Wedding Photography Styles: The Complete Guide
Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. Your wedding photos will be treasured keepsakes that capture the essence and emotion of your special day, so it’s essential to understand the different wedding photography styles available. In this blog post, we’ll explore the three main shooting styles and their unique characteristics, followed by a detailed look at various editing styles.
Wedding Photography Styles: Shooting Style
1. Photojournalistic / Documentary / Natural
The photojournalistic, documentary, or natural style focuses on capturing candid moments as they happen. This approach is all about storytelling, where the photographer acts as an observer, documenting the day’s events without interfering. The result is a collection of genuine, emotional, and spontaneous images that reflect the true essence of your wedding day.
Example: A photojournalistic photographer might capture the nervous anticipation of the groom as he waits for his bride, the laughter of guests during a heartfelt speech, or the joyous tears of a mother during the first dance. These images are unposed and authentic, offering a real glimpse into the emotions and atmosphere of the day.
Pros:
- Captures genuine, candid moments.
- Reflects the true emotions and atmosphere of the day.
- Less intrusive, allowing for a more natural experience.
Cons:
- May miss out on posed, traditional shots.
- Less control over composition and lighting.
- Requires a skilled photographer to capture key moments spontaneously.
2. Editorial
Editorial wedding photography is inspired by fashion and magazine shoots. It emphasizes posed and styled shots, creating glamorous and sophisticated images. This style often involves detailed planning, creative direction, and sometimes the use of props and elaborate settings.
Example: An editorial photographer might stage a beautifully styled shoot with the bride and groom in a picturesque location, incorporating luxurious details and dramatic lighting. The result is a series of high-fashion, cinematic images that look like they belong in a magazine.
Pros:
- Produces fashion forward images.
- Allows for creative direction and styling.
- Results in sophisticated and polished photos.
Cons:
- Requires more time and planning.
- May feel less spontaneous and natural.
- Can be more expensive due to additional styling and props.
3. Traditional
Traditional wedding photography is classic and timeless, focusing on posed portraits and key moments. This style prioritizes capturing essential shots, such as the couple’s first kiss, the cutting of the cake, and formal group photos.
Example: A traditional photographer will ensure that you have all the must-have shots, like the bride and groom with their families, the bridal party, and the couple’s first dance. These images are typically well-composed, with everyone looking at the camera and smiling, creating a collection of formal and elegant photographs.
Pros:
- Ensures all essential shots are captured.
- Produces classic and timeless images.
- Provides a structured approach to capturing the day.
Cons:
- Can feel less creative and spontaneous.
- May require more time for posed shots.
- Less emphasis on candid moments.
4. Fine Art
Fine art wedding photography combines elements of traditional and editorial styles with a creative and artistic approach. This style emphasizes beauty, composition, and aesthetics, often resulting in dreamy, ethereal images. Fine art photographers pay close attention to detail, lighting, and color to create visually stunning photos.
Example: A fine art photographer might capture the bride’s delicate lace dress with soft, natural light, or create a romantic portrait of the couple framed by a breathtaking landscape. The images are often edited to enhance their artistic quality, resulting in a collection of visually captivating and emotionally evocative photos.
Pros:
- Produces visually stunning and artistic images.
- Emphasizes beauty and aesthetics.
- Offers a creative and unique approach to wedding photography.
Cons:
- Requires a skilled photographer with a strong artistic vision.
- May take more time to capture and edit.
- Can be more expensive due to the artistic approach.
Wedding Photography Styles: Editing Style
Editing styles are just as important as shooting styles in defining the overall look and feel of your wedding photos. Here are some popular editing styles and what they entail:
1. Film/Hybrid/Fine Art
The film or hybrid style aims to replicate the look of traditional film photography, often characterized by soft, true to life tones, and a timeless quality. Fine art photographers frequently use this style to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their images.
