When it comes to choosing your wedding photographer it can feel overwhelming with so many different, very talented photographers available. How do you choose, how do you know what the different styles mean and what style is right for you and your special day? I hope this article de-mystifies some of that for you and helps you make an informed decision about the absolute best fit for you, your partner and the vision you have for your special day.

Trends in the wedding industry are constantly evolving, including wedding photography trends, with 2024 seeing the love of the blurred effect and the 20 degree tilt, film photography coming back strong and drone imagery for greater perspectives of glamorous venues and stunning locations. If you like to keep up with the latest trends, are fashion led and like modern approaches to magazine worthy images, then ‘editorial wedding photography’ may be the right fit for you.

The word editorial means, ‘to prepare material for publication’. It is common for the fashion to be forefront, with great attention to detail. Some of the best editorial wedding photographs have been published in magazines such as Vogue and The Wed.

A few of my favourite, iconic wedding photographers in the industry with an editorial wedding photography style include Emma Pilkington ; The Vedrines; Olesja – In the Name of Love Photography.

Fine Art Wedding Photography is a style that involves storytelling from the smallest details to the emotions, capturing the atmosphere and soul of the day. Using beautiful, artistic compositions and favouring natural light to create imagery that is elegant, ethereal and impactful.

The emphasis with fine art photography is romance and timelessness. The aim being that the images can be enjoyed as visual art. Often using light, airy, bright, muted tones for a soft, natural look.

A few of my favourite fine art wedding photographers include KT Merry and Jose Villa.

I am classed as a fine art wedding photographer for my romantic, artistic and storytelling approach.

Documentary Wedding Photography, also known as photojournalistic, candid style. This style captures the day as it naturally unfolds. There is a spectrum of extremes here – someone who is on the extreme end of documentary style will not give direction on posing or move a traffic cone out of the way – if it was there, it is part of the story of your day – this is a true photojournalist style.

On the other end of the spectrum – ‘docu-editorial style’, then most of the day is naturally unfolding, however orange plastic bags would be moved from the scene for a cleaner composition, gentle direction on portraits would be given and group formals are likely to be included.

Documentary style photographers are exceptionally talented at capturing those significant moments. They are often patient, waiting for that laugh, the tears, the action and they get in close on the action too for wow images of incredible memories that may not have other been caught. I was taught by a very talented documentary photographer, Benjamin Toms in the art of noticing and the art of waiting for that special photograph.

There are many other styles, these include cinematic, moody, traditional / classical. The best thing to do is explore a range of photographers and styles on ‘Pinterest’ and ‘Instagram’. Look at the photographers websites, portfolios, reviews, how they themselves describe their own unique style as no two photographers will ever be the same. Have a chat with the photographer you are interested in. It’s the best way to really get to know each other to see if you are the perfect fit. Photographers love to hear from couples, even if it is just an enquiry to find out more about their style, so never hesitate to reach out to anyone in the wedding photography industry.

Most photographers use and can do a mixture of the styles mentioned in this article, its just their preference which they lean to and which they dominate in. A lot comes down to the way the photographer edits their images too, with fine art photographers opting for a lighter look with images, where as documentary photographers may opt for more contrast in their images. Editorial photographers may use more flash photography and their edits reflect the use of flash and direct flash.

Every photographer is their own individual, authentic artist. There is no label or box nor category that will ever truly define any artist, this just helps guide us to who we may be most attracted too in a land of promise, talent, inspiration and incredible opportunity.

The photographer is such a big part of your day, involved in intimate moments and providing you with the legacy from your event. With all of the memories to be enjoyed and cherished for years to come. Do your research and trust your instincts.

If you are interested in a fine art, storytelling, unique, timeless, emotive style, I could be the perfect match for you. I offer digital, 35mm film and drone photography. My collections are available for the UK and Destination Weddings, including elopements. I offer an assistant photographer to help capture more candid moments and different angles and perspectives of the day. If you would like a copy of my latest pricing folio, please email me at info@traceydaviesphotography.com with information about your wedding. I look forward to reading your message.

To see my portfolio and more about me, please head to my website