Let's pick something that feels like YOU!
Your wedding photos will be one of the most cherished keepsakes from your big day, capturing all the special moments you'll want to relive for years to come. But with so many photography styles out there, how do you choose the one that perfectly aligns with your wedding vision? Whether you're dreaming of romantic, timeless portraits or spontaneous, candid shots, understanding the different photography styles is key to finding the right photographer for your special day.
Popular Wedding Photography Styles
1. True to Color
True to color photography focuses on capturing images that reflect the natural colors of the day. This style avoids heavy filters or editing, ensuring your photos look vibrant and timeless. Think clear blue skies, lush green gardens, and skin tones that look authentic. Couples who want their wedding photos to feel fresh and accurate to real life often lean toward this style, which ensures your memories remain as vivid & true as the day itself.
2. Dark & Moody
For couples who want something a little more dramatic, the dark and moody style offers a rich, cinematic look. This style uses shadows, muted colors, and deep contrast to create a romantic, almost ethereal vibe. If you're hosting an evening wedding or want your photos to feel atmospheric, this might be the perfect fit. It's ideal for couples looking to create an emotional, intimate feel.
3. Film
Film photography has made a nostalgic comeback in wedding photography. It offers a soft, organic feel with its grainy texture and beautiful imperfections. Film photos often have a dreamy, timeless quality with a slight vintage touch. Many photographers who shoot in film incorporate light and airy aesthetics, making it perfect for romantic weddings.
4. Traditional
Traditional wedding photography focuses on posed shots and classic compositions. These are the timeless, formal photos of the couple, the wedding party, and family members. If you love the idea of perfectly posed images that will look beautiful in a frame for generations, this might be your go-to style. Traditional photography ensures that you get all the important moments—like the first kiss and cutting the cake—with precision and elegance.
5. Photojournalistic
For couples who prefer a more candid approach, photojournalistic photography captures the natural flow of the day without much posing. This style works best with a couple that has candid energy! If you are rocking an RBF all day... you aren't going to like the way they come out. This style focuses on storytelling, documenting the wedding as it unfolds. Your photographer will blend into the background, capturing real, raw emotions—tears, laughter, and all the in-between moments. It’s perfect for those who want their wedding day to be documented as authentically as possible.
6. Fine Art
Fine art wedding photography is all about creating artistic and visually striking images. Photographers who specialize in this style often use creative compositions, lighting, and editing techniques to produce stunning, gallery-worthy shots. It’s a highly curated style that gives couples an editorial, magazine-like quality to their wedding photos, making each image feel like a masterpiece.
7. Documentary
Documentary photography is similar to photojournalism, but with an even stronger emphasis on storytelling. This style aims to capture every moment as it happens, from the big events to the quiet, unnoticed interactions. It’s perfect for couples who want their entire wedding day, from getting ready to the last dance, documented in a way that feels natural and unscripted.
Now that you know the basics of each style, how do you decide which one is right for you?
Which Wedding Photography Style Suits Your Wedding Vision?
What atmosphere do I want to create?
If you're planning a modern or outdoor wedding, a true to color or documentary style might best capture the natural beauty of your day. For evening or indoor weddings, a dark and moody style could add drama and richness.
Do I prefer posed or candid photos?
Traditional and fine art styles offer more posed and perfectly composed shots, whereas photojournalistic and documentary styles focus on capturing candid, spontaneous moments.
How do I want to feel when I look at my photos in 10 years?
If you want timeless, classic images, that allow you to relive your day in full color; traditional, true to color, or film photography might be for you. If you love a more artistic, edgy, editorial feel; fine art or dark and moody could be the perfect match.
My Photography Style: True to Color, Traditional Romantic, with a Documentary Twist.
At Elaine Michelle Photography, I focus on a blend of true to color and traditional romantic photography, with a spin of documentary style. I believe in capturing the natural beauty of your day—the vibrant colors, the joy on your faces, and the emotion that fills the room—while ensuring you get those timeless, beautifully composed shots that you can cherish forever.
I aim to tell your story through a mix of posed portraits and candid, in-the-moment captures. From the moment you walk down the aisle to the laughter shared with friends and family, I strive to create a visual narrative that is both authentic and stunning.
No matter what your wedding day looks like, I’m here to ensure your memories are beautifully preserved—just as you envisioned.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a style that resonates with you and reflects your wedding’s unique energy.
Remember at the end of the day, you are just there to marry your best friend!
Let's talk!
When choosing the right wedding photography style, remember that the most important thing is that it reflects your love story and the emotions of your special day. If you’d like to discuss how I can capture your wedding in a way that feels true to you, feel free to reach out—I’d love to chat!
