Discover the ins and outs of all the different wedding photography styles to find the perfect one that matches your vibe.

When it comes to capturing the magic of your wedding day, choosing the right wedding photography style requires careful consideration. And only when you know which direction you want to go, will you be able to select a photographer who can take you there.

There are four main elements that make up the overall photography style — the shooting style, the editing style, the wedding style and the tools that are used. For example, Love List photographer Maya Lovro shoots a mix of editorial and photojournalist (“I use strategies from both to offer a well-rounded wedding coverage style,” they tell us), with a colorful and vivid editing style for mostly non-traditional weddings and uses a flash as a tool throughout the day. Think of it like recipe ingredients — mix and match what you like to find the perfect style that speaks to your heart to document your love story.

PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES

Photojournalistic Photography

Photojournalistic wedding photography takes a documentary approach, capturing candid moments and genuine emotions as they unfold naturally. This style aims to tell the story of your wedding day in a journalistic manner, leaving you with a gallery of images that are candid, spontaneous, and full of life.

“This style is intentionally more hands-off, though not always fully,” says Lovro. “It mimics the live event coverage of news photographers and focuses heavily on the telling of the story of the day — letting it unfold and recording as it does. There is less direction from the photographer, and posing often takes the form of prompting instead.”

By focusing on genuine moments and emotions, photojournalistic photography creates a narrative that is authentic and compelling. | Photo by Kathryn Cooper Weddings

Editorial/Fine Art Photography

Editorial or fine art wedding photography takes inspiration from fashion editorial shoots, creating images that are artistic, stylized, and visually stunning. This style focuses on creative composition, lighting, and posing to produce images that are both glamorous and timeless. “The photographer takes on a leadership role in directing the flow of the day and influences posing, location choice, and details to showcase a specific artistic vision that the couple, photographer, and planning team have pre-decided on,” says Lovro.

With its emphasis on artistic expression and visual storytelling, editorial photography transforms your wedding day into a work of art. | Photo by Maya Lovro Photography

WEDDING STYLES

Traditional Photography

Traditional wedding photography focuses on posed portraits and classic compositions, though as photographer Maya Lovro points out, this can have different meanings, depending on the culture(s) of the couple. “This can be even more complex when you consider regional traditions and possible religious influences,” they continue. “An Irish-American traditional wedding will be very different from a traditional Chinese wedding.”

This style emphasizes formal shots, capturing details with precision and clarity. If timeless is the style you choose, Lovro advises to select a photographer who specializes in weddings from your specific culture and understands the nuances of each specialized part of the day.

With its timeless appeal and attention to traditional poses, this style ensures that every moment is beautifully preserved for generations to come. | Photo by Maya Lovro Photography

Non-Traditional Photography

Nontraditional wedding photography breaks away from classic poses and conventional settings, focusing on creativity and spontaneity. This style often incorporates unique angles, candid moments, and artistic compositions. The result is a collection of images that reflect the couple's personality and story, offering a fresh and unconventional perspective on their special day.

Landscape Photography

Landscape wedding photography celebrates the natural beauty of your wedding surroundings, whether it's a picturesque countryside, a serene beach, or a majestic mountain vista. This style incorporates wide-angle shots and panoramic views to capture the stunning landscapes that serve as the backdrop for your special day. “This style of photo is popular in elopements, when small groups travel long distances to reach breathtaking landscapes to celebrate and take photos in,” notes Lovro.

With its focus on the beauty of nature, landscape photography creates images that are both timeless and awe-inspiring. | Photo by Kathryn Cooper Weddings

EDITING STYLES

Dark and Moody Photography

Dark and moody wedding photography embraces shadows, contrast, and rich tones to create images that are atmospheric, dramatic, and emotionally evocative. It adds a sense of mystery and allure to your wedding photos, with images that are both captivating and cinematic. “It's a romantic, slightly dramatic style that focuses on the intensity of the emotion in each photo,” adds Lovro. “It's one of the popular styles at play in the wedding world right now.”

Light and Airy Photography

The light and airy wedding photography style emphasizes soft, bright, and natural lighting to create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. This style often features pastel color palettes, minimal shadows, and a gentle focus, resulting in images that feel fresh, elegant, and timeless, capturing the joy and beauty of the celebration.

True to Life Photography

The “true to life” wedding photography style aims to capture moments as they naturally occur, with authentic colors and minimal editing and filters. This approach emphasizes genuine emotions and real-life settings, providing a realistic and timeless representation of the day. The result is a vivid, honest portrayal of the wedding celebration.

Colorful and Vivid Photography

The colorful and vivid editing style enhances the vibrancy and saturation of images, making colors pop and details stand out. This approach highlights the richness of the wedding's hues and creates lively, eye-catching photos. The result is a dynamic and energetic visual narrative of the celebration.

PHOTOGRAPHY TOOLS

Candid/Flash Photography

Candid flash photography combines the spontaneity of candid shots with the dramatic impact of off-camera flash. This type of photography creates dynamic images that are vibrant, bold, and full of energy.

“There are several types of flash photographers may use throughout a wedding day. Off-camera flashes can create complex, controlled lighting scenarios to either redefine the light in a space or slightly modify it. On-camera flash can be used alone in a style that is currently trending called ‘direct flash'. Direct flash mimics early camera technology and has a dramatic, high-contrast look that pairs well with dance floors and late night parties,” Lovro explains.

By using flash techniques creatively, photographers can capture striking images in any lighting conditions, allowing for dramatic effects and unique compositions that stand out from the crowd. | Photo by Maya Lovro Photography

Aerial/Drone Photography

Aerial or drone wedding photography offers a unique perspective by capturing stunning overhead shots of your wedding venue and surroundings. “t allows photographers and videographers a way to capture content from perspectives that were difficult to obtain before small pilot-able drones were available,” says Lovro.

This style adds a sense of grandeur and scale to your photos, with sweeping vistas and breathtaking views that showcase the beauty of your wedding location from a bird's-eye perspective. Be sure to research your area's aerial restrictions before selecting this style to ensure that it's allowed.

By incorporating aerial photography into your wedding coverage, your gallery is sure to be modern yet truly unforgettable.

Film Photography

Film wedding photography harkens back to the days of analog, using traditional film cameras to create images that are rich in color, texture, and nostalgia. “Film photography is making a comeback in a large way. As digital camera technology has evolved to unlock photo possibilities we couldn't have dreamed of 50 years ago, many photographers have also reached into tools of the past to create photos with emotional weight,” Lovro says.

This style produces photos with a soft, dreamy quality and a timeless appeal that evokes a sense of romance. The grittiness, the imperfections, and the surprises (like this unexpected double exposure) make this style special. Many photographers will pair film with digital to ensure they get the best of both worlds. | Photo by Julia Luckett Photography from Trapp Family Lodge Wedding Inspiration

Find a style that resonates with you? Browse some of our favorite wedding photographers to fit your vibe!

Cover photo by Md Iftekhar Uddin Emon