Planning a wedding is such an exciting time, and we know that capturing those special moments is a top priority. Choosing the right wedding photography style can make all the difference in how your memories are preserved, and it’s important to find a style that truly reflects who you are as a couple. With so many different approaches out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry – I’m here to help! In this guide, I break down the three main types of wedding photography: Editorial, Documentary, and Fine Art. Each offers something unique, so you can decide what’s best for your big day. Let’s explore them together!

Editorial Style Wedding Photography

Editorial wedding photography is inspired by the glamorous, polished images found in fashion magazines. This style involves meticulously crafted poses, high-end lighting setups, and often dramatic backdrops. The goal is to create visually stunning and stylized photos that resemble fashion editorials, making the couple look like they’ve stepped straight out of a glossy magazine. Photographers who specialize in editorial wedding photography often focus on highlighting the beauty of the couple’s attire, their surroundings, and key details, such as wedding decor.

This style requires a lot of planning and direction from the photographer. Unlike more candid approaches, editorial photography involves posing the couple and sometimes even the guests, guiding them on how to stand, where to look, and how to position themselves to create that picture-perfect shot. Every image is carefully composed, with attention to symmetry, lighting, and aesthetic details. This style is often preferred by couples who want to add a sense of luxury and fashion-forward flair to their wedding album.

Editorial photography also allows for creative storytelling. Photographers might incorporate props, elaborate setups, or unique angles to tell a narrative through the images. This style can also be quite versatile, adapting to different themes or aesthetics the couple might choose, whether it’s vintage glamour, modern chic, or even rustic elegance. Overall, editorial wedding photography is all about creating artistic, polished images that stand out as works of art. Here is a great example, and one of my favourite Editorial Wedding Photographers.

Documentary Style Weddings

Documentary wedding photography, also known as photojournalistic wedding photography, takes a more candid approach. The goal here is to tell the story of the wedding day as it naturally unfolds, without interference or posed shots. Photographers who specialize in this style are often unobtrusive, capturing genuine moments of joy, laughter, tears, and love as they happen. The result is a wedding gallery filled with authentic, emotion-driven images that reflect the true essence of the day.

This style is perfect for couples who prefer a more laid-back approach to their wedding photos. Rather than spending time posing for the camera, they can simply enjoy their day, knowing that their photographer is capturing all the important moments in a natural and unscripted way. The focus in documentary photography is on the emotions and the interactions between people, rather than on perfect poses or staged scenes.

One of the key skills for a documentary wedding photographer is the ability to anticipate moments. Whether it’s the tearful exchange of vows, a burst of laughter during speeches, or a spontaneous dance-off at the reception, the photographer needs to be ready to capture these fleeting moments without interrupting them. This style is ideal for couples who want their wedding photos to feel like a genuine reflection of their day, full of real emotions and memories.

Fine Art Style

Fine art wedding photography blends the documentary style’s storytelling aspect with an artistic, often ethereal aesthetic. Photographers in this niche focus on creating images that are not just records of the day but also pieces of art. Fine art wedding photographers often use creative compositions, delicate lighting, and thoughtful post-processing to craft images that feel dreamy, romantic, and visually striking.

In this style, photographers may incorporate elements of nature, architecture, or even abstract concepts to create a cohesive artistic vision. The emphasis is often on the beauty of small details, such as the texture of a wedding gown, the interplay of light and shadow, or the way a veil catches the wind. Fine art wedding photography requires a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of composition, as every element within the frame is carefully considered to create a harmonious image.

Unlike editorial or documentary styles, fine art photography is often more stylized, with the photographer playing an active role in shaping the final image. This might involve gently guiding the couple into poses that feel natural yet visually appealing or waiting for the perfect lighting conditions to achieve a soft, airy effect. The result is a collection of images that feel less like snapshots of the day and more like a curated gallery of beautiful, artistic moments.

Of the different types of wedding photography, fine art wedding photography offers a way to have their wedding day captured as a visual masterpiece.

Summing it up – The Different Types of Wedding Photography

Choosing the right wedding photography style ultimately depends on your personal taste and vision for your big day. Whether you’re drawn to the polished glamour of editorial photography, the genuine moments captured in documentary style, or the artistic touch of fine art photography, each style offers a unique way to preserve your memories. It’s important to find a photographer who resonates with your vision; take the time to explore different styles, ask questions, and select the one that best reflects your story as a couple. Take a look at my post on how to choose your wedding photographer for more help!

If you’re currently planning your wedding day and are looking for a Surrey Wedding Photographer, then let’s get in touch! To see how I do things, and my wedding portfolio, click here.