Wedding photography comes in several styles, each with a unique approach to capturing the day. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular styles and their key differences:

1. Documentary (Photojournalistic) Wedding Photography

📷 Approach:

• Focuses on capturing real, unscripted moments as they unfold.
• Little to no posing or direction from the photographer.
• Aims to tell a story with natural emotions and interactions.

🎨 Editing Style:

• True-to-life colours with minimal retouching.
• Can be timeless, moody, or film-like, depending on the photographer.

👰 Best for Couples Who:

• Want their wedding day captured authentically.
• Prefer candid moments over traditional posed shots.

2. Traditional (Classic) Wedding Photography

📷 Approach:

• Structured and formal with planned poses.
• Includes classic family portraits and well-composed couple shots.
• Photographer directs most shots.

🎨 Editing Style:

• Clean, polished, and timeless.
• True-to-life colors with minimal artistic alterations.

👰 Best for Couples Who:

• Want a mix of posed and candid shots.
• Prefer a classic and elegant wedding album.

3. Fine Art Wedding Photography

📷 Approach:

• Artistic, creative, and composed with careful attention to detail.
• Soft, dreamy, and highly aesthetic shots.
• Photographer may use natural light and creative angles.

🎨 Editing Style:

• Light, airy, and soft tones.
• Often has a film-like quality with pastel hues.

👰 Best for Couples Who:

• Appreciate artistic and editorial-style images.
• Love soft, romantic, and ethereal aesthetics.

4. Natural Wedding Photography

📷 Approach:

• A mix of documentary and slightly posed shots.
• Focuses on capturing natural interactions with minimal direction.
• Uses soft lighting and flattering angles.

🎨 Editing Style:

• Bright, warm, and true to natural tones.
• Avoids heavy filters and over-editing.

👰 Best for Couples Who:

• Want a relaxed, natural-looking wedding album.
• Prefer a mix of candid and lightly guided shots.

5. Editorial Wedding Photography

📷 Approach:

• Inspired by high-fashion magazine shoots.
• Carefully posed and styled, with attention to lighting and composition.
• Emphasis on elegance, drama, and fashion-forward elements.

🎨 Editing Style:

• Crisp, high-contrast, and polished.
• May include dramatic lighting effects.

👰 Best for Couples Who:

• Want their wedding photos to look like they belong in a magazine.
• Enjoy stylish, dramatic, and bold photography.

6. Moody & Dark Wedding Photography

📷 Approach:

• Captures deep emotions and dramatic lighting.
• Uses shadows and contrast for an intimate feel.
• Often shot in low light or golden hour for atmospheric depth.

🎨 Editing Style:

• Rich, warm tones with deep contrasts.
• Can have a film-like, vintage, or earthy aesthetic.

👰 Best for Couples Who:

• Prefer cinematic, moody, and romantic vibes.
• Love bold colors and dramatic lighting.

7. Vintage Wedding Photography

📷 Approach:

• Mimics the style of old film cameras.
• Uses natural light and classic composition techniques.
• Can include grainy textures and light leaks.

🎨 Editing Style:

• Soft, faded colors or black & white.
• Sometimes includes film-style grain or sepia tones.

👰 Best for Couples Who:

• Love nostalgia and a timeless aesthetic.
• Want their wedding photos to have a retro feel.

Which Style is Best for You?

Many photographers blend multiple styles, such as documentary with fine art, or traditional with natural.

If your looking for a wedding photographer, make sure you discuss the style your after. If not check out Salisbury wedding Photographer Keith Bridle.