Are you looking at different wedding photography styles to fit your wedding day vision? Choosing the right wedding photography style is crucial for capturing the essence of your special day. With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which style best suits your vision. Your wedding photos are timeless memories that you’ll cherish forever, so finding a photographer whose style matches your personality and wedding vibe is key. Below, we’ll explore the top 10 wedding photography styles to help you find the perfect match for your big day.
1. Traditional/Classical Wedding Photography Style
Style Focus: Posed shots and timeless compositions
Best For: Couples who want formal, structured portraits and classic group photos.
Traditional wedding photography is all about capturing perfectly posed, formal shots of the couple and their families. These images are designed to be elegant and timeless, ensuring that your wedding album will remain elegant and sophisticated for years to come. If you’re a fan of formal portraits with everyone in place, traditional photography is the style for you.
Tip: Choose a photographer with experience in working with large groups and orchestrating poses to ensure every shot is framed beautifully.
2. Are you looking for a Photojournalistic wedding style?
Style Focus: Candid, natural moments
Best For: Couples who want their wedding day captured as a story, without interruptions for posed photos.
Also known as documentary or reportage style, photojournalistic wedding photography focuses on capturing spontaneous, candid moments as they unfold. Rather than staging shots, your photographer will be blending into the background, capturing real emotions, interactions, and details throughout the day. It’s perfect for couples who want to relive their day as it happened, with all the laughter, tears, and tender moments captured naturally.
Tip: Be prepared for fewer staged portraits but expect a powerful visual story of your day.
3. Wedding Photography Style: Fine Art
Style Focus: Creative compositions and artistic expression
Best For: Couples who love soft, dreamy images with an artistic flair.
Fine art wedding photography emphasizes artistic expression. It creates images with a romantic and ethereal feel. Photographers use soft lighting and creative compositions to produce photos that are nothing short of breathtaking.
Tip: Look for photographers who have a portfolio full of creative, emotional, and beautifully composed shots.
4. Contemporary Wedding Style
Style Focus: Modern trends with bold angles and poses
Best For: Fashion-forward couples who want unique, cutting-edge photos.
Contemporary wedding photography combines traditional techniques with modern trends. It includes dramatic poses, unique angles, and current photography trends. This style is perfect for couples looking for high-fashion, trendy images.
Tip: Be prepared for some high-energy photos, as your photographer might direct you into bold, creative poses.
5. Lifestyle Wedding Photography Styles
Style Focus: A blend of candid and posed shots, showcasing natural moments
Best For: Couples who want relaxed yet polished photos.
Lifestyle wedding photography blends candid and posed moments in a natural, relaxed way. These photos capture the real-life essence of your wedding while still looking beautiful and polished. If you want an effortless, genuine vibe, this style is ideal.
Tip: Look for a photographer who can guide you through some poses while still keeping the natural flow of the day.
6. Black and White: Emotion-Filled Wedding Photography Styles
Style Focus: Classic contrast and timeless emotion
Best For: Couples who appreciate elegance, depth, and emotion in their photos.
Black and white wedding photography highlights contrast, light, and shadows, creating emotionally powerful images. This style adds a timeless, classic touch to your wedding photos. If you prefer an elegant, vintage feel, black and white photography is the way to go.
Tip: Make sure your photographer is comfortable working in black and white, as it requires a different skill set to achieve impactful results.
7. Vintage Style Wedding
Style Focus: Nostalgic, old-world charm with retro editing
Best For: Couples who want to evoke a retro or antique feel in their wedding photos.
Vintage wedding photography often includes retro editing techniques, such as sepia tones or film-like effects. These photos bring an old-world charm to your wedding album, perfect for couples who appreciate a nostalgic, antique feel.
Tip: Be sure to discuss the specific “vintage” look you want—some couples go for a 1920s feel, while others might want a 1970s vibe.
8. Editorial Photography
Style Focus: High-fashion, polished, and glamorous photos
Best For: Couples who love styled, magazine-worthy shots.
Editorial wedding photography is inspired by fashion magazines, focusing on stylish, polished images. The results are glamorous and sophisticated, often with carefully posed shots. If you want your wedding photos to feel like a magazine spread, editorial photography is the perfect fit.
Tip: Consider a photographer who has experience with fashion and styled shoots to get that polished, magazine-like finish.
9. Natural/Environmental Wedding Photography Style
Style Focus: Capturing outdoor beauty and natural surroundings
Best For: Couples who are getting married outdoors or in nature-focused settings.
Natural wedding photography focuses on using natural light to highlight your surroundings. It works beautifully for outdoor and destination weddings. If you’re planning to marry in a rustic barn, on a beach, or surrounded by nature, this style will capture the essence of your environment.
Tip: Consider an outdoor venue with stunning backdrops, and make sure your photographer has experience shooting in natural lighting conditions.
10. Moody and Dark Photography Style
Style Focus: Deep tones, shadows, and dramatic compositions
Best For: Couples who want bold, emotional, and atmospheric images.
Moody wedding photography uses dark tones, heavy shadows, and a dramatic atmosphere to create images that are filled with depth and emotion. If you love deep colors and rich textures, this style will resonate with you. It’s perfect for couples who want their wedding photos to convey a sense of mystery, intensity, and romance.
Tip: Discuss with your photographer how they’ll use light and shadows to achieve the desired mood, as this style requires careful planning.
How to Choose the Right Style for You
Now that you know about these 10 wedding photography styles, it’s time to figure out which one is right for your wedding. Here are a few tips to help you decide:
- Browse Portfolios: Look through photographers’ portfolios to get a feel for their style. You’ll quickly see which one resonates with you the most.
- Consider Your Venue: Your wedding venue’s lighting and atmosphere will complement certain photography styles. Outdoor weddings may be perfect for natural or environmental photography, while a luxury ballroom might call for editorial or traditional styles.
- Reflect on Your Personality: Think about what fits your personality and relationship. Do you want timeless, elegant photos or candid moments that tell your story?
- Consult with a Professional: An experienced photographer can help you decide which style will best capture your wedding day, considering factors like your venue, vision, and budget.
Next Steps
Ready to capture your wedding day in the perfect style? Book a consultation with Be Fuller Photography today! Brooke, owner and photographer, will help you choose the best style to match your unique vision. Contact us to learn more and start planning your dream wedding photography.
Finishing Up!
Choosing the right wedding photography style is a big decision, but with so many beautiful styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one that reflects your vision and captures your special day perfectly. Whether you prefer traditional, candid, or artistic photos, each style has its own charm. Explore these top 10 styles and book a consultation with Be Fuller Photography to ensure your wedding memories are captured beautifully.