Example: Photos edited in this style might feature a gentle pastel color palette, with a soft, romantic feel. The images often have a grainy texture, reminiscent of classic film photographs, adding a touch of nostalgia and elegance.
Pros:
- Creates a timeless and elegant look.
- Soft, pastel true to life tones enhance the romantic feel.
- Nostalgic quality reminiscent of classic film photography.
Cons:
- Best for events with ample natural light.
- Can require more extensive editing.
- Usually a slower turn around time.
2. True to Life/Natural
The true-to-life or natural editing style focuses on maintaining accurate colors and tones, ensuring the photos look as close to reality as possible. This style emphasizes clarity, sharpness, and realistic representation.
Example: Photos edited in a true-to-life style will have vibrant yet natural colors, with clear and crisp details. The goal is to make the images look as authentic as possible, preserving the natural beauty of the moment without excessive alterations.
Pros:
- Accurate and realistic representation of the day.
- Vibrant and natural colors.
- Minimal editing preserves the natural beauty.
Cons:
- Less artistic and creative compared to other styles.
- May not enhance the emotional impact as much.
- Depends heavily on the quality of the original shot.
3. Golden/Warm/Sepia
The golden, warm, or sepia editing style enhances photos with warm, golden tones, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. This style is often used to evoke a sense of warmth and romance.
Example: Photos edited in this style might have a warm, golden glow, especially during sunset or golden hour shots. The images can have a slightly vintage feel, with rich, warm hues that enhance the emotional impact of the moment.
Pros:
- Creates a warm and romantic atmosphere.
- Enhances the emotional impact of the photos.
- Ideal for sunset and golden hour shots.
Cons:
- Not ideal in overcast or dimly lit scenarios.
- Can look overly stylized if not done carefully.
- Less emphasis on natural colors.
4. Dark and Moody
The dark and moody editing style creates dramatic and atmospheric images with deep, rich tones and high contrast. This style often emphasizes shadows and highlights, resulting in a bold and intense look.
Example: Photos edited in a dark and moody style might have deep, rich blacks, and strong contrasts, creating a dramatic and cinematic effect. The images can convey a sense of intimacy and intensity, with a focus on the play of light and shadow.
Pros:
- Creates dramatic and intense images.
- Emphasizes the emotional depth of the moment.
- Unique and artistic approach to wedding photography.
Cons:
- May not suit all wedding themes or personal preferences.
- Can look overly dramatic if not done carefully.
- Less emphasis on natural colors and light.
5. Vintage/Filmy/Flash
The vintage, filmy, or flash editing style is inspired by older photographic techniques and often incorporates the use of on-camera flash to create a unique look. This style can produce images with a nostalgic feel, characterized by grainy textures, vibrant colors, and the use of direct flash for a retro effect.
Example: Photos edited in this style might feature bold, vibrant colors, with a grainy texture and a slightly washed-out look. The use of flash can create a dramatic and nostalgic effect, reminiscent of photos from the past.
Pros:
- Creates a nostalgic and retro feel.
- Unique and bold use of colors and textures.
- Direct flash can create dramatic and striking images.
Cons:
- May not suit all wedding themes or personal preferences
- Can look overly stylized if not done carefully.
- Less emphasis on natural and realistic representation.
Wedding Photography Styles Conclusion
Understanding the different wedding photography styles can help you make an informed decision when choosing your wedding photographer. Whether you prefer the candid moments of a photojournalistic style, the high-fashion look of editorial photography, the classic elegance of traditional portraits, or the artistic beauty of fine art images, there is a style that will perfectly capture the essence of your special day. Similarly, selecting an editing style that aligns with your vision will ensure that your wedding photos are a beautiful and timeless representation of your love story.
ARE YOU A BRIDE PLANNING YOUR WEDDING?
If you answered YES, I would love to help! I pride myself in over-delivering in customer service, and am here to help you with anything you might need!
or feel free to email me at hello@alexlasota.com. Happy Planning!
