Finding Your Perfect Wedding Photography Style: Which One is Right for You?
Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your big day. Your wedding photos will be cherished for a lifetime, so finding a style that matches your vision is key. But with terms like "editorial," "documentary," and "lifestyle" floating around, how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s break down the different styles, their unique characteristics, and how to find the perfect fit for your love story!
1. Editorial Wedding Photography
Best for: Couples who love a high-fashion, dramatic, and polished look.
Editorial wedding photography is inspired by magazine spreads, focusing on carefully curated poses, bold compositions, and striking lighting. Think of it as an art-directed approach—each shot is intentional and refined.
Standout Features:
✔ Clean, polished, and often dramatic imagery
✔ Styled posing with a focus on aesthetics
✔ Carefully planned lighting and angles
✔ Often incorporates fashion-forward elements
Is This Style for You? If you want timeless, elegant, and statement-making wedding photos that look straight out of Vogue, an editorial photographer might be the perfect fit.
2. Documentary Wedding Photography
Best for: Couples who want candid, raw, and emotion-filled moments captured naturally.
Documentary wedding photography is all about storytelling. There’s little to no posing—just real-life moments unfolding as they happen. This style is perfect for those who want to remember the genuine emotions and interactions of their wedding day.
Standout Features:
✔ Unscripted, real-life moments
✔ Emotional and authentic storytelling
✔ Minimal to no posing
✔ Focus on movement, expressions, and interactions
Is This Style for You? If you want your wedding album to feel organic, full of movement, and completely true to your day, a documentary photographer will capture those fleeting moments beautifully.
3. A Mix of Both (Lifestyle Wedding Photography)
Best for: Brides who want a balance of candid moments and beautifully directed portraits.
A blend of editorial and documentary photography, lifestyle wedding photography offers the best of both worlds. It involves some gentle posing and guidance while still keeping things natural and relaxed. This is my personal approach—I love capturing real emotions but also giving subtle direction to make sure you look and feel your best.
Standout Features:
✔ Candid moments with light direction
✔ Natural posing that doesn’t feel stiff
✔ A balance of raw emotion and polished composition
✔ Perfect for couples who want variety in their wedding gallery
Is This Style for You? If you love images that feel effortless but still have a touch of artistic structure, a lifestyle wedding photographer will be your best match!
4. Other Wedding Photography Styles to Consider
While editorial, documentary, and lifestyle are some of the most common wedding photography styles, there are a few other approaches you might encounter:
Fine Art Wedding Photography: Light, airy, and artistic, this style focuses on dreamy compositions and elegant tones.
Photojournalistic Wedding Photography: Similar to documentary, but often used to tell the entire day’s story with little to no direction.
Dark & Moody Wedding Photography: Deep shadows, rich tones, and a film-like feel. This style creates dramatic and emotive imagery.
Cinematic Wedding Photography: Inspired by movies, this style uses unique lighting, angles, and framing for a storytelling effect.
How to Find the Right Wedding Photographer for You
Look at Portfolios: Find photographers whose work makes you feel something. Do you love posed, structured images or raw, unfiltered moments?
Think About Your Personality: Are you camera-shy and prefer a candid approach, or do you love the idea of striking, artistic portraits?
Consider the Vibe You Want: Soft and romantic? Bold and moody? Natural and fun? Your style preference should align with the mood of your wedding photos.
Talk to Your Photographer: A good photographer will help you find the perfect balance and bring your vision to life.
Why My Photography Approach is the Most Timeless
Your wedding day is filled with raw emotions, joyful celebrations, and unforgettable moments. My approach combines the best of editorial and documentary photography—giving you timeless portraits that feel effortless and authentic. I believe in guiding you into natural, flattering poses while also letting the magic of the moment unfold organically.
With Lexa’s Lens, you won’t have to choose between structured elegance and raw emotion—you’ll get both. Your gallery will be a perfect mix of beautifully directed portraits and real, unscripted moments that will bring you right back to the feeling of your wedding day for years to come.
If this sounds like the style you’ve been searching for, let’s connect—I’d love to capture your love story in the most timeless way possible!
