So—you’re getting married and searching for the perfect photographer to capture your day. One of the best ways to narrow down your options is by understanding the styles of wedding photography available.
Each photographer brings their own creative eye to a wedding day. While many blend elements from multiple styles, most have a signature approach that influences how they document your memories.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular wedding photography styles—and what they actually mean—so you can find the right fit for your vision. Please note: I’m just discussing “shooting” styles here, not editing styles.
1. Photojournalistic Wedding Photography
A true fly-on-the-wall approach.
Photojournalistic photographers are the silent observers of your day. They capture moments exactly as they happen, with no interference, posing, or prompting. If you’re drawn to purely candid imagery and want to relive your wedding through honest, unscripted moments, this is the style for you. If you get ready in the sink, thats what you will get. They will not even gently pose you in any way.
2. Documentary Wedding Photography
Candid with purpose.
Documentary photographers are like professional noticers—they’re attuned to the in-between, often-overlooked moments. While their approach is still candid, it’s more intentional than pure photojournalism. They anticipate emotion, composition, and light to tell your story in an authentic but artfully composed way.
3. Editorial Wedding Photography
Crafted, composed, consistent.
Editorial photography draws inspiration from high-end magazines and is all about storytelling through strong visual direction. These photographers thoughtfully craft everything—from how you’re posed, to the lighting, to the scene itself. You’ll notice lots of consistency in tone and framing across the gallery. It’s polished, refined, and luxury-driven—ideal for couples who want their wedding to look like it belongs in a feature spread.
4. Fashion-Inspired Wedding Photography
Where style takes centre stage.
Fashion wedding photography is often mistaken for editorial, but here, the focus leans heavily on garments, textures, and styling. Think dramatic silhouettes, curated detail shots of gowns, accessories, veils, and suits. These photographers highlight the fashion narrative of your wedding, often with striking poses and bold framing. If your wardrobe is a major statement piece of the day, this style makes sure it shines.
5. Fine Art Wedding Photography
Romantic, nostalgic, light-infused.
Fine art photographers are masters of softness. Often inspired by film (or using film itself), they capture light, texture, and emotion with a painterly feel. This style typically features light and airy tones, intentional compositions, and a dreamy, almost timeless aesthetic. Perfect for romantics at heart.
The Truth? Most Photographers Blend Styles
The best photographers often mix styles to tell your full story. This is what makes each of us unique. However, there’s definitely some photographers that follow one shooting style the whole day too. Or in the luxury space, they will have different photographers focus on different elements.
As you search, look beyond buzzwords and ask yourself:
Do I see myself in their work? Do their photos evoke what I want to feel when I look back on this day? And always always always see full galleries.
You may love someones shooting style, and not their editing style. While this guide talks about shooting, it is important to pick a photographer for both. Once you love both, you’ve found your match.
I specalise in a documentary approach with editorial aspects, capturing every moment with intention with some gentle posing throughout the day. If you feel aligned with my approach, get in touch here to start chatting or head to my website here to visit my portfolio and see if you like not only my shooting style but my editing style.
I edit very true to life to ensure natural, timeless photos for generations to come. This is my personal preference, as I know alot of photographers who edit with reds, browns, greens, blues etc. Everyone is different, but its important to find the perfect fit for you two and your day.
