When you start researching wedding photographers, you’ll come across a lot of photography terms and wedding photography styles.
Editorial. Candid. Documentary. Photojournalistic. Fine art.
And if you’re like most couples, you’re thinking: What do these wedding photography styles actually mean?
You probably don’t care about the terminology. What you do care about is finding someone who can capture your day (with all of the connections and emotions that come with it) beautifully and honestly.
Someone whose photos make you say, “That’s us.”
Below, I’ll break down the main approaches to wedding photography styles and what they all mean, so that you’ll know exactly what to look for in a wedding photographer.
The Main Wedding Photography Styles
Documentary (or Photojournalistic)
Documentary wedding photography prioritizes real moments over manufactured ones. The goal is honest storytelling: capturing what’s happening in front of the camera without staging elaborate scenes. A documentary-style photographer (like myself) might refer to themselves as a “fly on the wall.”
Editorial (or Fine Art)
Think Vogue. Think magazine spreads.
Editorial photography is highly styled, with dramatic lighting, creative compositions, and an emphasis on aesthetics. The photos are gorgeous, but they’re also more posed and art-directed.
If you love a fashion wedding photography style and want images that look like they belong in a glossy magazine, this might be your vibe. Just know that it requires more time for setup and styling, and the feel tends to be more curated than candid.
Traditional (or Classic)
This is the style your parents probably had at their wedding. Lots of posed group shots. Formal portraits. Everyone looking at the camera at the same time.
There’s nothing wrong with traditional photography. It serves a purpose, especially for family portraits. But if you’re craving something that feels less stiff and more you, it’s probably not what you’re after.
A Blend of wedding photography styles
If you’re having a hard time deciding, the good news is that most photographers don’t fit neatly into one category.
The best approach? A blend. Documentary coverage throughout the day, with a little time carved out for intentional portraits that still feel natural and relaxed.
That’s how you get a full story — the candid moments and the beautiful portraits — without sacrificing authenticity.
Why Documentary Feels Most Like You
When couples tell me they want photos that feel like them, what they’re really saying is: We don’t want to perform for the camera.
They want to be relaxed on their wedding day. They want to be present with their loved ones. And they definitely don’t want to spend hours at a time posing.
That’s exactly what documentary-style photography is designed for.
You’re not asked to recreate moments or hold awkward poses. The photographer is there to witness and document what’s already happening. The most skilled photographers will even be able to anticipate the snap-worthy moments.
How to Get Wedding Photos That Actually Feel Like You
Even with the right photographer and approach, there are a few things you can do to make sure your photos feel authentic:
1. Build Space Into Your Timeline
This is the single most important thing you can do.
If your timeline is packed back-to-back with no breathing room, you’ll feel rushed. And when you feel rushed, it shows in the photos.
Instead, build in pockets of time where nothing is scheduled. Time to just be together. Time to take in the moment. Time for those spontaneous interactions that make the best photos.
2. Let Your Photographer Guide You Subtly
You might have heard the term “invisible direction” before. The idea is simple: your photographer gives you just enough guidance to put you in the right light and setting, but not so much that you feel stiff or overly posed.
Think of it as creating the environment for a moment to happen, rather than orchestrating the moment itself.
For example, instead of “Stand here, hold hands, look at each other, now smile,” it’s more like, “Walk toward me slowly and just talk to each other.”
The result? Photos that feel natural because they are natural.
3. Tell Your Photographer What Matters Most
Every couple has moments (or people) at the top of their list.
Maybe it’s first look photos with your little sisters. Maybe it’s dancefloor moments with your grandparents.
Whatever matters most to you, let your photographer know. That way, they can make sure those moments get the time and attention they deserve and nothing gets missed.
Not sure where to start? I created a free guide to help couples identify what matters most to their story. Download The Meaningful Moments Checklist here.
4. Be Yourself
This one sounds obvious, but it’s worth saying.
Wear what feels like you. Do what feels like you. Choose a venue that feels right.
The more you show up as yourselves, the more your photos will feel like you.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, wedding photography styles matters less than the connection you have with your photographer.
Do they listen? Do they understand what you’re looking for? Do they make you feel comfortable?
Because when you trust your photographer — and when they understand how to create space for real moments to take place — you get photos that don’t just look beautiful. You get photos that feel like the day you actually lived.
If you’re planning a Northern Michigan wedding and looking for someone who prioritizes authenticity over perfection, I’d love to hear about your day.