Breaking the Mold: How Jewish Wedding Photography Has Gone from Classic to Cutting-Edge - Smashing the Glass

This is a guest post by award-winning wedding photographer Claudine Hartzel. Based in London, Claudine has photographed tons of gorgeous Smashing The Glass weddings over the years, and the fact that she’s Jewish herself means she’s got special insight into all the things that make a Jewish wedding so special. With 15 years’ experience capturing Jewish weddings, no one’s got a better read of how Jewish wedding photography has evolved in recent years – and that’s exactly what she’s chatting about with us today.

Focus on Authenticity and Emotion

Then: Jewish wedding photography used to emphasize formal group portraits and documentary-style images, capturing every table and guest. The lighting was often poor, and the images could feel stiff, lacking the warmth and personality of the event itself.

Now: There’s a major shift towards candid, authentic storytelling. Today’s couples want their wedding captured as a true love story – complete with raw, emotional moments that could easily grace the pages of a high-end magazine or Instagram feed. While family and group photos are still important, the focus has shifted to the in-between moments, where emotions are at their purest. These real, fleeting connections between family members and guests are often the most treasured memories. I will also bring a second photographer to capture the rooms shots, back shots and reception so I’m not taken away from the main events.

Blending Tradition with Modernity

Then: Jewish wedding photography was often highly traditional, focusing on ceremonial moments like capturing every part of the hora, and ensuring formal group shots were meticulously documented. The emphasis was on structure rather than creativity.

Now: Couples want to honour tradition while still expressing their personalities. Formal photographs are still expected, but they are fewer, more relaxed, and feel natural. When I capture moments in between the formals, it adds an expressive, authentic touch. Couples can opt to take their formal portraits before the ceremony rather than after, more in line with the Israeli style, allowing them to be fully present at their reception. Timings can be adjusted to suit their vision, not taking them away from the day. The goal is to document real emotions in a way that feels timeless, avoiding overly stylized or dated trends. And of course, a beautifully composed formal portrait always stands the test of time.

Finding the Right Balance

Then: Parents often took the reins in planning the wedding, booking vendors and managing the timeline, which sometimes left the couple with little say in their own day.

Now: The best weddings happen when couples and parents collaborate. Today’s couples take an active role in shaping their celebration, but they still involve their families in meaningful ways, whether by seeking input on traditions or guest lists. As a photographer, I facilitate this harmony by ensuring everyone’s on the same page when it comes to the timeline and key moments. Clear communication is key, and I always meet with both the couple and their parents to iron out the details—whether it’s when to capture the first look or when to help the bride into her dress. The result is a celebration that’s true to both the couple and their families.

Pre-Sessions to Get Comfortable with Your Photographer

Then: Photographers would show up on the wedding day and expect the couple to perform on command. This could often lead to stiff, uncomfortable poses, and the resulting photos didn’t always capture the couple’s essence.

Now: I offer engagement sessions not just as a chance to take beautiful photos, but to help couples feel comfortable with the process. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to see how I work and for us to build a connection before the big day. During the session, we go over natural movements, flattering angles, and easy poses that don’t feel forced. By the time the wedding arrives, they’re more at ease in front of the camera, and we can capture their true personalities. Plus, this session allows me to become more than just the photographer—I’m a trusted partner, helping to guide them through the day.

Shift in Industry Representation

Then: The industry was dominated by a select few photographers—almost all male. Over my 15 years in wedding photography, I’ve had to work hard to prove my worth in a space where women were often underrepresented.

Now: The industry is evolving, and women are now at the forefront of wedding photography. We bring fresh perspectives, honed intuition, and an eye for capturing the small, meaningful moments that tell a couple’s unique story. My background in Fine Art Photography has also shaped my approach, combining technical expertise with a deep appreciation for creative trends. This blend allows me to capture images that are both timeless and deeply personal, offering a new perspective on what wedding photography can be.

Instagram vs. Reality: Why You Should Look at Full Galleries

Then: Couples often booked photographers based on recommendations or a handful of printed portfolio images, and it was often their parents who made the decisions. The industry was dominated by a select few photographers that everyone used, with very limited access to others. The sources of photographer recommendations were limited.

Now: Instagram has transformed the way couples find their photographers. It’s an excellent source of inspiration but, as we know, it’s just a highlight reel. That’s why I always encourage couples to look at full galleries before making a decision. A wedding day isn’t just about a few standout shots—it’s a full story, and that’s what I strive to document. A wedding is full of unpredictable moments, and I’m there every step of the way to make sure everything runs smoothly. By reviewing a full gallery, couples get a true sense of how I capture the entire day—timelessly and beautifully.

Recently, a couple fell in love with my Instagram feed but weren’t sure how their full day would look. Once I shared a full gallery from a wedding similar to theirs—same venue, similar lighting conditions, and timeline—they knew they had found the right photographer. After the wedding, they told me it was the best decision they made because they felt completely at ease, knowing they could trust me to capture everything beautifully.

Personalization and Diversity

Then: Jewish weddings followed a more uniform structure, with clear lines between Ashkenazi and Sephardi customs and a rigid timeline that didn’t leave room for personalization.

Now: Couples are blending traditions, creating personalized ceremonies, and incorporating unique elements that reflect their relationship. Many are adjusting the timeline to suit their preferences—such as having an aisle bedeken or doing formal photographs beforehand, an approach inspired by Israeli weddings. These changes allow for a more relaxed schedule and a smoother transition between key moments, giving couples more time to be present and enjoy their day. I help with all of these decisions.

Every wedding is different, and I love working closely with couples to ensure their vision is beautifully captured. I’ve also found that rabbis are incredibly accommodating, making it easy to balance tradition with modern preferences while maintaining the significance of the ceremony and allowing the photographer to capture the moments.

Use of Technology

Then: Film photography dominated the wedding scene, and the final product was typically limited to albums, prints, and a few rolls of film. Photographers would focus on traditional shots—like the formal portraits and Chuppah photos—while often missing the spontaneous moments or details that truly defined the day. Shots of the reception room, rings, or getting-ready moments were often overlooked or just not captured at all, due to the limited rolls of film. This limited the ability to document the full breadth of the celebration.

Now: Digital photography has become the standard, with instant previews and online galleries. Couples can share their images with family and friends almost immediately, and live streaming of ceremonies has become increasingly popular, especially for international guests, a trend that grew significantly in the post-pandemic era.

While digital is still the go-to for comprehensive documentation, there has been a resurgence of interest in film photography for its raw and authentic feel. I’ve started incorporating film into my shoots, using it to capture moments with a nostalgic, organic touch. Even if a frame is slightly blurred or imperfect, it reflects the raw energy of the day—and couples love it, as it’s not totally polished.

The freedom digital provides—along with its advanced technology—allows me to capture a wider variety of shots with ease and precision. It gives me the technical expertise needed to adapt quickly to changing lighting and situations, while still preserving the emotional essence of the moment. By blending both digital and film, I’m able to offer clients a deeper, more layered experience of their wedding day.

About the Author

Claudine Hartzel isn’t just a wedding photographer—she’s the godmother of Jewish wedding photography in the UK. With 15+ years of capturing Jewish weddings (and 30+ years of pure photography genius), her reputation is legendary. Think timeless, think effortless, think jaw-dropping—she delivers every. single. time. Brides, grooms, and families trust her without question because she’s not just reliable; she’s the best in the game. When Claudine’s behind the camera, your wedding isn’t just photographed—it’s immortalized.