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The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography Styles and How to Choose Yours

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography Styles and How to Choose Yours

Photographed by Roman Ivanov

Selecting the right photographer for your wedding is a crucial decision that directly impacts how your day will be remembered. Wedding photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing the essence of the event and telling your unique story. Understanding different photography styles allows you to communicate your vision clearly to the photographer, ensuring the final result aligns with your expectations.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the various styles of wedding photography to help you make an informed decision and get the results you’re looking for.

1. Traditional Wedding Photography

Best For: Classic, Timeless Couples

Traditional wedding photography focuses on capturing key moments and formal portraits. Think of classic shots: the first kiss, cake cutting, family portraits, and the first dance. It’s perfect for couples who value posed photos with elegant framing.

Why Choose It:

  • Structured and predictable, you’ll get every important shot.
  • Perfect for albums and framed pictures.

What to Keep in Mind:

  • Can be time-consuming, with a need for posed shots.

Photographed by Patricia Lyons

Eric Kelley

Jonathan Connolly

Delesie Studio

2. Photojournalistic / Documentary Wedding Photography

Best For: Couples Who Want Authenticity

In contrast to traditional photography, documentary or photojournalistic style captures candid, unposed moments. This style lets the day unfold naturally, creating a real-time story that reflects the emotions and atmosphere of the wedding.

Why Choose It:

  • Captures authentic, emotional moments.
  • Perfect for those who prefer less structure and more spontaneity.

What to Keep in Mind:

  • The unpredictability may mean not every traditional shot is captured.

Photographed by Sasithon Photography

Maddy Christina

Corbin Gurkin

Twah Dougherty

La Moment Photography

Matteo Coltro

Samm Blake

3. Fine Art Wedding Photography

Best For: Couples Looking for a Magazine-Worthy Look

Fine art wedding photography is all about aesthetics and creativity. The photographer focuses on creating beautiful, artistic images with attention to light, composition, and detail. The shots are often edited to have a soft, ethereal quality.

Why Choose It:

  • The images look luxurious and cinematic.
  • Ideal for stylish couples who value artistry and beauty.

What to Keep in Mind:

  • May require more time for staged shots.

Photographed by James + Schultze

Jose Villa

Rossini Photography

Les Loups

Corbin Gurkin

Allan Zepeda

KT Merry

4. Editorial Wedding Photography

Best For: Trendy Couples Who Love Fashion

If you’re into fashion or want your wedding to feel like a glamorous magazine spread, editorial photography is for you. This style often mimics what you’d see in fashion magazines, with posed shots that tell a story. The photographer will direct you more, resulting in dramatic, high-end images.

Why Choose It:

  • Gives your wedding photos a glamorous, fashion-forward feel.
  • Ideal for couples who want to stand out.

What to Keep in Mind:

  • More posed and less candid than other styles.

Photographed by Mango Studios

Nicole Ivanov

Heather Waraksa

Purple Tree Wedding Photography

Kamila Novak Photography

Pablo Laguía

Anna Roussos

5. Lifestyle Wedding Photography

Best For: Couples Who Want a Blend of Posed and Candid Shots

Lifestyle wedding photography is a mix of documentary and traditional styles. It captures moments as they happen but with more direction than a photojournalistic style. The goal is to make the images feel natural while still being beautiful and somewhat staged.

Why Choose It:

  • Balances posed and spontaneous shots.
  • Perfect for couples who want a relaxed but polished vibe.

What to Keep in Mind:

  • Requires flexibility and trust in the photographer’s vision.

Photographed by 515 Photo Co

Gianny Campos

Jessica van de Marel

Hannah Jan

Photographed by Gayle Brooker

6. Adventure / Elopement Photography

Best For: Couples with a Sense of Adventure

Elopement or adventure wedding photography is perfect for couples who plan to exchange vows in unique, adventurous locations. Whether it’s on a mountain peak or a beach at sunset, this style focuses on capturing the epic landscapes and intimate moments of your journey.

Why Choose It:

  • Ideal for destination weddings or outdoor-loving couples.
  • Captures breathtaking landscapes and intimate moments.

What to Keep in Mind:

  • May require extra planning depending on the location.

Photographed by Pablo Laguía

Shane Shepherd

Cedar and Pines

Lucy Munoz

7. Black and White Wedding Photography

Best For: Timeless, Emotional Moments

Although some photographers do use solely black and white cameras, black and white photography is an editing style that focuses on contrast, light, and emotion by removing the distraction of color. This style works across any type of wedding photography and can add a timeless, classic feel to your images.

Why Choose It:

  • Highlights emotion and mood in an elegant way.
  • Timeless, making it perfect for intimate, emotional moments.

What to Keep in Mind:

  • Best used selectively; a mix of color and black & white offers variety in your final gallery.

Photographed by Liz Andolina

8. Dark and Moody Wedding Photography

Best For: Couples Seeking a Bold, Artistic Look

Dark and moody photography uses shadows, rich tones, and dramatic contrast to create an emotional, atmospheric effect. The editing enhances deep colors and shadows, making this style perfect for couples who want a unique, bold aesthetic.

