The 11 Wedding Photography Styles Every Engaged Couple Needs to Know
Every couple has different style preferences—from color schemes to wedding themes, but one of the biggest decisions you'll make is which wedding photography style to use to capture your big day. Whether you're drawn toward dark and moody pictures or bright fine art shots, there's a style for every couple. Wedding photography defines how you and your loved ones view your special day for years to come, so you and your partner need to choose a photographer who represents their desired wedding photography style. If you're unsure about what different wedding photography styles are out there, I've rounded up the most popular and new styles to help you decide. Read all about them below, so you can know what you want from your photographer and set the right expectations.
1. Editorial Wedding Photography
Think of this style as your own magazine photoshoot. Editorial photographers are the most technical of the wedding photography society, Moesia Davis, fine art photographer and owner of Mo Davis Photography says. The focus is more on lighting and posing. The process is completely different from the photojournalistic style, for example, because the photographers are more hands-on and the environment is more controlled, Davis adds. If you want your wedding album to look straight out of The Knot Magazine, editorial wedding photos are for you.
2. Photojournalistic/Documentary-Style Wedding Photography
Rather than posed shots, photojournalistic-style wedding photography captures candid moments or spontaneous pictures of people, decor and action. Also known as documentary-style wedding photography, these types of wedding photos are all about those special, in-between instances. The story is told through photos by focusing less on capturing the perfect technical photo but more on capturing the moments that contribute to the 'mood' of the wedding day, Davis says. Even though nothing is staged, pros who take photojournalism-style wedding photography work to show everything in the best light. I choose angles and backgrounds that make everything look its best, says Charlotte Jenks Lewis, a film photographer with over 20 years in the industry. A tip that Lewis wants every to-be-wed to know: Look for intimate areas instead of wide open spaces for group portraits. You get more interactions with everyone, and you'll create better moments, Lewis says.
3. Traditional Wedding Photography
Like the ones in your grandparents or parents' wedding album, classic images stand the test of time. They're striking, gorgeous and a bit formal. This type of wedding photography reflects reality but is infused with the shooter's artistic license. They generally include arranged shots, like family portraits. As a photographer, you're always waiting, watching and thinking, what can I create out of ordinary moments, says Genya O'Neall, a photography expert and styled photographer. When things happen naturally, it's the best. It's a photographer's job to turn your ordinary into beautiful, says O'Neall. If you like a classic look, let them know you'd love a modern take on the shots you've seen for years.
4. Fine Art Wedding Photography
Wondering what the difference between editorial and fine art wedding photography is? Fine art is similar to the editorial wedding photo style but has a slight twist. It's known for being light, bright and airy—perfect for your romantic celebration. It's generally softer and more delicate than magazine-style wedding photography.
Comparison of Popular Photography Styles
- Editorial: Focuses on technical lighting and posing; result is a magazine-style aesthetic.
- Photojournalistic: Captures candid, spontaneous moments; story-driven and documentary-style.
- Traditional: Classic, formal images that stand the test of time, including arranged family portraits.
- Fine Art: Soft, delicate, light, and airy approach to wedding imagery.