When choosing between wedding photography styles, it’s important to consider what you want your photos to reflect. Do you prefer a more traditional approach, or are you looking for something modern and unique? The photography style should reflect your personality, the theme of your wedding, and the emotions you want to capture.

One such unique approach is the aerial wedding photography style, which provides unique perspectives on wedding events by using elevated positions within the venue or employing drone technology, especially for outdoor settings.

Capturing the love and magic of your wedding day is what every couple wants, and when it comes to wedding photography, there are no do-overs.

This is why choosing the style of photography that …

Reflects your personality
Showcases your chosen venues for the day; and
Highlights the moments you want to remember the most

… is so important.

In this guide, we detail the 10 most common wedding photo styles, making it easy for you to select a photographer that specializes in your chosen style.

What Does Wedding Photography “Style” Mean?

Choosing your “wedding photography style” simply means selecting the type of photos that stand out to you.

At Julian Ribinik Wedding Photography, we do not rely on any one style of photography. Rather, we have our own signature which we have developed over our years of wedding photography experience. Our photos are uniquely tailored to fit our client’s taste, the venue, and style of wedding.

How do you want to remember your wedding day? When all is said and done, your wedding photos are the looking glass that allows you to relive the best moments of your ceremony, reception, and everything in between.

Whether you prefer …

Traditional poses
Artistic touches
Contemporary
Dark and moody; or
Light and airy

… there is a wedding photo style to match. Before hiring your wedding photographer, it’s important to learn some of the basic principles of each style, so you know what to expect.

We also recommend that you ask potential photographers to provide you with a sample gallery and check out their online reviews before committing.

10 Common Wedding Photo Styles

#1: TRADITIONAL/CLASSIC

A traditional wedding photography style, while the most common in the past, is not as attractive to many couples today.

These photos can be timeless, don’t get us wrong, but the formality is less fitting of modern times.

So, what can you expect from traditional wedding photography style? Picture images that are deliberate and posed and focus on what some might see as the notable moments of a wedding day, from the walk down the aisle to the cutting of the cake.

However, what traditional photographers tend to miss are the candid moments. Those stolen kisses and glances, or the inside jokes shared among the wedding party — to us, these are the photos that really stand the test of time and tell the story of the day.

Not only that, but traditional wedding photography can also cause an interruption to your day as the photographer “sets the scene” with every wedding event. This can often mean a lot of shuffling people around to get that perfect family portrait type shot — but your wedding day isn’t a movie set, and the photographer doesn’t have to be the director.

Choosing a traditional wedding photo style may work well for couples who want just a few quintessential wedding photos.

#2: LIGHT AND AIRY

Often referred to as “SoCal style,” light and airy photography just screams for …

Bright sunlight
Subdued colors; and
Blown-out skies

… giving the images a softer, romantic feel. But, this whimsical style involves the right location or a lot of editing.

Couples living in the gray areas of the county, like the East Coast or Washington State, for example, may have a difficult time replicating this style.

Whereas, couples marrying in California often choose this wedding photo style because it’s natural-looking and easy to achieve in that area — hence being referred to as SoCal style.

#3: FINE ART

When considering a fine art wedding photo style, imagine the magazine photos as seen in the top wedding publications.

The style is very fashion-forward, meaning that the photographer will do their best to use the background, lighting, and any other elements to create a visual masterpiece.

Fine art photography is associated with a light, bright, and airy aesthetic, often linked to film photography.

Fine art wedding photography is often focused on composition and the subject of the photos, having more of an editorial feel than any other style.

Striking black and white photography along with vibrant, airy images are popular within this style of photography. The fine art style is very well suited to couples who opt for a chic and trendy style — you know, those weddings that embody a certain “je ne sais quoi.”

#4: PHOTOJOURNALISTIC

For couples looking to capture the most candid and natural moments of their day, the photojournalistic wedding photo style (also known as natural, reportage, or documentary) is a perfect match.

Never forced, never contrived, photojournalists blend into the background of the events and shoot the unposed and natural moments that occur throughout the day.

That doesn’t mean that your “moments-focused” photographer won’t set up a few of those must-have wedding poses if you ask them to. But, the idea is to steer clear of the traditional style.

Some photojournalistic photographers don’t veer too far from their style, so be sure to ask if some posed photos will be taken if that’s something you desire.

