George Boyle
Wedding photography styles are diverse and can be tailored to your vision and budget. The most popular styles include fine art, dark and moody, classic, editorial, photojournalistic/documentary, traditional, vintage, film, aerial, lifestyle, and blurred. Couples should define their preferred style before choosing a photographer, as each artist has their own unique vision and editing preferences. Some photographers can blend styles, but most have a signature approach. To discover your style, analyse your social media saves and create mood boards to identify patterns. This guide will help you determine your favourite wedding photography styles and find a photographer who matches your aesthetic goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Editorial, Photojournalistic/Documentary, Traditional, Fine Art, Lifestyle, Flash, Dark and Moody, Blurred, Vintage, Film, Aerial, Classic, Contemporary, Candid, Street Style |
| Photographer's Involvement | Hands-on, providing light direction, capturing moments as they unfold |
| Lighting | Natural light, camera flash, studio lighting |
| Poses | Arranged shots, posed portraits, candid, natural |
| Setting | Urban landscapes, indoor, outdoor |
| Post-processing | Editing styles, black-and-white, film filters |
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What You'll Learn
Classic/traditional photography
Classic and traditional photography is a wedding style that many couples' parents will have had for their own weddings. These photographs are usually posed and straightforward, often including family portraits. They are typically shot at eye level and, while they may not be highly creative, they stand the test of time.
"Classic images are striking, gorgeous and a bit formal," says Genya O'Neall, a photography expert and styled photographer. "This type of wedding photography reflects reality but is infused with the shooter's artistic license."
Many photographers incorporate at least some traditional photography into their mix, particularly for family portraits after the ceremony. “These photos will persevere throughout the years and won’t go out of style,” says wedding photographer Jainé Kershner. “It’s very simplistic, and nothing crazy, but they still look good 50 to 60 years later.”
If you like a classic look, it's important to let your photographer know if you'd like a modern take on traditional shots. "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."
Classic and traditional photography is often favoured by couples who want a clear, structured record of the day. "Those with a checklist of key shots to be captured may opt for this style and can expect a more structured and posed photo session, ensuring all crucial moments are captured meticulously," says Ashley. "Traditional photography offers a classic and timeless approach to wedding photographs."
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Photojournalistic/documentary photography
Photojournalistic/documentary wedding photography is all about telling the story of your wedding day through candid, unposed photographs that capture the natural flow of events and the emotions of you and your guests.
A photojournalistic photographer will not direct the day or set up shots, instead, they will adopt a fly on the wall approach, capturing the magic as it happens. They will observe, anticipate, and react to capture the perfect shot, allowing you to relive the story of your wedding day through authentic, unscripted images.
This style of photography is ideal if you want to look back on a true record of your day, seeing it unfold exactly as it happened. The photographer will aim to be as invisible as possible, so those in the photographs are focused on the moment, not the camera. This means that when you see the finished images, they can evoke extremely powerful emotions, as you may not even remember the moment being captured.
While photojournalistic photographers do not stage shots, they will still work to show everything in the best light. They will choose angles and backgrounds to make everything look its best, and they may also use available light to create a 3D effect.
If you want your wedding photographs to tell a story and capture genuine, candid moments, then photojournalistic/documentary photography may be the perfect style for you.
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Editorial photography
Editorial wedding photography is a style that has gained popularity over the years. It is inspired by editorial fashion photography and sits somewhere between a street-style approach and a luxury fine art approach. The focus is not only on the couple but also on the details of the wedding, the venue, the guests, and the emotions of the day.
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Fine art photography
Fine art wedding photography is a style that emphasises a soft, romantic, and timeless aesthetic. It is often characterised by soft, natural light, muted colours, and a focus on the beauty of the surroundings and the emotions of the day. The photographer's goal is to bring the wedding story to life in a cohesive set of images, rather than disconnected snapshots.
Fine art wedding photographers approach the day with intention, making artful choices about what to include in the frame and what to leave out. They consider the wedding style, colour palette, vibe, and the personalities and relationship of the couple. Every photo is meant to be worthy of an art gallery on its own but also intricately connected to the rest of the images.
Fine art wedding photography is typically defined as soft, natural images that convey the beauty of the subject. Shallow depth of field, pastel colours, and ethereal beauty are also often associated with this style. It is often compared to film photography, which is known for its soft, warm, and dreamy quality.
Fine art wedding photographers may use digital techniques to emulate the look of film, giving the images a classic, painterly feel. They pay attention to detail, capturing pictures of the dress and shoes, close-ups of flowers and rings, and other small moments and details of the day.
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Lifestyle photography
Lifestyle wedding photography is a blend of wedding photography styles that reflects the personalities of the couple. It is fluid, free-flowing, and not bound by any one look. It is about capturing the heart and soul of the wedding day, reflecting genuine moments, emotions, and the unscripted beauty of two people celebrating their love.
This style is perfect for couples who desire a more relaxed approach and want their photos to reflect the genuine emotions and atmosphere of their celebration. It suits those who value authenticity and want their photographs to represent their day without the constraints of traditional poses.
When choosing a lifestyle wedding photographer, it is essential to view their portfolio and references to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Many photographers offer a variety of styles, so it is beneficial to communicate your preferences and expectations clearly.
Lifestyle wedding photography is a unique approach that captures the essence of your special day through a blend of styles tailored to your personalities and preferences. It allows for creative and fun photographs that reflect who you are as a couple.
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Frequently asked questions
I have a photojournalistic/documentary approach to my wedding photography. I like to capture the moments as they unfold and narrate the feelings and nuances that collectively tell the story of your wedding. I also offer posed shots and can give direction to couples to capture beautiful light and angles.
I work primarily in digital and use multiple lenses throughout the day. I also have a large collection of film cameras and a black-and-white darkroom, which I use to shoot film at weddings and engagement sessions.
To book me for your wedding, I require a deposit and a signed contract. Your wedding date is secured once those are received. I accept credit card, check, and direct transfer.
The standard turnaround time for delivery of your photos is 90 days after the event date, and you can expect to receive around 600-800 images.
