall concept photo
Image credit: Luce Studio
Consider shooting on the rooftop of a high-rise building as it not only captures the sunset, but also a stunning view of the surroundings.
Dear My Muse concept photo
Image credit: Rari Photography
Sunset is also the best time to take silhouette shots that will become elegant additions to your wedding photo collection. However, because you’ll have to work with a tight timeframe and possibly finicky weather conditions, this can be tricky to achieve. Discuss with your wedding photographer on what’s the best action to take.
Korean wedding photoshoot trends for inspiration
It’s never too early to start noting down pretty Korean wedding photoshoot concepts that you’d like to try when you get married. You could even use some of them for casual photoshoots with your friends. If you’re already married, consider having a milestone wedding photoshoot with your spouse to relive the heart-fluttering romance of your younger days.
Check our other K-culture articles:
- Korean Instagram photo tips
- Korean photo poses for men
- Korean home decor trends
- Newtro trend in Korea
- Everyday mysteries in Korea
Cover image adapted from: ephotoessay, The Chungdam and ephotoessay