Choosing a wedding photographer can feel oddly hard. Not because you don’t like photos, but because you’re trying to predict what you’ll care about in 20 years.

A good first step is understanding that wedding photography isn’t one thing. Different styles create very different results. Here’s a clear guide to the three most common styles and how to decide what suits you.

Documentary / reportage

If you want your photos to feel like the day actually felt, this is often the style you’re describing. You’ll get:

• Real moments: laughter, tears, chaos, hugs, kids doing kid things
• Photos that aren’t posed (or barely are)
• A strong story of the day from start to finish

What it looks like:

• The photographer observes, anticipates moments, and shoots as things happen
• Less interruption, more natural flow

Good fit if you:

• Don’t love posing
• Care more about emotion than perfection
• Want the day documented as it happens

Trade-off:

• If you want lots of magazine-style portraits, pure documentary might feel too relaxed (unless it’s blended)

Editorial / fashion-inspired

This is the polished, cinematic look: clean compositions, intentional posing, and a styled feel.

You’ll get:

• Strong portraits that look curated
• Beautiful use of light and location
• More direction and guidance

Good fit if you:

• Love aesthetics and styling
• Want standout portraits for your walls
• Prefer being guided rather than left to it

Trade-off:

• If the whole day is shot heavily like this, you may get fewer spontaneous moments

Traditional / classic

• Think structured group photos, classic couple portraits, and a straightforward approach that prioritises must-have images.

You’ll get:

• Clear family group photos
• Safe, consistent coverage
• A good record of the day

Good fit if you:

• Want group photos to be a big priority
• Prefer structure and certainty
• Have strong family expectations (very common)

Trade-off:

• It can feel less natural if it’s the only approach

How to choose

Most couples I work with want a blend: documentary coverage with a short, efficient portrait session. You get the story and a handful of wow images without disappearing for ages.

A quick way to decide:

• If you want real moments, lean documentary
• If you want high-impact portraits, lean editorial
• If you want structure and certainty, lean traditional (or a blend)

What to check before booking

Don’t judge a photographer by their 12 best images. Look for:

• Full galleries in similar venues/seasons
• Consistent results across different lighting
• Emotion and connection, not just pretty backdrops

If you want a photographer who keeps things relaxed, captures real moments, and still helps you get gorgeous portraits quickly, get in touch via the contact page.