Getting engaged kicks off a whirlwind of excitement, and as you begin planning your big day, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your wedding photography style. Your wedding photos will be more than just pictures—they’ll capture the emotions, the moments, and the magic that tell the story of your love.
From the timeless elegance of traditional shots to the raw spontaneity of candid moments, there are so many wedding photography styles to choose from. The right one will reflect your personality, vision, and the atmosphere you want to create on your special day.
Like with any profession, photographers vary in skill and specialty. While one will specialize in portraits, another will take more of a candid approach to capture all those spontaneous moments of the day. So, before hiring a wedding photographer, it’s best to decide which wedding photography style suits you and your wedding vision. Here are a few tips to narrow down your options.
Traditional: Cherishing timeless elegance
Ah, the classic charm of traditional wedding photography! This wedding photography style is about capturing the quintessential moments of your wedding day with a touch of timeless elegance.
Expect beautifully posed shots that depict your love story in a way that generations will cherish. Couples drawn to this style appreciate the artistry of carefully composed portraits and want a collection of images that capture fixed moments in time.
Photojournalistic: Candid tales of love
Are you a fun, laidback couple who value spontaneity? If so, the photojournalistic wedding photography style is the right fit for you! Unobtrusively documenting candid moments, this style captures all those raw emotions and genuine interactions that unfold throughout your day, naturally as they unfold.
The lovebirds who prefer this photography style are the spontaneous souls who need no filters, allowing the emotions to flow freely. It’s about less posing and more spontaneity.
Fine art wedding photography: The artistry of romance
Hopeless romantics often prefer a fine art wedding photography style, where each image is a masterpiece in its own right. This style perfectly blends artistic vision and attention to detail to create ethereal, dreamy images that look like they’ve been made in heaven.
Wedding photographers use unique angles, lighting, and composition to create visually stunning images. Images are light and airy, with soft exposures and oozing romance. Couples who want their wedding photos to stand the test of time and look just as stunning decades later might choose this style.
Dark and moody: Embracing the drama
If you’re drawn to the allure of dramatic and cinematic visuals, the dark and moody wedding photography style may be your heart’s desire. This style infuses your images with a mysterious and emotive ambiance, creating a sense of drama and intensity. Cinematic in nature, dark and moody photography will manipulate lighting, use richer colours and maximize shadows to create images that really pop.
Editorial: Glamorous and vogue-like
This style is for those who love the spotlight. Think high-fashion editorial and vogue-like poses that make you instant cover models. Couples with a penchant for fashion and a desire to create a wedding album that feels like a glossy magazine spread will adore this editorial approach.
Black and white: Timeless monochromatic elegance
Black and white photos will never go out of style. They’re timeless and beautiful, just like your love story. This monochromatic style strips away all distractions, focusing solely on raw emotions. Couples who want a timeless, elegant wedding will appreciate the simplicity and poignancy of black-and-white imagery.
Landscape: Embracing the great outdoors
Who doesn’t love breathtaking views of the great outdoors? Landscape wedding photography is the ultimate choice for those who absolutely love nature. This exquisite style celebrates the beauty of the great outdoors and incorporates the surrounding environment as a breathtaking backdrop.
Couples who dream of exchanging vows amidst stunning natural scenery will cherish the everlasting memories captured through the lens of landscape photography.
Destination wedding photography
As the name implies, destination wedding photography is less about the actual “style” and techniques used by the photographer and more about the location. Hiring an experienced photographer in the destination you choose to say “I do” means you’ll get someone with infinite knowledge of the best spots to take your wedding shots. They’ll be able to document your love story on film while showcasing the beauty of your selected destination at the same time.
Mix and match: Why not have it all?
As you explore these photography styles, you might find it hard to choose just one. And why should you? Today, many couples are blending different styles to reflect their tastes. For example, you might adore the timeless elegance of traditional photography but also crave those candid, in-the-moment shots that tell the story of your day naturally. Or maybe you dream of a romantic fine art aesthetic but want to add a bit of dramatic flair with a dark and moody touch.
Mixing styles is an option that allows your photographer to create a diverse, dynamic album, giving you a range of emotions, moods, and looks that truly capture your wedding day. Here are some ideas to help you get started with combining styles.
How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Style
Now that you’ve identified the wedding photography style that resonates with you, the next step is choosing the photographer who best matches your vision. Here are a few things to consider:
- Review their portfolio: Every photographer’s style is different, so looking at their past work is important to ensure it aligns with the style you want. Explore their online portfolio or blog, paying attention to lighting, composition, and overall mood.
- Look for experience in your chosen style: While many photographers can shoot in various styles, some specialize in a particular one. For example, if you’re drawn to the fine art style, look for photographers who highlight that in their portfolio. The more experience they have with a particular style, the better the results.
- Meet them in person: A personal connection with your photographer is key. You want someone who understands your vision and makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Discuss your preferred style during your meeting and see how they respond to your ideas.
- Consider your wedding timeline: Some styles, like photojournalistic, require a photographer to be in the right place at the right time without interference. Others, like traditional or editorial, may require more time and coordination to set up specific shots. Be sure to consider how your photographer’s shooting style aligns with your wedding day timeline.
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