Why Choose It:

  • Captures depth and emotion with a distinctive artistic feel.
  • Great for couples who prefer a non-traditional, dramatic aesthetic.

What to Keep in Mind:

  • The darker tones can shift focus away from the fine details, so it’s best suited for couples who prioritize mood over vibrant details.

Photographed by Fotograf Lillian Nordbo

9. Aerial / Drone Wedding Photography

Best For: Couples Wanting Unique, Wide-Angle Views

Aerial or drone photography adds a unique perspective to your wedding photos by capturing sweeping, wide-angle shots from above. This style is perfect for outdoor weddings or venues with scenic landscapes, providing a grand, cinematic view of your ceremony and reception. Drone photography can also highlight the venue’s architecture, surroundings, and even creative moments like the entire wedding party arranged in a formation.

Why Choose It:

  • Offers a bird’s-eye view of your venue, capturing grand, sweeping shots.
  • Adds a dramatic and cinematic touch to outdoor or large-scale weddings.

What to Keep in Mind:

  • Drone use may be subject to venue restrictions, and additional permits or fees may be required.
  • It's best combined with ground-level photography for a complete gallery.

Photographed by Norman & Blake

Liz Banfield

Patricia Lyons

Matteo Coltro

10. Film Wedding Photography: A Nostalgic Comeback

Best For: Couples Who Appreciate Timeless, Authentic Imagery

Film photography is experiencing a resurgence in the wedding industry, offering a nostalgic, artistic feel that digital photography can't quite replicate. Film photos have a distinct quality, with softer tones, rich
colors, and a grainy texture that gives the images a sense of warmth and authenticity.

For couples looking for a vintage, artistic aesthetic, film photography offers an opportunity to blend tradition with beauty in a truly unique way.

Why Choose It:

  • Captures images in a way that feels timeless and romantic, with natural light and soft details.
  • The process of shooting with film requires careful composition and attention to detail, resulting in photos that feel thoughtful and intentional.
  • Film’s natural color tones and depth provide a more organic and unedited feel compared to digital. An unfiltered beauty.

What to Keep in Mind:

  • Film has a limited number of frames per roll which means fewer images overall.
  • Film takes longer to develop than digital, so you may need to wait longer to receive your photos.
  • Can be more expensive due to the cost of film and processing.

Photographed by Nicole Plett

How to Choose the Right Style for Your Wedding

Now that you know the different types of wedding photography, here are some tips on how to choose the one that fits you best:

  • Know Your Priorities: Are you drawn to candid moments, or do you want an editorial, magazine-worthy aesthetic? Identify the moments you want captured and decide if you want a more structured or relaxed vibe.
  • Consider Your Venue and Theme: A photojournalistic style works well for casual, outdoor weddings, while a fine art or editorial style might suit a chic ballroom setting. Choose a style that enhances the natural beauty of your venue.
  • Review Photographer Portfolios: Check the photographer’s past work. Most photographers specialize in one or two styles, so make sure their portfolio aligns with your vision.
  • Communication is Key: Talk to your photographer about your expectations. If you like multiple styles, some photographers are versatile and can incorporate elements from different approaches into your wedding album.
  • Think About the Final Product: Do you envision a timeless album or a collection of artsy prints? Your desired final product will influence the style of photography you choose.

The Importance of Connecting with Your Photographer

While understanding photography styles is essential, connecting with your photographer on a personal level is just as important when making your decision. The right photographer will not only be able to capture your wedding in the style you envision but will also create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere throughout the day.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Trust and Comfort: Weddings are emotional and often fast-paced. A photographer you connect with will make you feel at ease, allowing you to relax and enjoy the day. This natural comfort will reflect in your photos.
  • Shared Vision: A photographer who truly understands your vision is better equipped to capture the moments that matter most to you. Open communication ensures that your expectations are aligned, from the overall style to specific shots you want.
  • Personal Rapport: Your photographer will be with you throughout the day, capturing intimate and personal moments. Building a rapport beforehand helps establish trust, making it easier to collaborate and follow their direction.
  • Tailored Experience: Photographers often work closely with you to customize your experience, offering suggestions on how to achieve the best photos. The stronger your connection, the more personalized and enjoyable the process will be.

Before making a final decision, schedule a consultation with potential photographers to ensure there’s a good personal fit. Look beyond their portfolio and focus on how well they listen, understand your preferences, and interact with you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wedding photography style is essential in capturing the essence of your big day. Whether you prefer the timeless beauty of traditional shots, the authenticity of candid moments, or the creativity of fine art photography, Lausch Events is here to help you find a photographer that fits your style and vision.

At Lausch Events, we work with a network of skilled wedding photographers who specialize in a range of styles. Let us guide you in finding the perfect match to capture your special day exactly as you envision it.

Looking for expert advice on planning your wedding? Contact us today!