A wedding is one of the cherished life milestones, a day that is full of joy, emotion, and memories that will last forever. With their big day organized, one of the most significant decisions they make is a wedding photographer who will bring their love story to life in a manner that reflects their style and personality.
Wedding photography styles has developed into many various choices, and every style offers its own vision and technique of photographing the event. From dreamy, romantic photos to high-contrast, documentary-style stories, understanding the varied styles of wedding photography will assist you in finding the best photographer for your wedding. Here, we cover the most common wedding photography trends and examine how each is unique, and how to proceed finding the right photographer to catch your image.

1. Traditional Wedding Photography

Traditional wedding photography is formal, timeless, and classic. This wedding photography style is all about the posed photographs, ensuring that the first kiss, ring exchange, and family portraits are all properly framed. A traditional wedding photographer will pose the couple and their guests formally, resulting in elegant and refined photographs that will never go out of style.
This approach is ideal for couples who want to have a classy and sophisticated impression of their wedding. It is not candid, but it ensures that every important aspect of the occasion is beautifully documented.

2. Photojournalistic (Documentary) Wedding Photography

Photojournalistic wedding photography is all about storytelling, capturing authentic emotions and spontaneous actions as they occur. Unlike conventional photo work, this style focuses on intuitive, unposed images that bring to life the true essence of the wedding day.
A photojournalistic photographer will slide unobtrusively into the distance, allowing the couple and their guests to enjoy their celebration unimpeded. What you are left with is a collection of photographs that actively convey the spirit of the day—from humor within speeches to tender glances between beaming newlyweds.
If you prefer a very candid and heartfelt look, photojournalistic wedding photography can be exactly what you require.

3. Fine Art Wedding Photography

Fine art wedding photography is an artistic wedding photography style, in which each photograph is styled carefully to look like a work of art. Such photographers get experimental with soft light, unconventional angles, and post-production editing to achieve an ethereal and visually stunning style.
This style is perfect for those couples who want a luxurious, magazine-like quality wedding album with creative compositions. It is a mix of candid photographs and beautifully directed shots, so each frame is a stunner.

4. Editorial Wedding Photography

Editorial wedding photography is inspired by fashion magazine shoots. If you’ve ever admired glamorous wedding editorials in bridal publications, this style offers exactly that—stylized, high-fashion imagery with dramatic lighting and impeccable composition.
The photographer meticulously directs poses, locations, and lighting to craft striking, cinematic visuals. This style suits couples who want dramatic, sophisticated, and bold images that feel high-end and refined.

5. Destination Wedding Photography

Destination wedding photography is tailored to weddings that take place in scenic destinations, whether it’s a beach with sand between your toes, an Italian villa with romance, or a quaint vineyard. Photographers in this style are skilled at incorporating the scenery as a major element of the story, intertwining wedding moments with stunning landscapes.
For couples choosing destination weddings, it’s optimal to obtain a photographer familiar with travel logistics, local lighting, and cultural sensibilities. The reward? Stunning photographs that not only capture your love for one another but also the beauty of where your wedding is being held.

6. Black and White Wedding Photography

Although most wedding photography styles involve color photographs, black and white photography offers a timeless and dramatic feel to wedding albums. Eliminating color, these kinds of photos accentuate texture, expression, and emotion.
Black and white photography is well suited to emotional moments, such as the vows exchange or father-daughter dance, adding a retro and artistic feel to wedding photos.

7. Vintage Wedding Photography

Vintage wedding photography replicates the style of earlier decades. By using editing techniques or special film, photographers produce photographs that appear nostalgic and classic. Whether through sepia tones, grainy textures, or retro styling, this type of photography transports the couple back in time.
It’s perfect for weddings with a vintage theme, featuring antique decor, classic fashion, and rustic venues. If you’re drawn to an old-Hollywood romance aesthetic, a photographer specializing in vintage wedding photography can bring that dream to life.

8. Aerial and Drone Wedding Photography

With the technological developments, drone and aerial wedding photography has gained popularity. Aerial photographs offer a stunning bird’s eye view of wedding locations with panoramic shots that are impossible to obtain through regular cameras.
From picturesque outdoor wedding ceremonies to expansive reception arrangements, aerial images provide an epic and cinematic touch to wedding albums. If your wedding is in an open area or an unconventional natural setting, incorporating drone photography can provide stunning images.

9. Film Wedding Photography

Film wedding photography differs from digital photography as it gives a soft, natural, and nostalgic appearance. Film produces warm tones, gritty texture, and beautiful depth that is not given by digital photographs.
Fine art wedding photographers mostly use film photography due to its romantic and dreamy nature. Though film is harder to process and deal with, the final product is timeless and emotive.

10. Hybrid Wedding Photography

Some other photographers blend a few styles to create a personalized experience for couples. Hybrid wedding photography style can blend classic portraits and documentary-style candid shots, or mix fine art compositions and editorial appearances.
This flexibility allows couples to have the best of different photography styles, creating a diverse and balanced wedding album.

Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer

Selecting a wedding photographer is among the most important decisions that couples will be making while organizing the wedding. Some guidelines to help in selecting follow:
Determine Your Ideal Style: Consider wedding photography styles and choose one that best suits your vision.
Research Portfolios: Browse photographers’ online portfolios to observe how skilled they are in your preferred style.
Meet with the Photographer: Schedule a meeting to discuss expectations, preferences, and budget.
Review Testimonials and Past Reviews: Look at previous customers’ comments to determine reliability and professionalism.
Confirm Logistics: Verify the availability of the photographer and inquire about their backup gear and contingency procedures.

Iconic Photography; The Best Wedding Photography in Seattle

For couples who want top-notch Seattle wedding photography, the best pick is Iconic Photography. Commended for our expertise in multiple wedding photography genres, Iconic Photography captures love stories with talent, professionalism, and dedication. Whether you envision classic elegance, unscripted narrative, or fine art design, our staff promises that all subtleties are professionally captured.
To create an unforgettable wedding album that reflects the essence of your love, trust Iconic Photography to deliver breathtaking images that last a lifetime.
If you’re in Seattle and dreaming of impeccable wedding photographs, look no further than Iconic Photography, where every frame is a masterpiece.