Your wedding photos will live far beyond the big day—on your walls, in your albums, and in your memories. That’s why choosing a photographer whose style you genuinely love is so important.

But what does “style” really mean in wedding photography? Let’s explore the three fundamental photography styles—two popular styles that NO ONE seems to understand and the latest style that has everyone buzzing—so you can choose the one that speaks to you.

1. Photojournalistic Style

Hands-off, fly-on-the-wall coverage.

• Captures real-life moments exactly as they happen.
• Prioritizes authenticity over perfection.

Telltale signs that you're looking at a Photojournalistic Wedding Photographer: Raw emotion, movement, and occasionally “imperfect” compositions that feel like real life.

This is ideal for couples who like to keep it real and don’t want to feel posed or interrupted throughout the day.  If you want your wedding photos to look exactly how it was—the good, the bad and the hilarious—hire a photojournalistic wedding photographer.

2. Documentary Style

A narrative-driven approach that blends candid storytelling with artistic framing.

• Often includes a mix of real, unscripted moments and lightly posed portraits.
• May lean more emotional or artistic depending on the photographer.

Telltale signs that you're looking at a Documentary Wedding Photographer: Their portfolio features a variety of real emotional moments, artistic portraits and an overarching “story” in their photos.

This is ideal for couples who want their day captured naturally but don't mind spending some time creating some intentionally artistic photos.  If you want your wedding photos to tell a story and you don't mind a little embellishment, hire a documentary wedding photographer.

3. Editorial Style

Highly curated and stylized—think fashion shoot meets wedding.

• Often features polished posing, attention to detail, and controlled lighting.
• Luxurious, dramatic, or fashion-forward portraits where no detail is out of place

Telltale signs that you're looking at an Editorial Wedding Photographer: Photos feel carefully crafted, perfectly lit, clean compositions, and images that look like they belong in a magazine.

This is ideal for couples who want their day captured in only the best light.  If you are less concerned with the story of your wedding and you'd rather have photos where everything looks perfect, hire an editorial wedding photographer.

4. Light & Airy 

This popular aesthetic might be the most well-known style of wedding photography but it's less of a photography style than it is a style of editing.

• Pastel tones, soft whites, and a timely, romantic feel that harkens back to 35mm film
• Pairs well with outdoor summer weddings, natural light, and garden venues

Light & Airy is used often to describe wedding photography that borrows from a traditional studio lighting technique called High-Key Lighting.  The simplest way to explain high-key lighting is to imagine a portrait where the background is brighter than the person. In the contrast between light and shadow, the shadow defines the subject.

5. Dark & Moody

A contrast-heavy look with deep shadows, muted tones, and cinematic atmosphere.

• Often found in documentary or cinematic portfolios
• Works beautifully in forests, barns, city streets, and low-light venues

Dark & Moody is the opposite of Light & Airy, borrowing it's look from a traditional studio lighting technique called Low-Key Lighting.  The simplest way to explain low-key lighting is to imagine a portrait where the background is dark and the person is brighter. In the contrast between light and shadow, the light defines the subject.

*Sorry to get so technical, but I'm a photographer and I love light :)