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In the past, when partners inquired about wedding photography, they were often asked if they had a preferred style, although many admitted to being unfamiliar with the different categories. As you plan your wedding, choosing a photographer is one of the most exciting and meaningful decisions you’ll make. It is an opportunity to find someone who can beautifully capture the joy and memorable moments of your big day.
Since your wedding photos will become treasured memories, it is beneficial to have a better understanding of various photography styles and key factors when selecting a photographer. Many capable photographers exist, but not all are a perfect fit for your wedding. Each one has a distinct technique and speciality, with some being stronger in particular aspects than others. In this blog, we will outline the different styles of wedding photography you should be familiar with and select the best one that perfectly suits your love story.
A traditional wedding photographer is similar to your long-standing, dependable companion; you can always rely on them. This style has been enchanting fairy tales for ages, thanks to its enduring beauty and grace. When you consider traditional wedding photos, you can imagine classic, iconic images of the couple, the bride’s party, and the loved ones who come to mind.
The aim is to capture these formal events magnificently and preserve each detail for the future. Such photos often highlight the elegance of the ceremony, the joy of the celebration, and the love shared between the couple and their guests. And you do not have to overlook the classic charm of black and white photos, which bring a sense of sentimentality and elegance to wedding albums. These timeless images become cherished keepsakes, telling the story of the special day for generations to come.
Step into the realm of fine art wedding photography, where each photoshoot is a masterpiece in its unique way. Focusing primarily on originality and artistry, this type of wedding photography incorporates soft, diffused lighting, creative arrangements, and nostalgic visuals that evoke a painterly quality, becoming the focal point. You can imagine it as an ideal blend of photography and fine art, where every shoot is carefully designed to mix feelings and showcase beauty. More than just documenting your special day, fine art wedding photography creates captivating moments into timeless art pieces that you will adore for a long time. This adds an additional layer of magic to your celebrations, transforming fleeting moments into unforgettable recollections.
If you lean towards a relaxed, genuine style, this type of wedding photography could be perfect for you. All photographers should be skilled at capturing critical moments, and those who recognise themselves as documentary photographers specialise in this. There are no staged or posed moments—only genuine, candid moments captured on camera naturally as they occur. Their portfolios showcase a diverse range of scenes, including big smiles, emotional tears, and lively moments on the dance floor.
The approach that documentary photographers apply emphasises authenticity and storytelling, helping you relive the day through authentic images. While many photographers focus primarily on documentary work, they can also take portraits and posed shots if requested. This style offers a visual narrative of your day and captures the genuine feelings and memories that you will cherish forever. Whether you prefer subtle or lively photos, this method makes sure your wedding story is beautifully preserved.
Editorial wedding photography is inspired by fashion and editorial layouts. This style highlights trendy, stylised photos that present the partners in a glossy and charming manner, similar to a magazine photoshoot featuring supermodels. Especially well-suited for inclusion in magazine and blog pages, this photoshoot showcases your wedding appearance and the complex planning behind your special day. This contains every detail shot, such as the floral arrangements, cake, nosegays, and full reception scenes. The photographer takes on a directorial role to provide guidance and feedback to help the couple achieve their best cinematic appearance. Couples should be prepared to follow the photographer’s instructions closely, responding quickly to maintain the flow and style of the shoot. This collaborative effort ensures striking, magazine-worthy images that truly capture the essence of the special day.
As one of the most preferred genres of photography nowadays, contemporary wedding photography is the one where contemporary styles blend with traditional elements, merging modernity with tradition. This approach focuses on breaking traditional norms, using striking compositions and creative methods to portray your love story in a novel and distinctive manner.
By exploring odd perspectives, manipulating light and shade, or integrating the latest trends, this wedding photography style provides limitless opportunities for originality and personal expression. The aim is to capture your unique story in a manner that feels contemporary and authentic, showcasing your personalities and styles as a couple.
Black-and-white wedding photography is a classic and artistic way to capture one of the most momentous days in a couple’s life. It adds elegance, sophistication, and emotional depth to photos, highlighting the mood and raw feeling captured in each shot. This style frequently emphasises contrasts, shades, and textures, resulting in eye-catching images that remain memorable over time. It is a favoured option for life partners who value the plainness and eternity of black-and-white pictures, as it often evokes a sense of nostalgia and classic beauty. Most skilled photographers can easily give you black-and-white versions of your digital photos by converting colour images during post-production. However, it’s important to discuss your preferences beforehand so your photographer understands that you want black-and-white pictures included.