#5: DARK AND MOODY

Dark, shadowy, and moody photography is popping up more and more in wedding publications — and for good reason.

The style is not only dramatic in its lines and effects, but it has a certain edginess that many couples are attracted to.

Using natural darkness and lighting — or lack thereof — to invoke certain emotions, dark and moody photography demands attention and generates mystery and intrigue when done properly.

This mystical and romantic style is perfect for New York City wedding venues, where low light, history, and urbanity come to play. New Yorkers are already edgy and moody, and are well-acquainted with dark days and even darker venues.

As you might expect, this particular style is common with NYC wedding photographers.

While many of our photos incorporate elements of this dark and moody style, Julian Ribinik photos incorporate an elegant combination of all styles in order to capture the essence of New York City weddings

#6: LIFESTYLE

Lifestyle wedding photography is basically a marriage between photojournalistic and traditional.

Picture photos that appear candid, but on the other end of the lens is a photographer giving some direction and ultimately setting the scene.

If you love the spontaneity and relaxed look of candid photography, but don’t feel comfortable going into the day without direction, then lifestyle photography could be the perfect fit for your wedding day.

#7: EDITORIAL

Editorial wedding photography is a modern, artistic approach that emphasizes storytelling through dramatic visuals and high-fashion aesthetics, making the photos look like they’re straight out of a magazine shoot.

However, this style is more focused on the subject of the photos, rather than the elements surrounding the subject.

They can be black and white, moody, or even candid (if the perfect moment arises), but mostly they are posed and intended to draw the eye to the people within the photo.

This style is perfect for couples who opt for simple backdrops without a lot of detail, or those who prefer to be the center of attention in their wedding photos.

#8: LANDSCAPE

Landscape wedding photography is intentional. The entire purpose is to highlight the incredible or scenic backdrops of the wedding location or the wedding photography location.

Picture this:

Sprawling beaches
Grandiose structures
Endless sunsets
Ancient churches or ruins
And more

Landscape photography is captivating and works very well for couples whose location demands just as much attention as they do.

#9: BLACK AND WHITE

Black and white photography instantly sparks nostalgia in a lot of people. The vintage style is eye-catching and can be used to capture the emotion in a photograph. Vintage style wedding photography goes beyond traditional sepia and black-and-white images, and should align with the overall vintage wedding theme.

While black and white photography is usually a style of editing offered by photographers, there are some photographers who use black and white cameras. Be sure to ask the photographer if you want a mix of both color and black and white.

Almost every photographer will offer some of your wedding photos in this style, but if you have a favorite that you’d like to see in black and white, don’t hesitate to ask!

#10: DRONE/AERIAL

Lately, drones have become a mainstream addition to many styles of photography. The aerial wedding photography style provides unique perspectives on wedding events using elevated positions or drone technology. Aerial photography can add a dramatic addition to your wedding day shots, but not all photographers offer this service, so be sure to ask.

Drone wedding photos are perfect for couples who want to capture their exit from the ceremony or shots of an outdoor reception. Aerial photography is quite a bit more difficult to achieve indoors, which means some photographers won’t offer it.

Aerials are also perfect for couples who choose a photoshoot location, such as:

Open fields
Beaches
Gardens
Old buildings and churches
Ruins
Wineries
And more

Wedding Photo Editing Styles

Editing is a crucial step in perfecting the photos of your wedding day. Every photographer will have a particular style that they lean toward, so it’s important for you to understand a little bit about each of these styles before choosing your photographer.

Here are a few editing styles that your photographer may use:

Natural and light – these images are clean and the intention of the style is to give an uplifting and airy feel to the photos. This usually requires a lot of light, with natural light being the best option.
Dark and moody – using dark shades, the effect is cinematic and somewhat dramatic. The right photographer can achieve this look without too much editing, giving the photos a timeless and natural feel while maintaining the mystery and intrigue.
HDR image editing – this style is great for landscape photography. The high levels of saturation and contrast make this style perfect for adding a pop of vibrant colors within the photograph, like a bridal bouquet, for example.
Vintage style – this style utilizes warming filters to give the photos a vintage feel, making them appear as though they were taken at sunset, regardless of what time of day it is.
Matte finish – this editing style places a hazy filter over the images, which can give them a romantic feel. But too much, and the image may appear dull or unclear.
Desaturation of elements – this style is used to dull out colors, usually of bushes or trees, to lessen the contrast.

