A Couple's Guide to Wedding Photography Styles
- jessica0148
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Choosing the right wedding photography style can feel overwhelming as there are just so many photographers to choose from. Your photographer is one of the most important suppliers you will choose as this is typically how your wedding will be remembered. Picking a style that fits your personality and vision matters as well as feeling confident that your photographer will interpret your wedding as you want them to. The following are the main photography styles that we typically work with:
Fine Art Photography
Fine art photography focuses on creating images that look like works of art. Often using film photography as opposed to just digital, this style often uses natural light, soft colours, and elegant compositions. The overall aesthetic creates photos that feel timeless and delicate, almost like paintings and certainly create striking works of art worthy for hanging on your wall.
Photographers like Camilla Arnhold are known for this genre. The images often feature gentle shadows and a dreamy atmosphere. This style suits couples who want their wedding photos to feel romantic and refined, with an emphasis on beauty and detail.
Key features of fine art photography:
Soft, natural lighting
Light colour palettes
Carefully composed shots that highlight textures and details
A timeless, elegant feel
This style works well if you love classic romance and works of art.
Fine art photography with light and bright tones - Photographer Camilla Arnhold
Editorial Fine Art Photography
Editorial wedding photography shares some qualities with fine art but adds a storytelling element inspired by fashion magazines. It combines artistic images with a narrative flow, capturing moments that feel both styled and spontaneous.
Photographers like Sasha Dove reflect this editorial fine art style. Their work often includes dramatic lighting, bold compositions, and a mix of posed and candid shots. The images tell a story about the couple’s day, with a focus on emotion and style.
What to expect from editorial fine art photography:
A mix of posed and natural moments
Strong attention to fashion and styling
Dramatic lighting and creative angles
A narrative that flows through the images
If you want photos that feel like a high-end magazine spread but still capture your genuine emotions, this style is a great fit.
Editorial Photography - Photographer Sasha Dove
Predominantly Black and White Photography
Black and white wedding photography strips away colour to focus on emotion, contrast, and form. This style can feel timeless, classic, and sophisticated. It highlights expressions, textures, and light in a way that colour photos cannot.
Photographers like Barker Evans specialise in predominantly black and white images. Their work often uses strong contrasts and deep shadows to create powerful, emotional photos. This style suits couples who want a classic look with a modern edge. Photographers will always provide colour photos as well, it's just means there will be a mix of both in the gallery.
Why choose black and white photography:
Emphasises emotion and mood
Creates a timeless, elegant look
Highlights shapes, lines, and textures
Works well in both candid and posed shots
If you love the idea of dramatic, artistic photos that focus on feelings and moments, black and white photography will resonate with you.
Black and White Style - Photographers BarkerEvans and Charlotte Wise
Documentary Wedding Photography
Documentary or editorial wedding photography captures your day as it naturally unfolds. The photographer acts like a storyteller, focusing on real moments instead of posed shots. This style is about honesty and emotion, showing your wedding day in an authentic way.
Photographers like Modern Vintage Weddings are known for this approach. They blend editorial techniques with documentary storytelling, capturing everything from laughter to quiet moments with a natural, unobtrusive style.
What makes documentary/editorial photography special:
Candid, unposed images
Focus on real emotions and interactions
A natural, unobtrusive approach
Photos that tell the story of your day
This style suits couples who want to relive their wedding day exactly as it happened, with all the genuine moments intact.
Documentary style - Photographers Mondern Vintage Weddings, Abi Riley and Laura Dean
Dark and Moody
Dark and moody wedding photography aesthetic embraces a rich, dramatic style that evokes deep emotions and a sense of intimacy. This approach often utilises shadows, muted colours, and striking contrasts to create a cinematic feel, making each image resonate with a unique atmosphere. By highlighting the raw emotions and candid moments of the day, this style transforms ordinary scenes into captivating visual narratives. The interplay of light and darkness not only enhances the mood but also adds depth to the storytelling, allowing couples to relive the passion and romance of their special day through evocative imagery.
What makes Dark and Moody a good choice:
Atmospheric images
Making use of shadows for dramatic effect
Atmospheric photography - photographer Lewis Membery and ByLumiere
How to Choose Your Wedding Photography Style
When deciding on a style, think about what feels most like you as a couple. Here are some tips to help:
Look at portfolios: Spend time browsing photographers’ work to see which style speaks to you.
Consider your wedding aesthetic: Is your day formal and elegant, relaxed and natural, or somewhere in between?
Think about your priorities: Do you want posed, artistic images or candid, emotional moments? Do you want large formal group shots?
Discuss with your photographer: A good photographer can help you understand how their style fits your vision.
Remember, many photographers blend styles, so you can get a mix that suits your preferences.
Final Thoughts on Wedding Photography Styles
A top tip is that I ensure that all my wedding couples meet prospective photographers virtually before choosing who to move forward with. After your wedding planner, your photographer is the next person that you will be spending so much time with on the wedding day. This means, you need to like their personality as much as their style! You want to choose someone who will make you comfortable. When trying to choose between photographers, ask to view at least one or two full wedding albums so you can view all of their images, not just the photos they showcase on their social media channels. Look to see how they capture group photos, the couple photography, how they use light and dark, to decide if you like their style overall.
