Bride and groom walking hand-in-hand through a vibrant garden with yellow flowers and green foliage in the foreground. Historic brick buildings are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

Choosing a wedding photographer isn’t just about picking someone with a camera - it’s about choosing someone who’ll tell your story the way it feels. And that all comes down to photography style.

It’s basically the approach a photographer takes to tell the story of your day. Some styles are very hands-on, while others (like documentary) are all about stepping back and letting things happen naturally. The right style reflects your energy as a couple.

Table of Contents

  1. Understanding Wedding Photography Styles

  2. What Makes Candid Documentary Style So Popular

  3. Is Candid the Right Fit for You?

  4. Can You Mix Photography Styles?

  5. How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Style

Understanding Wedding Photography Styles

There’s a whole world of photography styles out there - from traditional, posed portraits to fine art and editorial. Some focus on structure and beauty, while others are all about real emotion and moments. The key is figuring out what feels right for you.
Start by noticing what you naturally gravitate towards when looking at other couples’ wedding photos.

What Makes Candid Documentary Style So Popular

A bride and groom, Lily and Lloyd, stand holding hands in front of a rustic wooden barn with a weathered roof. The barn is flanked by neatly trimmed, square-shaped hedges, and a gravel path is in the foreground.

Candid documentary wedding photography captures your day exactly as it unfolds, without staging or forced smiles. It’s full of raw moments - happy tears, cheeky glances, and dance floor chaos. It tells your story honestly, and that’s why so many couples love it.
It’s the kind of photography that feels timeless because it captures what was really there.

Is Candid the Right Fit for You?

Bride in a white gown and a groom in a navy suit, standing amidst lush greenery and pink hydrangeas. They are smiling and looking at each other, with an ivy-covered archway behind them.
Bride and groom kissing, surrounded by lush green ivy and pink hydrangeas. The bride wears a white off-the-shoulder gown and holds a colorful bouquet, while the groom wears a navy suit.

If you’d rather live in the moment than pose for it, this style might be perfect. It’s great for couples who want their photos to feel real, not rehearsed. And if you’re a bit camera-shy, it takes the pressure off completely. It’s especially good if you want to remember how your wedding felt, not just how it looked.

Can You Mix Photography Styles?

A romantic horizontal shot of a bride and groom kissing, framed by a rustic barn archway. The groom dips the bride, who holds a bouquet. A path leads into a green, tree-filled background.

Absolutely - you don’t have to stick to one approach all day. Many couples blend documentary coverage with a few relaxed portraits or family shots. The right photographer can shift between styles without interrupting the flow of your day. It means you get the best of both worlds - natural moments and those frame-worthy photos for your mantelpiece.

How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Style

Bride and groom standing facing each other on a gravel path surrounded by a lush green lawn. They are framed by trees and foliage, with rolling hills in the background under an overcast sky.

Look for someone whose work feels like the vibe you’re going for - don’t just go by what’s trendy. Ask to see full wedding galleries and how they handle both candid moments and key portraits. Most importantly, make sure you click with them - it makes all the difference. Trust and comfort with your photographer will make everything feel more effortless on the day.

Final Thoughts - Your Story, Your Style

Whatever you choose, your wedding photos should feel like a true reflection of your day. Whether you’re drawn to the realness of candid documentary style or a mix of everything, go with what makes you feel most like you. And if you’re leaning towards relaxed, natural, emotion-filled storytelling - I'd love to chat.

Get in touch today and let’s chat about your wedding plans, your vision, and how we can capture your day exactly as it feels - natural, joyful, and true to you.

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Rockbeare Manor Wedding Photography - Chessie & James