10 Different Wedding Photography Styles to Choose From

There are a lot of important decisions to make about your wedding, and none of them are easy. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make, though, is what photography style you’d like on that special day. Whether you want soft hues, dark, artsy, or traditional, it’s a good idea to pick a photography style that not only matches your personality but one that complements your wedding theme and decor. The advantage of choosing a style early is that once you know what wedding photography style you’d like, you can start picking out a wedding photographer who can deliver the aesthetic you want. If you’re still torn, here are some popular wedding photo styles to consider.

1. Traditional

If you dreamed of a fairy tale wedding from the time you were a child, you may want a traditional wedding photography style with classic images and posed photo sessions. The traditional photography style stands the test of time, which is why it’s popular. Couples want to be able to look back at their wedding photos and feel that they’re timeless. Traditional doesn’t have to mean rigid, however. Think muted tones and soft lighting for the family portraits, for example, or a traditional theme with a modern touch.

2. Documentary Style Wedding

Prefer a wedding photography style that’s less formal? Maybe a photojournalistic style would suit you better. This allows your wedding photographer to capture genuine, candid moments as they unfold. The beauty of documentary-style wedding photography is that you’ll get a fly-on-the-wall feel: raw emotions and intimate small moments that might be overlooked if the style were more traditional. This style also does away with the formal portrait sessions. Instead, your wedding photographer can grab shots of people while they’re relaxed and in the moment.

3. Editorial

If you want your wedding photos to look like they’re part of a magazine, then the editorial wedding photography style is for you. You’ll get stunning, narrative-rich images where you’re the star of the story. Just remember that it’s important to narrow down your visual narrative with a wedding photographer so you’re both on the same page about the kind of photos you’d like to see. Want it to feel like a fashion shoot or a high-brow, intimate get-together? Make sure to define your aesthetic with a wedding photographer early on.

4. Candid

On the other hand, if you’re all about raw emotion and candid moments, then choose a candid wedding photography style. Candid photography involves capturing authentic moments without the formal, structured shots that traditional photography relies on. Pick a wedding photographer who thrives on this kind of shooting style because you’ll want the photography team to follow everyone around, capturing spontaneous moments.

5. Lifestyle

If the idea of candid shots makes you a little nervous, opt for lifestyle photography, which is the middle ground between traditional and candid. A lifestyle wedding photography style gives the impression of grabbing candid shots, but the photos are staged and rehearsed. This is ideal for brides who don’t want to be snapped while they’re “ugly laughing” or “ugly crying.” They want to look at ease but beautiful at the same time. A lifestyle photographer can help you style the photos and give guests a little bit of direction, too.

6. Vintage

There’s nothing more beautiful than sepia wedding photos. Vintage photography can evoke the charm of another century, or it can offer a modern take on sepia. If your wedding theme is the Victorian era, the Wild Wild West, or any other previous era, a vintage wedding photography style can be perfect. The best way to see if vintage photos will work for your wedding is to have a practice portrait photoshoot with your wedding photographer.

7. Fine Art

If you love a photographer’s fine art gallery and want the same artistic touch for your wedding, then a fine art photography style may be a good fit. The photos can have a dreamy quality, a light and airy feel, or even emphasize gothic elements, but make sure to maintain a consistent look throughout. Put together a mood board so you can further define your style, and show it to your wedding photographer. This will help guide the photography team when they’re taking photos.

8. Aerial

With drone photography becoming more mainstream, you have additional choices for your wedding photography style, like aerial photos, which are essentially photos captured from a bird’s eye view. If your wedding location is at a stunning location, like in a desert or at a castle, expect to receive equally breathtaking photos. Consider choosing aerial photography, too, if you want to capture a large ceremony.

9. Dark and Moody

Light and airy isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer deep shadows or dramatic lighting, then consider something edgier, like a dark and moody style. Talk to your photographer about the type of moody style you’re going for, whether it’s noir, haunting, or something in between. The two of you can then decide on a look that matches your aesthetic.

10. Black and White

Although your wedding photos will probably be shot in color on your wedding day, they can be delivered to you in black and white. The beauty of black and white photos is that they remove the distraction of color. So, if you prefer to have timeless, uncluttered photos with few distractions, black and white can be a great choice.

Choosing the Right Wedding Photography Style

Now that you’re aware of the more common wedding photography styles, it’s time to pick one that’s right for you. But how do you decide? Here are some helpful tips.

Your Style: Are you more traditional, or do you have a dark edge to your personality? Your personality should be the deciding factor on the photography style you choose.

Wedding Venue/Theme: Your photography style should match the venue and theme. It’s a good idea for your wedding photographer to take a look at your venue beforehand, as they’ll need to think about lighting conditions and indoor/outdoor lighting setups.
Budget: Budget will play a major role in what style you choose. If you love the idea of an aerial photo style, but you can’t afford an aerial photographer, for instance, you may have to lower your expectations. Figure out your budget and then see what you can make work within that range.

Learning More About Wedding Photography

Making the right choices about your wedding photography style will take time. But the hours you spend poring over galleries to decide your style are worth it. We can offer lots of advice, like tackling your wedding shot list, questions you should ask a wedding photographer, and how exactly you should go about choosing a wedding photographer.

These blogs offer a wealth of information:

Hire a Photographer for Your Wedding

Ready to hire a photographer for your wedding? Contact Miami-based photographer, Daria Koso. Look through her wedding portfolio, and then reach out to discuss the details of your wedding.