8 Wedding Photography Styles Explained: Which One is Right for You?
- Shawn Eastman
- Jan 14
- 8 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Choosing your wedding photography style is one of the most important decisions you'll make when planning your big day. Your wedding photos will be cherished for a lifetime, so finding a style that resonates with your personality, vision, and aesthetic is key. But with so many options available, from traditional to documentary, fine art to modern, how do you decide?
As a professional wedding photographer in Cardiff, I’ve seen first-hand how these styles can bring out the unique beauty of a couple’s special day. Often times, I find that it's a blend of several wedding photography styles that seamlessly intertwine together that delivers the best results for the new bride and groom - so choosing the right wedding photographer for YOU as a couple is key.
Let’s break down 8 of the most popular wedding photography styles to help you discover which one (or ones!) is perfect for you.
Table of Contents
Traditional Wedding Photography
If you’ve ever seen a wedding album with posed family portraits and timeless images of the couple, you’re familiar with traditional wedding photography. This style focuses on structured, posed shots and ensures all the key moments - like the first kiss, cake cutting, and family group pictures - are beautifully captured.
Key Features:
Perfectly composed and lit photographs.
Focus on classic poses and formal shots.
Minimal candid or spontaneous moments.
Best For:
Couples who value timeless, elegant photos and want a comprehensive record of all the important moments.
Examples:
Documentary Wedding Photography
Documentary (or photojournalistic) wedding photography is all about storytelling. Instead of posed shots, the photographer captures candid moments as they happen, allowing the day to unfold naturally.
Key Features:
Unscripted and authentic moments.
Emphasis on emotions and interactions.
Minimal intrusion from the photographer.
Best For:
Couples who want their wedding photos to feel organic and natural, telling the story of their day through candid moments.
Examples:
Fine Art Wedding Photography
Fine art wedding photography combines creativity with elegance. This style focuses on using light, composition, and artistic techniques to create images that look like they belong in a gallery.
Key Features:
Highly stylised and artistic shots.
Use of unique angles, lighting, and post-processing.
Incorporates elements of fashion and editorial photography.
Best For:
Couples who appreciate artistic imagery and want their wedding photos to look like works of art.
Examples:
Modern Wedding Photography
Modern wedding photography is all about innovation and creativity. It blends techniques from various styles, like fine art and documentary, to create a fresh, edgy look.
Key Features:
Trendy editing styles, such as muted tones or vibrant colours.
Use of creative compositions and techniques.
Focus on individuality and unique moments.
Best For:
Couples who want their wedding photos to feel stylish, current, and uniquely theirs.
Examples:
Editorial Wedding Photography
Inspired by high-end magazines, editorial wedding photography emphasises dramatic poses and luxury. It’s perfect for couples who want their wedding to look like it’s straight out of Vogue and can be very similar in style to fine art wedding photography.
Key Features:
Carefully staged and styled shots.
Focus on fashion and luxury details.
High-end, glamorous vibe.
Best For:
Couples who love fashion photography and want their wedding album to have a chic, magazine-worthy aesthetic.
Examples:
Moody Wedding Photography
Moody wedding photography is characterised by dramatic lighting, rich tones, and emotional depth. It’s a style that evokes romance and intensity.
Key Features:
Dark, rich colour palettes.
Emphasis on shadows and highlights.
Captures raw emotion and atmosphere.
Best For:
Couples who want their photos to feel cinematic and emotionally evocative.
Examples:
Bright and Airy Wedding Photography
This style is the opposite of moody photography, focusing on soft, natural light and pastel tones. It creates a dreamy and romantic feel.
Key Features:
Light, pastel colour palettes.
Soft, ethereal lighting.
Romantic and whimsical atmosphere.
Best For:
Couples who love light, cheerful, and romantic imagery.
Examples:
Black and White Wedding Photography
Black and white photography strips away distractions, focusing on emotion and composition. It’s a timeless style that never goes out of fashion.
Key Features:
Classic, timeless aesthetic.
Emphasis on contrast and texture.
Evokes emotion and nostalgia.
Best For:
Couples who appreciate the simplicity and elegance of monochrome imagery.
Examples:
How to Choose the Right Wedding Photography Style
With so many styles to choose from, how do you decide which one fits your vision?
Here are some tips:
Consider Your Personal Style: Are you drawn to classic elegance, artistic imagery, or candid moments? Your preferences can guide your choice.
Think About Your Venue and Theme: A moody style might complement a rustic barn wedding, while a bright and airy look may suit a garden ceremony.
Review Portfolios: Look at different photographers’ work to see which style resonates with you.
Talk to Your Photographer: Share your ideas and ask for their input. Experienced photographers can adapt their approach to suit your vision.
Mix Styles: Many photographers blend styles to create a custom approach that captures every aspect of your day.
My Final Thoughts
Your wedding photos are more than just images; they’re memories that you’ll treasure forever. By understanding the different wedding photography styles, you can choose the one that best captures your love story.
Remember, the right photographer will work with you to ensure your vision comes to life, so take your time to explore portfolios and have open conversations with potential photographers. Your perfect style is out there - and it’s waiting to tell your unique story.
So, which wedding photography style speaks to you? Let’s make your dream wedding album a reality!
FAQs About Wedding Photography Styles
What are the main styles of wedding photography?
Wedding photography typically falls into several distinct styles:
Traditional/Classic: Posed, timeless portraits.
Documentary/Photojournalistic: Candid, storytelling images.
Fine Art: Artistic and creative, often with a dreamy or editorial feel.
Modern/Contemporary: Trendy, often using unique angles and post-processing techniques.
Editorial/Fashion: Inspired by magazine shoots, focusing on glamour and detail.
Understanding these can help you decide which vibe best suits your wedding vision
