Choosing a wedding photographer can feel a little like speed dating. You’re scrolling through websites and Instagram feeds, and everyone’s throwing around the same buzzwords: documentary, editorial, fine art. But what do those words actually mean—and how do you know which style is right for you?
The truth is, this isn’t about picking the “best” photographer on paper. It’s about finding someone who matches your vision—someone who gets you, who makes you feel comfortable, and who can tell your story in a way that feels like your life, not just a photoshoot.
This guide will help you cut through the noise, understand the different styles out there, and figure out what matters most to you so you can choose the wedding photographer who’s the right fit for your day.
Understanding Wedding Photography Styles
When you’re searching how to choose a wedding photographer, you’ll see a lot of style labels thrown around. Here’s what they really mean:
Documentary / Photojournalistic
Unposed, candid, fly-on-the-wall coverage. Your photographer is an observer, telling the story of your day as it happens. Great for couples who want to be fully present and forget the camera is even there.
Editorial / Fine Art
Guided and intentional, with a polished, magazine-inspired finish. Your photographer gives direction, curates details, and shapes moments into something that feels cinematic. Perfect if you love a little drama and artistry.
Traditional / Classic
Posed portraits, formal group shots, and a more structured approach. Think timeless family photos lined up at the altar. This style is less about storytelling and more about keeping things orderly and familiar.
Dark + Moody
Editing plays a huge role here. Images lean toward rich shadows, muted tones, and emotional depth. If you love a moodier, cinematic vibe, this might feel like home.
Light + Airy
Bright, clean, romantic photos with soft pastel tones. A popular look if you want your gallery to feel lighthearted and dreamy.
Hybrid / Blended
Some photographers (like me) move between styles. Most of the day, I stay documentary—quietly observing the story unfold. Then I step in with gentle direction when it’s time to create something more editorial and art-driven.
Quick tip: Don’t get stuck on the labels. Instead, ask yourself: “Do I want my photos to feel raw and real, cinematic and styled, or a mix of both?” That answer is your compass.
Think About Your Personality + Comfort Level
The truth is, choosing a wedding photographer isn’t only about their style—it’s about how you want to feel when they’re around. You can have the most talented photographer in the world, but if you’re uncomfortable with them, it’s going to show in your photos.
Here’s where your personality comes in:
If you’re camera-shy
You’ll probably feel better with someone who leans documentary—quietly observing and letting moments unfold. The less they direct, the more you can forget the camera and just be.
If you like a little direction
An editorial photographer might be your match. They’ll step in with gentle guidance, making sure you look your best without it ever feeling stiff or staged.
If you’re somewhere in between (most people are)
Look for a hybrid approach. Someone who knows when to step back and let the story breathe, but also when to step in and create space for connection. That balance can help you feel both comfortable and confident.
Quick tip: When you’re scrolling through galleries, don’t just notice how beautiful the photos are. Look at how the couples look in them. Do they seem relaxed? Do they look like themselves? That’s the clearest sign of a photographer who knows how to create comfort—and that’s worth more than any label.
Look Beyond the Portfolio
A gorgeous Instagram feed can grab your attention, but choosing a wedding photographer isn’t just about pretty pictures. What matters just as much is who they are behind the camera and how they work with you.
Here’s what to pay attention to:
Personality fit
Your photographer will be with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day—even more than your maid of honor at times. Do they feel like someone you’d actually want around in emotional, intimate moments?
Process + Communication
Do they explain things clearly? Do they listen to what matters to you? Do they make you feel at ease during calls or emails? The way they communicate before the wedding will tell you a lot about how you’ll feel with them on the day.
Consistency
It’s easy to show a handful of the best images online. Look for full galleries or blog posts. Do you see consistent quality from getting ready, to ceremony, to reception? That’s the mark of a photographer you can trust.
Shared Values
Pay attention to how they talk about weddings. Do they care about the same things you care about—family moments, storytelling, art, presence? The right photographer should feel aligned with your vision, not just your budget.
Quick tip: Don’t be afraid to hop on a call or Zoom before booking. You’ll know quickly if the energy feels right—and trust me, that gut feeling is worth listening to.
My Approach: Documentary Meets Editorial
Most couples don’t fit neatly into one box—and you don’t have to. That’s why the best photographers know how to give you both freedom and guidance.
For most of the day, you get space to just be. The laughter, the hugs, the way your dad looks at you when he sees you in your dress—those moments breathe best when no one’s staging them. A documentary approach keeps your day honest and untouched.
When it’s time for portraits, you deserve direction that still feels natural. This isn’t about stiff poses or fake smiles. It’s about small adjustments and suggestions that help you relax, move, and interact with each other in a way that feels true—while also creating photographs that are cinematic and timeless.
That balance is how your photos become both honest and artful. Because at the end of the day, they should feel like your story, not just a photoshoot.
Quick tip: When you’re choosing a wedding photographer, ask how they handle portraits and candid moments. The right answer will show you if they can give you both comfort and artistry.
Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, don’t be afraid to ask questions. This isn’t about interviewing someone like a job candidate—it’s about making sure you’ll feel safe, seen, and understood.
Here are a few questions that help reveal if a photographer is the right fit for you:
How would you describe your style?
Listen for more than buzzwords—do they explain it in a way that feels clear and aligned with your vision?Do you give direction during portraits?
If you’re worried about feeling awkward, this one matters. Their answer should help you picture what it will be like in front of their camera.What moments matter most to you on a wedding day?
This tells you whether they value the same things you do—like connection, family, or details.How do you help couples feel comfortable?
Comfort is everything. If they have a process for easing nerves, you’ll see it in their galleries too.Can I see a full wedding gallery?
Pretty Instagram grids are nice, but full galleries show consistency from start to finish.
Quick tip: Pay attention not just to what they say, but how you feel talking to them. Your gut will tell you if it’s the right fit.
Choosing a wedding photographer isn’t about chasing trends or memorizing labels. It’s about finding someone who understands your vision and makes you feel at ease—so you can be fully present in the moments that matter most.
When you know what style speaks to you, when you feel comfortable in their presence, and when you trust their process, that’s when you’ve found the right match. Because your photos should never feel like someone else’s idea of your day—they should feel like yours.
If you’re drawn to photographs that are honest but also artful, candid but also intentional, that might mean we’re aligned. Either way, I hope this guide makes your search a little easier—and helps you find the photographer who feels like home.