At Julian Ribinik Wedding Photography, our editing style is unique and elegant. We edit every single image by hand (without applying templates or presets) in order to capture the magical essence of your wedding day. We incorporate techniques from many editing disciplines – this allows our images to be timeless, classy, and not restricted to fit any one particular style.

Candid Photography: Capturing Spontaneity and Emotion

Candid photography is all about capturing genuine, spontaneous moments as they happen. This wedding photography style is perfect for couples who want their wedding photos to feel real and unscripted. Imagine the joy of seeing your partner’s unguarded smile or the tear in your parent’s eye as they watch you say your vows. Candid photography excels at anticipating these moments before they unfold, ensuring that the raw emotions of your wedding day are preserved forever.

One of the standout features of candid wedding photography is its ability to work beautifully with black-and-white photography. Stripping away the distractions of color, black-and-white candid photos focus purely on the emotion and connection between people. This timeless approach ensures that your wedding photos never go out of style, capturing the truth and beauty of your special day in its most authentic form.

Film Photography: A Vintage Touch to Your Wedding Album

Film photography brings a unique and artistic touch to your wedding day. Unlike digital photography, film captures images with a more authentic and less touched-up look, giving your wedding photos a special and intentional feel. This vintage style is perfect for couples who appreciate the charm and character that film photography offers.

Film photographers often work closely with couples to create a cohesive and artistic vision for their wedding album. The result is a collection of photos that not only document the day but also tell a story with a nostalgic and timeless quality. This style is frequently featured in wedding magazines and publications, showcasing its enduring appeal. If you’re looking for a wedding photography style that stands out and adds a touch of vintage elegance to your memories, film photography is an excellent choice.

Wedding Photography Techniques

Mastering wedding photography techniques is essential for capturing the perfect shot on your special day. Wedding photographers use a variety of techniques to create stunning images that you’ll cherish forever. One of the most important aspects is lighting; whether it’s natural light or carefully arranged artificial lighting, the right illumination can make all the difference.

Composition is another key element. Photographers experiment with angles, framing, and perspectives to add depth and interest to your wedding photos. Props and backdrops can also be incorporated to enhance the visual appeal and tell a more complete story. After the shoot, editing software is used to fine-tune the images, ensuring a cohesive and polished look.

Understanding these wedding photography techniques can help you appreciate the artistry and skill that go into capturing your wedding day. It also allows you to communicate your preferences more effectively with your wedding photographer, ensuring that the final photos align with your vision.

Choosing the Right Wedding Photography Style

Choosing the right wedding photography style is a crucial decision that will shape how you remember your wedding day. With so many different wedding photography styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice.

Consider Your Personality and Preferences

When selecting a wedding photography style, start by considering your personality and preferences. Do you envision a classic and elegant look, or are you drawn to a more modern and edgy approach? Think about your wedding theme, venue, and overall aesthetic. For instance, fine art wedding photography is ideal for couples who value artistic expression and creativity. This style focuses on composition and often has an editorial feel, making your photos look like they belong in a high-end magazine.

On the other hand, documentary style wedding photography is perfect for couples who want authenticity and raw emotion captured in their photos. This style is all about telling the story of your day as it naturally unfolds, without too much interference from the photographer. If you prefer a reliable and timeless approach, traditional wedding photography might be the right fit. This style focuses on classic poses and key moments, ensuring that you have all the quintessential shots from your wedding day.

By considering your personality, preferences, and the overall vibe of your wedding, you can choose the right wedding photography style that will beautifully capture the essence of your special day.

Finding Your Wedding Photo Style With Julian Ribinik Weddings

Julian Ribinik is a New York City wedding photographer who specializes in capturing the magic and mood of both the city and the couples who marry here.

We don’t believe in stuffy or posed photography but aren’t entirely candid either.

Our goal, using concepts from all disciplines of photography, is to give our clients wedding photos that perfectly capture the uniqueness of NYC as well as the essence and personality of the couple.

If you’re interested in learning more about our wedding photo styles, give us a call, and we’ll happily discuss your photography desires.

10 Common Wedding Photography Styles For You To Choose From

November 11, 2021

Table of Contents