Wedding Photography Styles: The Complete Guide
Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. Your wedding photos will be treasured keepsakes that capture the essence and emotion of your special day, so it’s essential to understand the different wedding photography styles available. In this blog post, we’ll explore the three main shooting styles and their unique characteristics, followed by a detailed look at various editing styles.
Wedding Photography Styles: Shooting Style
1. Photojournalistic / Documentary / Natural
The photojournalistic, documentary, or natural style focuses on capturing candid moments as they happen. This approach is all about storytelling, where the photographer acts as an observer, documenting the day’s events without interfering. The result is a collection of genuine, emotional, and spontaneous images that reflect the true essence of your wedding day.
Example: A photojournalistic photographer might capture the nervous anticipation of the groom as he waits for his bride, the laughter of guests during a heartfelt speech, or the joyous tears of a mother during the first dance. These images are unposed and authentic, offering a real glimpse into the emotions and atmosphere of the day.
Pros:
- Captures genuine, candid moments.
- Reflects the true emotions and atmosphere of the day.
- Less intrusive, allowing for a more natural experience.
Cons:
- May miss out on posed, traditional shots.
- Less control over composition and lighting.
- Requires a skilled photographer to capture key moments spontaneously.
2. Editorial
Editorial wedding photography is inspired by fashion and magazine shoots. It emphasizes posed and styled shots, creating glamorous and sophisticated images. This style often involves detailed planning, creative direction, and sometimes the use of props and elaborate settings.
Example: An editorial photographer might stage a beautifully styled shoot with the bride and groom in a picturesque location, incorporating luxurious details and dramatic lighting. The result is a series of high-fashion, cinematic images that look like they belong in a magazine.
Pros:
- Produces fashion forward images.
- Allows for creative direction and styling.
- Results in sophisticated and polished photos.
Cons:
- Requires more time and planning.
- May feel less spontaneous and natural.
- Can be more expensive due to additional styling and props.
3. Traditional
Traditional wedding photography is classic and timeless, focusing on posed portraits and key moments. This style prioritizes capturing essential shots, such as the couple’s first kiss, the cutting of the cake, and formal group photos.
Example: A traditional photographer will ensure that you have all the must-have shots, like the bride and groom with their families, the bridal party, and the couple’s first dance. These images are typically well-composed, with everyone looking at the camera and smiling, creating a collection of formal and elegant photographs.
Pros:
- Ensures all essential shots are captured.
- Produces classic and timeless images.
- Provides a structured approach to capturing the day.
Cons:
- Can feel less creative and spontaneous.
- May require more time for posed shots.
- Less emphasis on candid moments.
4. Fine Art
Fine art wedding photography combines elements of traditional and editorial styles with a creative and artistic approach. This style emphasizes beauty, composition, and aesthetics, often resulting in dreamy, ethereal images. Fine art photographers pay close attention to detail, lighting, and color to create visually stunning photos.
Example: A fine art photographer might capture the bride’s delicate lace dress with soft, natural light, or create a romantic portrait of the couple framed by a breathtaking landscape. The images are often edited to enhance their artistic quality, resulting in a collection of visually captivating and emotionally evocative photos.
Pros:
- Produces visually stunning and artistic images.
- Emphasizes beauty and aesthetics.
- Offers a creative and unique approach to wedding photography.
Cons:
- Requires a skilled photographer with a strong artistic vision.
- May take more time to capture and edit.
- Can be more expensive due to the artistic approach.
Wedding Photography Styles: Editing Style
Editing styles are just as important as shooting styles in defining the overall look and feel of your wedding photos. Here are some popular editing styles and what they entail:
1. Film/Hybrid/Fine Art
The film or hybrid style aims to replicate the look of traditional film photography, often characterized by soft, true to life tones, and a timeless quality. Fine art photographers frequently use this style to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their images.
