One of the most critical decisions when planning your wedding is choosing a photography style that resonates with you. Two popular approaches—editorial and documentary photography—offer distinct ways of capturing your day. Each has strengths and artistic flair, so understanding the differences can help you decide which style feels right for your wedding photos. Here’s a breakdown of editorial vs. documentary wedding photography, how they differ, and how to choose the best fit for your vision.
What Is Editorial Wedding Photography?
Editorial wedding photography takes its cues from fashion magazines and styled shoots. It’s polished, intentional, and often dramatic. Think of those magazine spreads where every detail looks perfectly curated, from the lighting to the composition.
In an editorial approach, your photographer will carefully direct shots, paying close attention to posing, composition, and lighting. The result? Images that are bold, artistic, and feel like they belong in a high-end publication.
Key Characteristics:
- Stylized poses and compositions
- Focus on elegance, drama, and clean lines
- Creative use of lighting, props, and settings
- Emphasis on portraits and detail shots (e.g., your attire, rings, and decor)
When It’s the Right Fit:
If you love the idea of dramatic, artistic images that feel elevated and cinematic, editorial photography might be for you. It’s perfect for couples who want their wedding photos to look polished and sophisticated or for those who appreciate a little direction and structure during the session.
What Is Documentary Wedding Photography?
Documentary wedding photography is all about capturing moments as they happen, naturally and authentically. This approach tells the story of your wedding day through candid, unposed images that reflect real emotions and interactions.
With a documentary style, your photographer won’t direct or interfere much—they’ll blend into the background and capture the flow of the day as it unfolds. The result? A collection of images that feels genuine and full of personality.
Key Characteristics:
- Candid, unposed images
- Focus on real moments and emotions
- Little to no direction from the photographer
- Emphasis on storytelling rather than perfection
When It’s the Right Fit:
Documentary photography is a great option if you value authenticity and want your photos to feel raw and emotional. It’s ideal for couples who prefer a more laid-back experience and want their gallery to reflect the day’s joy, laughter, and unscripted moments.
How to Decide: Editorial vs. Documentary Photography
Both styles have their strengths, and you don’t have to stick strictly to one or the other—many photographers offer a blend of both. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which style is right for you:
- Your Personality: Are you comfortable being directed, or do you prefer to let moments happen naturally? If you love posing and want to feel like you’re starring in a fashion shoot, editorial photography will likely appeal to you. If you’re camera-shy or love candid moments, documentary might feel more authentic.
- Your Wedding Vision: Consider the vibe of your wedding. If your venue is a dramatic, high-end space like The Plaza or Gotham Hall, editorial photography can elevate the elegance. Documentary photography might better capture the relaxed, emotional atmosphere for a backyard wedding or intimate gathering.
- Your Priorities: What do you want your photos to emphasize? If you’re focused on portraits, fashion, and detailed shots of decor, editorial might be the better fit. If you’re more interested in capturing moments with family and friends, documentary photography will highlight those connections.
- Your Comfort Level: If you’re not a fan of posing or staged moments, you might lean toward documentary photography. However, if you’re open to direction and want to look your best in every shot, editorial photography could be your style.
Why Not Both?
Many wedding photographers combine elements of both styles to create a well-rounded gallery. For example, your photographer might take an editorial approach during your portraits—guiding you into beautiful, stylized poses—then switch to documentary mode during the reception to capture candid moments on the dance floor.
This hybrid approach ensures you get the best of both worlds: polished, artistic portraits and emotional, unscripted moments.
My Style: A Mix of Editorial and Documentary
When it comes to wedding photography, I don’t believe you have to choose between editorial and documentary styles—you can have the best of both worlds. My approach blends the elegance and intentionality of editorial photography with the authenticity and emotion of documentary photography, giving you a gallery that feels both polished and deeply personal.
During the quieter, more intimate parts of your wedding—like getting ready or your portraits—I lean into an editorial style. This is where I’ll guide you with light direction, helping you look and feel your best while creating images that have a timeless, magazine-worthy feel. Whether a beautifully framed portrait at your venue’s grand staircase or an artful detail shot of your bouquet, these moments are all about precision and artistry.
Then, I shift into documentary mode when the day transitions into movement—your ceremony, cocktail hour, and dance floor. This is where the real, unscripted moments shine. I’ll capture your partner’s reaction as you walk down the aisle, the tearful hug from a loved one, or the spontaneous laugh you share during your first dance. These are the moments you’ll treasure because they’re genuine and unfiltered.
By combining both styles, I create a balanced gallery that tells the whole story of your day. You’ll have dramatic portraits to frame on your wall, emotional candids to relive the energy and connection, and artful details that tie everything together. My goal is to craft a collection of images that feel as unique and dynamic as you are—both timeless and full of life.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between editorial and documentary photography depends on your preferences and the story you want your photos to tell. Editorial offers a stylized, polished look, while documentary captures your day’s real, raw emotions.
Still not sure which style is right for you? Get in touch! I can show you examples of each approach and help you figure out what fits your personality, vision, and wedding vibe. After all, the most important thing is that your photos reflect you and your story in the way you want to remember it.
