Because no two stories are the same
Not now, not ever.
Here’s a truth that might sound like a cliché, but bear with me: Not a single person is like you out there. Your story, your love, your wedding day – NO ONE else will have the exact same experience. That's what gives your day and your pictures their own meaning.
I’ve had the privilege of capturing weddings and families across the world, week after week, and let me tell you: No two weddings or families have been the same. Not even close.
Some days, I’m in a quiet church; other days, it’s an outdoor barn wedding. And yet, I’m always left with the same realization: weddings, at their core, are about the people. You, your partner, your family and friends—the ones who show up, dressed to the nines, ready to celebrate your unique love story.
So let’s get into it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the different wedding photography styles, from traditional portraits to raw, unscripted moments. Let’s see which style feels like your story—and let me show you how I approach documenting your life as beautifully as it unfolds.
1. Documentary/Photojournalistic Style – Letting your story unfold naturally.
This style is all about capturing the real moments—the laughter, the tears, the spontaneous joy. No posing, no forced smiles, just raw, authentic emotions as they happen. It’s about telling your story, not creating it. I don’t plan every shot; instead, I let the moments come to me, capturing everything that makes your day unique. These aren’t just photos—they’re memories that transport you back to the heart of your celebration. While this means you’ll get real, emotional images that never feel outdated, it also means there’s less control over what gets captured—so if you want a specific shot, this might not be the style for you.
2. Traditional/Posed Style – a perfect portrait is still a perfect moment.
This classic approach focuses on structured, formal shots that ensure everyone looks polished and elegant. I’ll guide you and your loved ones into flattering poses, creating timeless images that are perfect for family heirlooms. It guarantees that no key moments or people are missed, but it can also feel a bit stiff for couples who prefer a more relaxed, natural approach. If you love tradition and want well-composed portraits, this style is for you, but if you’re looking for pure emotion and spontaneity, it may not capture as much of the real energy of the day.
3. Fine Art Style – More than just photos—it’s the dreamlike aesthetics.
Fine art photography is highly curated, focusing on aesthetics, composition, and dreamy lighting to create visually stunning, editorial-style images. Every shot is intentional and artistically composed, perfect for couples who love a luxurious, high-end feel. While the results are breathtaking, this approach requires more time for setup and direction, which can take away from the natural flow of the day. If you want a wedding album that looks like it belongs in a gallery, this is the style for you, but if you prioritize spontaneous, unfiltered moments, it may feel a bit too staged.
4. Editorial/Fashion Style – Because your love is worthy of a magazine cover.
Inspired by high-fashion editorials, this style focuses on bold compositions, confident poses, and dramatic lighting to create iconic, statement-worthy images. It’s modern, stylish, and perfect for couples who want their photos to look like they belong on the cover of a magazine. However, because it prioritizes high-impact visuals over raw emotion, it can feel less personal for couples who want a more intimate, documentary feel. If you love fashion-forward, artistic photography, this is for you—but if you’re after candid, emotional storytelling, it may not be the best fit.
5. Lifestyle Style – Posed with a purpose, but still real.
Lifestyle photography blends natural interactions with light posing, striking the perfect balance between candid and structured shots. Think genuine laughter, soft touches, and intimate moments—styled, but never stiff. It’s great for couples who want their photos to feel effortless and elegant at the same time. However, while the results look natural, there’s still some direction involved, which means it’s not as completely spontaneous as true documentary photography. If you want polished yet authentic images, this style offers the best of both worlds.
6. Cinematic Style – Lights, camera, love.
Cinematic photography is all about drama, storytelling, and emotion, using creative angles, rich colors, and dynamic lighting to make your wedding feel larger-than-life. Every shot feels like it belongs in a movie, creating an epic, visually stunning narrative of your day. However, because it leans into theatrical compositions, some moments may feel more staged than real. If you want your wedding photos to feel like a cinematic love story, this is the style for you, but if you prefer a more natural, understated approach, it might be too dramatic.
7. Black & White Photography Style – Timeless. Elegant. Classic.
Stripping away distractions, black and white photography focuses on light, contrast, and pure emotion. It highlights the depth of a moment in a way that color sometimes can’t, making every image feel timeless and powerful. However, because it eliminates color, it may not be the best fit if you love vibrant, lively images. If you want something that will never go out of style and truly emphasizes the emotions of the day, black and white photography is an incredible choice.
8. Visual Editing & Aesthetic Styles – How your story feels.
Photography isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s also about how those moments feel. The way a photo is edited can completely change its emotion, from soft and romantic to bold and cinematic. Here’s how different editing styles shape your wedding photos:
True to Color – The world as it is. Colors are real, natural, and timeless. Your dress will be the same shade you picked, your florals won’t be tweaked into something else, and your skin tones will look as they should. It’s honest, classic, and never goes out of style.
Light & Airy – Think soft pastels, dreamy highlights, and an almost ethereal glow. This style gives your photos a romantic, fairytale feel, making everything look light, bright, and effortless.
Vintage – A little grain, a little warmth, and a whole lot of nostalgia. Vintage editing brings in film-like tones and muted colors, making your wedding photos feel like they came straight from another era. Perfect for couples who love an old-school touch.
Dark & Moody – Deep shadows, rich contrasts, and bold emotions. This editing style leans into the intensity of the moment, making every frame feel cinematic and full of drama. It’s not for everyone, but for the right couple, it’s everything.
Choosing an editing style is just as important as choosing a photography style. It defines how you’ll remember your wedding, so pick what resonates with you.
By now, you’ve seen all the different photography styles—but which one is truly yours? To make your decision easier, we’ve created a free, easy-to-use guide to help you define your wedding photography style. Download The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography Style and get clear on what matters most to you.
Why Annie Bang Is the Perfect Wedding Photographer for You
My team and I offer everything above, but with an unwavering focus on storytelling. Wedding photojournalism is at the heart of everything we do.
I don’t just want to show how your wedding looked—I want to capture how it felt. No forced smiles, no fake moments. Just you, your love, and the people who matter.
So go ahead—laugh, cry, dance, be you. Make wonderful memories, and let me turn them into art. 🎉