Example: Photos edited in this style might feature a gentle pastel color palette, with a soft, romantic feel. The images often have a grainy texture, reminiscent of classic film photographs, adding a touch of nostalgia and elegance.
Pros:
- Creates a timeless and elegant look.
- Soft, pastel true to life tones enhance the romantic feel.
- Nostalgic quality reminiscent of classic film photography.
Cons:
- Best for events with ample natural light.
- Can require more extensive editing.
- Usually a slower turn around time.
2. True to Life/Natural
The true-to-life or natural editing style focuses on maintaining accurate colors and tones, ensuring the photos look as close to reality as possible. This style emphasizes clarity, sharpness, and realistic representation.
Example: Photos edited in a true-to-life style will have vibrant yet natural colors, with clear and crisp details. The goal is to make the images look as authentic as possible, preserving the natural beauty of the moment without excessive alterations.
Pros:
- Accurate and realistic representation of the day.
- Vibrant and natural colors.
- Minimal editing preserves the natural beauty.
Cons:
- Less artistic and creative compared to other styles.
- May not enhance the emotional impact as much.
- Depends heavily on the quality of the original shot.
3. Golden/Warm/Sepia
The golden, warm, or sepia editing style enhances photos with warm, golden tones, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. This style is often used to evoke a sense of warmth and romance.
Example: Photos edited in this style might have a warm, golden glow, especially during sunset or golden hour shots. The images can have a slightly vintage feel, with rich, warm hues that enhance the emotional impact of the moment.
Pros:
- Creates a warm and romantic atmosphere.
- Enhances the emotional impact of the photos.
- Ideal for sunset and golden hour shots.
Cons:
- Not ideal in overcast or dimly lit scenarios.
- Can look overly stylized if not done carefully.
- Less emphasis on natural colors.
4. Dark and Moody
The dark and moody editing style creates dramatic and atmospheric images with deep, rich tones and high contrast. This style often emphasizes shadows and highlights, resulting in a bold and intense look.
Example: Photos edited in a dark and moody style might have deep, rich blacks, and strong contrasts, creating a dramatic and cinematic effect. The images can convey a sense of intimacy and intensity, with a focus on the play of light and shadow.
Pros:
- Creates dramatic and intense images.
- Emphasizes the emotional depth of the moment.
- Unique and artistic approach to wedding photography.
Cons:
- May not suit all wedding themes or personal preferences.
- Can look overly dramatic if not done carefully.
- Less emphasis on natural colors and light.
5. Vintage/Filmy/Flash
The vintage, filmy, or flash editing style is inspired by older photographic techniques and often incorporates the use of on-camera flash to create a unique look. This style can produce images with a nostalgic feel, characterized by grainy textures, vibrant colors, and the use of direct flash for a retro effect.
Example: Photos edited in this style might feature bold, vibrant colors, with a grainy texture and a slightly washed-out look. The use of flash can create a dramatic and nostalgic effect, reminiscent of photos from the past.
Pros:
- Creates a nostalgic and retro feel.
- Unique and bold use of colors and textures.
- Direct flash can create dramatic and striking images.
Cons:
- May not suit all wedding themes or personal preferences
- Can look overly stylized if not done carefully.
- Less emphasis on natural and realistic representation.
Wedding Photography Styles Conclusion
Understanding the different wedding photography styles can help you make an informed decision when choosing your wedding photographer. Whether you prefer the candid moments of a photojournalistic style, the high-fashion look of editorial photography, the classic elegance of traditional portraits, or the artistic beauty of fine art images, there is a style that will perfectly capture the essence of your special day. Similarly, selecting an editing style that aligns with your vision will ensure that your wedding photos are a beautiful and timeless representation of your love story.
ARE YOU A BRIDE PLANNING YOUR WEDDING?
If you answered YES, I would love to help! I pride myself in over-delivering in customer service, and am here to help you with anything you might need!
or feel free to email me at hello@alexlasota.com. Happy Planning!