Now, you will see a style that is truly unique and stands out from the lighter, more luminous designs. This mainly demonstrates the approach of an eclectic wedding photographer. The dark and moody appearance is technically known as low-key lighting, where the background stays quite dark and only a small amount of light is used to focus on the subject. However, ‘moody’ might not fully capture the feel—these images often evoke romance, ambience, and grace. You can take an example of the emotional depth created by Italian painter Caravaggio through his chiaroscuro technique; this dark, romantic style could serve as inspiration. This style isn’t just dark; it’s about mixing shadows and light to create a close, personal scene. It demands keen attention to detail and a harmonious balance of exposure to preserve the mood. Such images often echo profoundly, capturing stories filled with emotion and artistic expression.
This style of photography has become very popular recently, as more people are embracing their love for the outdoors and nature. It is particularly favoured for capturing small weddings that focus on genuine moments and personal connections. The photos taken in this style frequently highlight beautiful, natural settings that add a unique appeal to the wedding album. Social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, have played a significant role in promoting their popularity, as users share these attractive photos with their followers.
For adventurous couples, outdoor enthusiasts, or travel enthusiasts, this style ideally complements their personalities and lifestyles. It captures the core of a couple’s love story amid stunning backdrops such as mountains, forests, or beaches. Many photographers now specialise in this type of wedding photography to cater to the demand. If you plan an outdoor or destination wedding, this photography style is worth considering, combining artistry, adventure, and authenticity that truly tells a story.
Vintage photographers employ a diverse set of methods to craft photos that authentically evoke the appearance of the past, frequently characterised by a nostalgic or historical aesthetic. They often include elements like vintage fashion, antique motors, classic clothing, and ancient props to create a nostalgic elegance, transporting viewers to bygone eras. These details help create a sense of authenticity and timelessness in their images.
There are primarily two methods for attaining a vintage look. One involves post-production editing, where photographers use various filters, colour grading, and digital techniques to give images an aged appearance. The other method occurs during the actual photography process, where the photographer thoughtfully selects angles, lighting, and camera moves. By trying different compositions and viewpoints, they can capture images that exude nostalgia and charm. Combining both approaches together enables better flexibility and creativity.
Film photography can be challenging; lenses may lack sharpness, focus is not always accurate, and images can be grainy. Nevertheless, film photos have a deeply authentic quality. Photographers capture details and textures that give a timeless quality, often highlighted by their imperfections.
Since not all photographers are comfortable with this intricate style and worry about capturing the perfect shots, couples should look for photographers with experience. These professionals employ either film cameras or digital methods to mimic the film aesthetic. The nostalgic appeal of film, combined with the hands-on process of capturing and developing images, provides an authentic experience even in our digital era.
Be careful of photographers who say their wedding photos have a “film look” or use the term “film-style”. While digital images can look like film, they are not the same. For genuine film photos, choose a photographer who works with real film. When couples ask me to use film at their wedding, it’s always a fun experience. It results in beautiful, authentic pictures that can’t be exactly duplicated digitally.
To choose the right wedding photography style, you need to consider the following:
Explore Online Platforms: Browse through social media platforms and save images that speak to you. Include your preferred patterns, such as classic posed photographs, candid photos, or specific editing styles like light and airy or dark and moody.
Consider your Wedding: Consider the overall vibe and theme of your wedding. A vintage theme may demand a different style compared to a contemporary, minimalist one.
Analyse Your Saved Photos: Once you have gathered a variety of images, take some time to look through them and see which style resonates with you the most.
Traditional (Classic): Highlights include posed, formal shots, such as family portraits and group pictures.
Photojournalistic (Documentary): Focuses on candid, unposed moments, capturing events naturally as they happen.
Fine Art: An artistic style emphasising composition, lighting, and creative angles.
Editorial: Seeks high-end, magazine-quality images with a dramatic, fashion-inspired vibe.
Dark & Moody: Uses a darker colour scheme and dramatic lighting effects.
Light & Airy: Features bright, soft, and airy visuals.
Film Photography: Employs film cameras to produce a distinctive, timeless look.
Browse Portfolios: View photographers’ websites and portfolios to see if their style matches your preferences.
Schedule Consultations: Reach out to your top choices to arrange calls or meetings to discuss your vision, ask questions, and see if they’re suitable.
Pay Attention to Personality: Think about the photographer’s personality and how well you connect with them, as they’ll be part of your special day.
Discuss your Vision: Communicate your expectations and what you want to be captured on your wedding day.
Following these steps will help you determine your suitable wedding photography style and find a photographer capable of capturing your special day in a way that mirrors your style and concept.
At RichCom Studios, we are dedicated to capturing the magic of your special day with an exquisite array of wedding photography styles. No matter whether you envision the enduring elegance of classic photography, the artistic flair of fine art, or the natural feeling of documentary storytelling, we bring your unique love story to life with passion and artistry.
Reach out to RichCom Studios at 07769715850 or info@richcomstudios.comto book your appointment. We cannot wait to capture every special moment of your wedding day beautifully.
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