Understanding Wedding Photography Styles: How to Choose the Right One for Your Big Day
When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a photographer (my slightly biased opinion, of course). Beyond budget and availability, the style of photography can shape the entire feel of your wedding album. Having photographed nearly 250 weddings across Ontario, I’ve seen firsthand how choosing a style that meshes with a couple’s vibe and personality can elevate the whole experience.
This guide breaks down the main styles of wedding photography, what they mean for your day, and how to pick a photographer who truly aligns with your vision.
Popular Wedding Photography Styles
1. Documentary / Photojournalistic
This style captures your day as it naturally unfolds. Think candid moments, raw emotions, and unscripted reactions. There’s minimal posing, and the focus is on storytelling. This is my primary manner of covering the day (outside of set portrait time) and one of my greatest photography related joys is when couples are shocked by the moments they didn’t even know where happening, or the faces full of raw emotion they don’t recall. To me, wedding days are days of high emotion, high expectation, and chaos, wrapped into a well dressed ball; and it’s up to me to recontextualize that into a story.
Perfect for: Couples who want to relive the day exactly as it happened, with all the little in-between moments included. Sometimes these are couples who aren’t too comfortable in front of the camera, and sometimes it is simply a case of them wanting to enjoy the special day with family and friends and want that captured.
What to expect on the day: Your photographer will mostly observe and shoot discreetly, rarely interrupting moments unless needed. I recently had a wedding where the bride relayed to me that several guests told her that they were very impressed at how I managed to be capturing all the small moments all over the 130ish people wedding without getting in the way. High praise indeed to a photographer like myself.
2. Fine Art / Editorial
Inspired by fashion photography, this style is polished and stylized, often with a dreamy, cinematic quality. It involves intentional posing, dramatic lighting, and structured composition to reflect something out of a magazine.
Perfect for: Couples who love the look of high-end magazines or want their wedding photos to feel artistic and dramatic.
What to expect on the day: More direction from your photographer. Time will be set aside for styled shots and creating visual artistry.
3. Traditional / Classic
Rooted in timeless portraiture, this style includes posed group shots, clean compositions, and predictable, polished results. I do sprinkle this in as often I find my couples want a mix of it as while the wedding is about the couple, it is also about the parents, grandparents and possibly more. And there’s nothing grandma wants to see more then their grandchild looking as regal and timeless as they did all those years ago.
Perfect for: Couples who want an album that grandparents and future grandkids will all love equally.
What to expect on the day: A photographer who guides you through poses and ensures everyone looks their best in group portraits.
4. Lifestyle
Somewhere between documentary and fine art, lifestyle photography aims to create natural-looking moments with a touch of guidance and styling. It feels authentic but elevated.
Perfect for: Couples who want emotion-filled photos that feel like their real selves—but on their best day.
What to expect on the day: Some posing prompts, but with a relaxed, fun vibe. Lots of interaction, movement, and laughter.
5. Moody / Dark & Romantic
Characterized by deeper shadows, warm tones, and rich emotion, this style leans into the atmospheric. It’s less about bright and airy, more about feeling.
Perfect for: Couples who love dramatic visuals, cozy vibes, or plan to marry in low light or unique locations.
What to expect on the day: A photographer who embraces natural lighting and may seek out less conventional spots for photos.
Matching the Style to Your Vibe
Every couple has a unique energy. Choosing a photography style should be an extension of your personality and the overall wedding atmosphere. Here are some things to consider:
- Are you playful or romantic? Lifestyle or documentary may suit you best.
- Do you love fashion and aesthetics? Fine art or editorial photographers will shine here.
- Planning a countryside barn or mountaintop elopement? A moody, cinematic approach might feel just right.
- Having a black-tie wedding at a luxury venue? Consider classic or editorial styles for sophistication.
When you browse portfolios, ask yourself: Can I picture myself in these photos? Do I want those photos on my wall for the rest of my life? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
Tips for Choosing the Right Photographer
Different photographers have different styles. That goes for both their shooting style (what they cover, how they interact with the couple and the guests, do they stick to ambient light or use flash, and what moments they prioritize) as well as their editing style (natural colours, golden tint, high contrast film looks, light and airy). I find photographers are able to evolve their editing styles a lot more than their shooting styles. This can be due to current trends, clients’ requests, or just their own personal changing taste. Shooting styles are harder (but not impossible) to evolve as it is almost muscle memory at some point for a lot of us who are more experienced. I know couples that have chosen what turned out to be the wrong photographer and were being overly posed and guided on the day and that put a real damper on their enjoyment of it all. Conversely I have also known some that needed guidance but the photographer was overly reliant on the couple to take the lead or hang back and capture things as they happened. It’s important for both your day-of-experience and your long term recollection of the wedding to make sure you get the right photographer (or photo/video team)
- Know What You Love
Save photos that catch your eye. Patterns will emerge—light, composition, poses—that reveal your style preferences. - Check Full Galleries
Instagram highlights are great, but full wedding galleries show how a photographer handles every part of the day. - Meet the Photographer
Your photographer is with you most of the day. Make sure their energy matches yours and that you feel at ease around them. - Ask About Their Process
Do they give posing guidance? How do they handle family photos? What happens if it rains? Their answers should instill confidence. - Consider Photo + Video Synergy
If you’re hiring both, make sure they can work together seamlessly. Many photographers (like myself) have trusted videographers they regularly collaborate with for a smooth, cohesive experience.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding photography should feel like you. Whether that’s intimate and emotional, bold and artistic, or classic and joyful—there’s a style (and photographer) that fits. I have been on both sides of the table. I have booked a photographer for my own wedding based on a recommendation and popularity that did not suit my partner and I and I don’t often revisit my wedding album. I have also booked couples that had a certain style in mind that was not my strength, and while I still gave them beautiful pictures that they loved, I knew that it wasn’t what they envisioned. More recently I have been willing to admit that and suggest fellow photographers to potential clients that I think better mesh with them (my past self is not happy about that at all).
