When choosing a photographer, one of the most important things to consider—besides how comfortable you feel with them and their shooting style—is their editing style. Editing isn’t just about applying a filter or preset; it’s how photographers bring their creative vision to life and how they preserve your memories. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a family session, or a personal portrait, understanding the different editing styles can help you find a photographer whose work aligns with your taste and vision.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common photography editing styles you’ll come across—and a bit about how I approach my own editing style.
Light and Airy
Look: Bright whites, soft greens, faded pastels like lilac and blush. Black-and-whites tend to be soft and gentle, never too harsh.
Feel: Dreamy, romantic, timeless. Often used in fine art wedding photography.
Where it shines: Outdoor weddings with lots of natural light, florals, and light-toned venues.
Moody
Look: Lower exposure, crushed highlights, desaturated greens, and deeper shadows. Sometimes paired with warm tones or brown overlays.
Feel: Emotional, dramatic, cinematic.
Variations:
- Dark and editorial: Often used with intentional lighting and shadow play.
- Earthy and warm: A touch of brown in the tones for a filmic feel.
- Muted natural: True whites, less color saturation, and an artistic focus on contrast and composition.
Warm
Look: Enhanced reds, golden tones, and soft yellows. Skin tones are glowy and beachy, while skies and backgrounds may feel sun-kissed.
Feel: Inviting, sun-drenched, and relaxed—like summer in a photo.
Where it shines: Outdoor lifestyle shoots, sunset sessions, or anywhere with natural golden light.
Warm / Moody Hybrid
Look: Grainy texture, rich contrast, muted highlights with vintage warmth—think windswept hills in Scotland or an elopement at dusk.
Feel: Raw, romantic, nostalgic. Inspired by film and old-world charm.
Film-Inspired
Look: Soft focus, grain, faded colors, subtle contrast. The palette varies but is usually gentle and slightly desaturated.
Feel: Nostalgic, intentional, often paired with an editorial or photojournalistic shooting style.
Note: Film is not just an edit—it’s a mindset. It’s slower, more thoughtful, and emphasizes storytelling through emotion and composition.
Fine Art Contrast
Look: Primarily film, but with a polished and highly curated feel. Can range from light and airy to bold flash-lit frames.
Feel: Elegant, timeless, and sophisticated—often with an emphasis on composition, fashion, and classic tones.
High Colour Saturation
Look: Bold pops of color, crisp contrast, and vibrant everything. Blues are very blue, greens are very green—every element stands out.
Feel: Fun, energetic, and playful.
Where it shines: Family sessions, kids, lifestyle portraits—anywhere with lots of color and movement.
My Style: True-to-Life, Clean, and Honest
My personal editing philosophy is simple: I want your photos to feel like you and your day—not a trend. If the moment was bright, I’ll keep it bright. If it was shadowy and moody, you’ll see those rich tones too. My approach is “what you see is what you get,” but with intentional composition and crisp contrast—especially in black-and-white.
I believe your memories should feel timeless and real, not like they’ve been altered beyond recognition. You can expect high contrast where it belongs, natural skin tones, and an edit that closely matches how the scene looked and felt in real life.
Curious about how different shooting styles shape your photos? Check out my blog on Wedding Photography Shooting Styles Explained
In Summary:
Photography styles range from airy and romantic to dramatic and bold, with endless possibilities in between. There’s no best editing style—only the one that best reflects your story. Whether you’re drawn to the softness of film or the depth of moody shadows, choosing a photographer whose editing matches your vision is key.
And if you’re looking for a true-to-life style that keeps things clean, crisp, and genuine—while still feeling elevated and intentional—I’d love to document your story. Reach out here.
