Choosing the right wedding photography style can be a confusing and stressful topic which many couples do not even think about until the last minute. In the bustle of planning the wedding, where most couples are thinking about wedding dresses, guest invitations and venues, many forget the smaller details which will act as a keepsake and a memory of your big day for the rest of your life and choosing the best way to document this in a way that fits you and your partner is the best way to do this.
With so many styles and options to choose from, with each photographer specialising in these styles, choosing a specific style can feel overwhelming. Many couples do not even realise that they have other options for their wedding photos, and just settle for the traditional style even if it doesn’t reflect their own personalities. Not only can this lead to disappointment in the short term, but also in the long term, as these photos will be treasured for the rest of your life.
This highlights the need to choose a photography style that fits you. So, if you want to explore some photography styles in the lead-up to your wedding, so you can choose the right one for you and your partner on your big day.
Documentary (photojournalistic)
Documentary style photography has become increasingly popular in the last few years with the rise of capturing real and unfiltered moments. Where traditional wedding style photography usually consists of posed and staged photos, documentary style photography focuses on capturing in-the-moment photos of genuine enjoyment. Just like the switch of particularly Gen Z to candid photos on social media, documentary style photography is particularly appealing to those who value real-life reactions that may not be the most flattering photos but focus on genuine reactions. This style of photography is also perfect for those who hate posting for photos and want to just document their day rather than making time for photos, which can take up a large portion of a wedding day.
Editorial (high fashion)
Many want their wedding photos to reflect their personal tastes and want striking portraits which they can cherish forever. With the use of dramatic lighting, strong direction and Vogue magazine-style portraits, this style of photography aims to give a polished but strong impression which is more artistic whilst representing your style as a couple. With an equally dramatic backdrop, this highly curated style of photography portrays depth and mood through drastic shadows and striking poses. Looking for a high fashion photographer can be difficult; however, this is where portfolios and test photos are important, as the wrong vision and staging for editorial style photos can make wedding pictures look amateur.
Fine art
This specific wedding photography style is the opposite of the high fashion photography style and focuses on soft and intimate aesthetics, which are still curated to offer a true-to-life and more grounded tone. For those couples who want a more earthy wedding, featuring florals and outside woodland locations, this style is perfect for capturing the earthy colours and pastel tones. Not only does this photography style look aesthetically pleasing with its dreamy aesthetic, but it also prioritises mood and emotion over visual elegance, which can make truly meaningful and founded photos. Many photographers who photograph with this style choose analogue film for a raw and vintage tone, which can be more expensive but can produce gorgeous photos.
Traditional photography
This style of photography is the go-to for many looking for a photographer. With its classic posed family portraits and structured group shots, traditional photography captures the newlyweds and their loved ones in the most formal and prepared way. Many opt for this style to ensure that they have photos with particular family members and friends to keep forever, which sometimes is not captured through other photography styles. A timeless style that has been practised for over 100 years, this style will never look out of date and creates a fully formed photo book which can be treasured for the rest of your life.
Final thoughts
Whichever photo style you choose, whether you want a natural documentary style or the classic traditional style of photos, finding the best photography style for you can give your day deeper meaning and photos which you can be proud of when looking back well into the future.
Cover photo courtesy of Artypix Photography