Wedding Photography Styles: A (Not-So-Serious) Glossary
So, you’re planning a wedding and diving into the world of wedding photographers. Suddenly you’re seeing words like “candid,” “documentary,” “editorial,” and “photojournalistic” thrown around like confetti, and honestly? It can all feel a bit overwhelming.
Here’s the thing: these terms are way more fluid than you might think. In fact, they often describe the exact same moments throughout your wedding day, just from slightly different angles. Let me break it down for you.
What Are the Main Wedding Photography Styles?
The main styles are:
- Candid: Natural, unposed moments
- Documentary/Photojournalistic: Storytelling without interference
- Editorial: Styled, magazine-worthy shots
- Reportage: Another term for documentary
- Traditional/Posed: Formal family and couple photos
- Fine Art: Artistic, creative compositions
These aren’t separate categories—your wedding day naturally includes all of them.
The Main Terms (And What They Actually Mean)
Candid
This is all about capturing genuine, unposed moments. Think: your mum tearing up during the ceremony, your best mate absolutely destroying the dance floor, or that moment you and your partner share a private joke during speeches. Nobody’s looking at the camera, nobody’s being told where to stand—it’s just real life happening.
When it happens: Pretty much all day, every day. From getting ready through to the last dance.
Documentary / Photojournalistic
These two are basically twins. Documentary photography is about telling the story of your day as it unfolds, without interference. I’m there, but I’m not directing, just capturing what’s happening. Photojournalistic has the same vibe, borrowing from news photography’s “fly on the wall” approach. It’s essentially another name for Candid.
When it happens: Ceremony, speeches, reception, all those bits in between that you didn’t even know were photo-worthy.
Editorial
This one sounds fancy, right? Editorial photography is more styled and polished, think magazine-worthy shots. It’s where we might use interesting lighting, creative compositions, or make use of a stunning location. But here’s the secret: even “editorial” moments can be candid. A beautifully lit shot of you laughing with your bridesmaids? That’s editorial AND candid at the same time.
When it happens: Often during couple portraits, detail shots, or when the light is just too gorgeous not to use creatively.
Reportage
Another word for documentary, really. It’s about reporting on your day rather than staging it. If documentary and photojournalistic had a cousin, this would be it.
When it happens: Same as documentary, literally the entire day.
Traditional / Posed
The formal family photos, the classic couple portraits, the “everyone look at the camera” moments. Even I do these (and I’m ninja-fast at getting them done, true story). But here’s the thing: even within posed photos, I’m looking for real expressions and genuine connections.
When it happens: Usually during formal photos after the ceremony, and maybe a few during couple portraits.
Fine Art
This is the artistic, creative side of wedding photography. Think dramatic compositions, interesting angles, beautiful use of light and shadow. It’s less about documenting what happened and more about creating something beautiful.
When it happens: Whenever the opportunity presents itself, a stunning venue, gorgeous light, or a moment that just begs to be captured artistically.
Why These Terms Are All Basically Mates
Here’s the honest truth: your wedding day will include ALL of these styles.
During your ceremony, I’m working in documentary/photojournalistic mode, capturing candid moments as they happen. But if the light streaming through the church window is absolutely stunning? That becomes editorial or fine art too.
When we do your couple portraits, we might start with a few traditional posed shots (done quickly, I promise), but then we’ll move into something more relaxed and candid. Those shots might be editorial in style, documentary in approach, and completely candid in feeling.
Your getting-ready photos? Candid and documentary. But also potentially editorial if we’ve got great light and beautiful details.
See what I mean? These aren’t separate boxes, they’re different ways of describing the same flowing, natural photography that captures your day.
You can read a little more about my documentary approach here.
What This Means for You
When you’re looking at photographers’ portfolios (including mine), don’t get too hung up on the labels. Instead, look at the photos themselves:
- Do they feel genuine?
- Can you sense the emotion and atmosphere?
- Do they tell a story?
- Are they beautifully captured?
That’s what matters. Not whether they’re labeled “candid” or “documentary” or “editorial.”
My approach? I’m primarily documentary and candid. I love capturing real moments without getting in your way. But throughout your day, I’ll also create editorial-style images when the opportunity arises, nail the traditional family shots efficiently, and add fine art touches when the light or location is too good to resist.
Your wedding shouldn’t be all about the photographs, but the photographs should be all about the wedding. And that means using whatever style works best in each moment to capture your day authentically.
FAQ
What’s the difference between candid and documentary wedding photography?
They’re very similar! Both capture genuine, unposed moments. Documentary focuses on storytelling throughout the day, while candid specifically refers to natural, unstaged shots. Most photographers use both approaches interchangeably.
What does editorial wedding photography mean?
Editorial photography is more styled and magazine-worthy, with attention to lighting, composition, and aesthetics. However, editorial shots can still be candid and natural, they’re just beautifully crafted.
Which wedding photography style is best?
There’s no “best” style, it depends on your preferences! Most wedding photographers blend multiple styles throughout your day. Look at portfolios and choose a photographer whose work resonates with you emotionally.
Do I need to choose just one photography style for my wedding?
Not at all! Your wedding day naturally includes different moments that suit different styles. Your photographer will adapt throughout the day to capture ceremonies documentarily, create editorial couple portraits, and grab candid reception moments.
The Bottom Line
Don’t stress about understanding every photography term out there. What you really need to know is:
- What style resonates with you? (Look at actual photos, not just labels)
- Does your photographer’s approach match how you want your day captured?
- Do you trust them to tell your story?
The rest? That’s just photographer talk. And honestly, we probably can’t even agree amongst ourselves what half these terms actually mean.
If you want to chat about how I’d capture your wedding day, whatever style that might technically be called, just get in touch. I promise to use way fewer buzzwords and way more straight talk about making sure you have the absolute best time with the people you love most.
