The Complete Guide to Wedding Photography Styles

Traditional

Classic and traditional photography is similar to what many couples’ parents have from their weddings. These straightforward photographs may not be highly creative—they’re typically shot at eye level and posed—but they stand the test of time. Most photographers incorporate at least some traditional photography into their mix, particularly for family portraits after the ceremony.

“These photos will persevere throughout the years and won’t go out of style,” Kershner says. “It’s very simplistic, and nothing crazy, but they still look good 50 to 60 years later.”

Photojournalistic

Candid and documentary-style photographs make for some of the most heartfelt and memorable images, which is why many photographers have adopted a photojournalistic style. These photographers treat the wedding day almost like a feature or news story. They let the moments unfold naturally, then snap away, recording the magic as it happens.

Kershner, who uses this style intermittently throughout the day, compares this to being a fly on the wall. “At the beginning of the day, I’m more classic and natural with light direction; I’m helping the couple because they’re nervous and I want them to feel comfortable,” she says. “As soon as the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception hit, I’m just capturing things as they unfold.”

Editorial

On the opposite end of the spectrum, editorial images are much more posed, almost like a fashion magazine. This style is rarer in the wedding photography industry, but Kershner says many photographers have perfected this style. They’ve grown their businesses by specializing in it.

“In most cases, the couple goes into wedding planning knowing they want this,” she says. “They have a different expectation for their wedding photography. They want it to be like a photoshoot with a high-end, luxury feel.”

Dark and Moody

Not surprisingly, dark-and-moody photographs are just like they sound: dark, moody, and dramatic. In this style, the photographer is looking to photograph the couple with shadows or harsh lines that create unusual and creative patterns or lighting. “This style includes dark editing and dark shooting,” Kershner says. “Over the last few years, many couples have gravitated toward this. It’s what many magazines are showing.”

Aerial

You probably wouldn’t want your entire wedding day captured through aerial photography, but drone photographs are a great add-on that more and more photographers now offer. Aerial photography works well for photo sessions, ceremony exits, and if it’s outside, a reception.

Fine Art

Fine-art photography is most commonly associated with film, Kershner says, but it’s become more of a hybrid these days—particularly as it grows in popularity. This style is known for being light, bright, and airy.

“It’s a softer, delicate, and cleaner look than straight digital,” she says. “Fine art goes with the bright and airy style, which is what’s typically achieved when shooting on film. Photographers either shoot film or are film inspired because they want to achieve that look.”

Black and White

Black-and-white wedding images are more about editing than photography style, although some photographers do use solely black-and-white cameras. Kershner says nearly all wedding photographers, like her, offer at least several images in black and white.

“As the photographer, I can tell some images will speak louder or softer in black and white, so it really comes down to feeling and emotion,” she says. “It’s at the photographer’s discretion. I know some photographers who offer one color and one black-and-white version of every image. I try to think more about what would deliver more emotion in black and white.”

Landscape

Landscape photography is an established and popular photo style outside the wedding industry, but it’s become a popular add-on for photographers shooting weddings in highly scenic destinations, such as the mountains or the beach. In this case, the photographer works with the couple ahead of time to scout out the area. The landscape wedding photographer then captures an adventurous scene with the couple as part of the landscape image for scale and epic beauty.

“You don’t get a lot of photographs in this style because, in most cases, it’s only part of the day,” Kershner says. “But you’ll get amazing, sweeping views of the landscape, but know these sometimes require a trek to get there.”