Wedding Photography Styles
There are many different styles and approaches to wedding photography. The term "style" typically refers to the combination of how a wedding photographer creates an image, known as the wedding approach, and edits it in post-production. Many wedding photography styles are more a matter of how the image is edited during post-production; however, some styles are also dictated by the approach a wedding photographer takes while capturing an image.
Although there are many wedding photography styles and photographers that offer them, we choose to provide our couples with a perfect mix of cinematic and candid (photojournalistic) as well as more formal photographs of family & friends as well as details & attire. This way our couples can enjoy not only some creative photographs of themselves but also naturally candid images that tell the story of the wedding day.
Common Wedding Photography Styles
Photojournalistic
Photojournalistic also known as documentary, candid, and storytelling, is an approach that emphasizes candid moments as they naturally unfold. This wedding photography style originated from news photojournalism and can be traced back to the 1930s. This style of wedding photography is ideal for couples who desire truly authentic wedding photographs that have no guidance or direction from the photographer.
Fine Art
The Fine Art style of wedding photography incorporates more creative and artistic elements into the final images. Many wedding photographers who utilize film for their work fit into this category. Some notable highlights of this style include a filmic or pastel look, attention to color palettes, and complimentary colors.
Cinematic
The Cinematic style is relatively modern when it comes to wedding photography styles. This unique style incorporates stunning views, dramatic lighting as well as exceptional use of highlights and shadows, giving images photographed in this style, a "Hollywood" or "Cinematic" look. Some notable highlights of this style include the use of off-camera lighting, stylizing of the couple, and additional post-production if needed. As this wedding photography style requires advanced lighting skills and understanding, many wedding photographers simply are not able to provide this style.
Editorial
The Editorial wedding photography style takes inspiration from the spreads of bridal and fashion magazines. Couples interested in this style should expect to be superbly stylized and guided.
Lifestyle
The Lifestyle wedding photography style, although similar to photojournalistic, is ideal for couples that desire truly raw and authentic wedding images, including imperfections. Whereas wedding photojournalism aims to document moments authentically, while also striving for well-composed and sharp images, Lifestyle wedding photography simply aims to capture moments in the rawest of forms, meaningful but slightly blurry or tilted images are welcome.
Dark & Moody
Dark & Moody is more of an editing style than an approach to the photography itself. This style is known for being on the darker and more contrasty side featuring deep blacks and shadows. A potential downside to this style is when overdone, can result in muddy skin tones, lack of detail on the groom's suit, and more.
Bright & Airy
Bright & Airy, also more of an editing style than an approach, is Dark & Moody's direct opposite. This style is known for being on the brighter side and features brighter whites as well as lighter blacks. A potential downside to this style is when overdone, can result in a lack of detail in the bride's dress, blown-out detail in the sky, noisy images, and more.
Our Wedding Photography Styles
Throughout your wedding day, we will primarily alternate through four styles/approaches when appropriate. Below, you can find an explanation of these.
Cinematic
Our cinematic wedding photography style features bold and dramatic lighting, epic sunsets, and stunning landscapes. Although we only utilize this approach for a few small portions of your wedding day, these will be some of your favorite photographs. Creating cinematic wedding photography requires extensive off-camera lighting skills. The truth is that many wedding photographers lack the skills required to photograph in this style. When you choose us as your wedding photographers, you will be able to enjoy creative images such as these!
Candid Moments
Candid and storytelling photography is the approach we will use for the majority of your wedding day. This style is also known as photojournalistic and documentary.
Family & Friends
Formal portraits of family, relatives, and friends typically occur before or after your wedding ceremony. These portraits are more posed in nature, but they are also important as it is usually the only time the entire family will be together.
Details & Attire
For various portions of your wedding day, we will take the time to photograph your wedding details & attire. Many times, couples bring along items that are sentimental or have historical significance to them or their family
