One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when choosing your wedding photographer (besides, of course, actually picking them) is deciding what style of photography feels right for your day. You’ve probably seen terms like traditional, editorial, and documentary wedding photography thrown around, but what do they actually mean? And more importantly—which one is best for you?
As a wedding photographer, I know how overwhelming this can feel. Photography isn’t just about how the photos look—it’s about how they feel and how they tell your story. So let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense (no confusing industry language, I promise).
Traditional Wedding Photography: The Classic Approach
What it is:
Traditional wedding photography is what most people picture when they think of wedding photos—posed portraits, carefully arranged group shots, and a structured approach. It’s all about making sure every key moment is captured, from the first kiss to the cake cutting.
What it looks like
Posed family photos with everyone smiling at the camera
The couple looking directly at the lens in classic, timeless poses
A predictable but polished approach to capturing the day
Best for couples who
Want a timeless, structured collection of wedding photos
Love formal portraits and well-framed, traditional shots
Prefer clear direction from their photographer
My thoughts
Traditional wedding photography is great for capturing those must-have moments (family portraits, ceremony shots, etc.), but it can sometimes feel a little stiff if it’s the only approach used. That’s why many photographers blend it with other styles!
Editorial Wedding Photography: The Fashion-Inspired Look
What it is
Editorial wedding photography is all about creating art. Inspired by high-fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, this style focuses on composition, light, and movement to create striking, cinematic images. The poses are intentional, the angles are dramatic, and the overall feel is elegant, luxurious, and refined.
What it looks like
Vogue-style portraits with a fine art touch
Clean lines, dramatic lighting, and elegant composition
Carefully posed but effortlessly stylish images
Movement-based shots that feel sophisticated and polished
Best for couples who
Love high-fashion, cinematic photography
Want their wedding photos to feel like an editorial spread
Enjoy creative direction and are comfortable with posing
My thoughts
Editorial photography is stunning for capturing the grandeur and beauty of a wedding day, but it works best when balanced with candid moments. Some of my favorite photos are the ones where the couple looks like they’ve stepped straight out of a fashion editorial, yet the emotion still feels raw and real.
Documentary Wedding Photography: The Storytelling Approach
What it is
Documentary (or photojournalistic) wedding photography is all about capturing the day as it unfolds—no forced poses, no interruptions, just real, authentic moments. The goal is to tell the full story of the wedding day through candid, emotional, in-the-moment shots.
What it looks like
Unscripted, emotional moments (happy tears, stolen glances, laughter)
Black-and-white storytelling images that capture the mood
Unposed, natural interactions between the couple and guests
Movement, real expressions, and raw emotion
Best for couples who:
Want their wedding day captured exactly as it happens
Love storytelling and emotion-driven imagery
Prefer to be in the moment rather than focusing on the camera
My thoughts
I absolutely love incorporating a documentary approach into wedding photography because it’s what makes your gallery feel personal, nostalgic, and real. The unposed, in-between moments often end up being the most meaningful.
final thoughts
Which Wedding Photography Style is Right for You?
Here’s the secret: you don’t have to choose just one. The best wedding photography usually includes a mix of all three styles:
Traditional for the must-have portraits (because trust me, you’ll want a beautiful photo with your grandparents).
Editorial for the magazine-worthy, cinematic moments (because you deserve to feel like an icon on your wedding day).
Documentary for the raw, unfiltered emotions (because these are the moments you’ll relive forever).
As a wedding photographer, my approach blends all three styles seamlessly so that your wedding gallery has the perfect balance of elegance, authenticity, and timeless beauty.
📍 Now booking 2025 weddings & elopements—let’s create something beautiful together.