Trending Wedding Photography Styles

The world of wedding photography is constantly evolving, with new styles and trends emerging each year. These trends not only capture the essence of contemporary weddings but also reflect the changing tastes and preferences of couples.

We'll explore some of the most popular wedding photography styles that are currently in vogue, offering insights for both couples planning their big day and photographers looking to stay ahead in their craft.

1. Candid and Photojournalistic Style

Gone are the days when wedding photos were all about posed shots. Today, there's a growing preference for candid photography. This style is all about capturing moments as they happen in their most natural form.

Photographers adept in this style blend into the background, snapping pictures without the subjects even being aware. This approach leads to more authentic and emotional photos, capturing laughter, tears, and genuine expressions.

2. Fine Art Photography

Fine art wedding photography is for those who view their wedding photos as, well, fine art. This style involves creating images that are artistic and timeless, with a strong emphasis on aesthetics and composition.

Fine art photographers often use creative lighting, unique angles, and advanced post-processing techniques to turn ordinary shots into works of art. These photos are often dreamy, with a focus on color and light, making them perfect for couples who want a more stylized and artistic record of their day.

3. Vintage and Retro-Inspired

The allure of nostalgia has brought vintage and retro-inspired photography to the forefront. This style often involves using film cameras or editing digital images to look like film, with muted colors and a grainy texture that harkens back to a bygone era.

This trend is particularly popular among couples who are hosting vintage-themed weddings or those who simply love the timeless charm of old-school photography.

4. Drone Photography

With the rise of drone technology, aerial photography has become a trend in weddings. Drones offer a unique perspective, capturing vast landscapes and stunning overhead shots of wedding venues and ceremonies.

They are particularly useful for destination weddings where the location's scenery is a major highlight. However, it’s important for photographers to be skilled in flying drones and to be aware of any legal restrictions in the area.

5. Black and White Imagery

While color photographs are standard, there’s a growing trend of incorporating black and white images into wedding albums. Black and white photography brings a classic, timeless feel to the images.

It's particularly effective in conveying emotion and capturing the drama and mood of the wedding, with contrasts and shadows playing a significant role.

6. Environmental Portraiture

This style is about placing the couple within the context of their surroundings. Whether it's a sprawling landscape, a city street, or a rustic barn, environmental portraiture captures the essence of the location while still focusing on the couple.

It’s perfect for couples who choose their venue for its scenic or architectural significance and want that to be a significant part of their wedding story.

7. Moody and Dark

A contrast to the traditional bright and airy wedding photos, the moody and dark style is gaining traction. This style is characterized by deeper tones, rich shadows, and an overall dramatic atmosphere.

It’s ideal for couples who want a more edgy, modern look to their wedding photos and is often used in autumn or winter weddings, where the natural lighting complements this style.

8. Storytelling

Storytelling in wedding photography is about narrating the day from start to finish. It involves capturing all elements of the wedding, from the grand moments to the minute details like the wedding decor, the rings, the attire, and even fleeting glances between the couple. The aim is to tell a comprehensive story that couples can look back on and relive their special day.

9. Adventurous and Destination Shoots

For couples who love to travel or enjoy adventure, this style is becoming increasingly popular. It involves shooting in exotic or remote locations and often includes elements of the landscape and adventurous poses.

These shoots can be more challenging due to the logistics and the unknown elements of working in a remote location but result in truly unique and breathtaking images.

10. Authentic and Relatable

Finally, a trend that seems to be overarching in all styles is the move towards more authentic and relatable imagery.

Couples are increasingly looking for photos that represent their personalities and their relationship realistically. This means less emphasis on perfection and more focus on the real, unfiltered joy and love of the day.