For many same-sex couples, their wedding is more than just a celebration—it’s a milestone, a deeply personal affirmation of their love and commitment in a world that hasn’t always made space for it. Every couple deserves wedding photography that reflects who they are, without artifice or pretense. Candid photography allows for this authenticity, preserving moments as they naturally unfold—no forced poses, no staged smiles, just real, heartfelt moments that speak for themselves.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the way it’s captured in photos will stay with you forever. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right wedding photography style that reflects your personality and vision for the day. From traditional poses to candid, documentary-style shots, wedding photographers offer a range of styles that can cater to every couple's needs.
In this post, I’ll explain various popular wedding photography styles, including candid or reportage photography, posed portraits, fine art, editorial, and documentary photography, and how each style can help you preserve the magic of your wedding day.
Candid wedding photography—also known as reportage or documentary-style—is one of the most popular styles today. It’s all about capturing the real, unposed moments as they happen. The beauty of this style lies in its authenticity. There’s no staging or directing; instead, the photographer takes a step back and quietly observes, allowing couples and guests to naturally interact, laugh, cry, and celebrate.
Authenticity: This style captures genuine moments, emotions, and interactions. It allows you to look back on your wedding day and remember how it truly felt, rather than just how it looked.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Without the pressure of posing for every shot, you can enjoy your day and be in the moment, knowing that your photographer is there to document it as it unfolds.
Timeless Quality: Candid photos don't feel dated because they are not reliant on trends. They're about capturing the emotions and special moments that matter most.
In candid photography, I focus on storytelling—each photo adds a layer to the narrative of your day. From quiet moments during the vows to the candid laughter during the reception, these images will reflect your day’s true essence.
Traditional wedding photography is what many people envision when they think about wedding photos. It involves formal portraits and posed group shots where the photographer directs the couple and their families into specific positions.
Classic and Timeless: Traditional poses often emphasize elegance and formality, and the resulting images are timeless. You’ll have those beautiful, classic portraits that will stand the test of time.
Family Focused: If you value formal group shots with your families, traditional wedding photography can ensure everyone is captured together.
Organized: This style is ideal for couples who like a structured, organized approach to their photos, with less spontaneity.
If you love the idea of having perfect, polished portraits and timeless family photos, traditional photography might be the way to go. While it’s a bit more structured, it’s also an opportunity to create stunning, elegant shots that you’ll cherish forever.
Fine art wedding photography is known for its artistic approach and focus on beautiful composition. Photographers who specialize in this style often use soft lighting, a carefully curated color palette, and creative techniques to create images that look like they belong in a high-end magazine.
Elegance and Creativity: Fine art photographers are masters at composing photos that have an artistic, almost painterly quality. Expect soft, dreamy lighting and a focus on beauty in every shot.
Attention to Detail: This style often emphasizes details—the intricate lace of a wedding dress, the glint of a ring, or the way light dances on a flower arrangement. It’s about capturing the aesthetic beauty of your wedding day.
Unique, Artistic Shots: If you’re looking for something more creative and less “mainstream,” fine art photography gives your wedding album a personalized, elegant touch.
Fine art wedding photographers often combine elements of portraiture, fashion, and landscape photography to create stunning, unique photos that reflect both the grandeur and intimacy of your day.
Editorial wedding photography is often inspired by fashion magazines. It’s glamorous, polished, and designed to look like a styled shoot straight out of a bridal magazine. This style is heavily influenced by the photographer’s creative vision, with posed shots, detailed styling, and high-fashion influences.
Fashion-Forward: If you love fashion and are dreaming of editorial-style wedding images, this is your style. Editorial photographers excel at capturing high-fashion poses and dramatic lighting.
Dramatic and Polished: Editorial wedding photos have a bold, polished look with lots of attention to detail, including dramatic lighting and perfectly styled moments.
Creativity at Its Best: Expect bold and daring compositions, an emphasis on aesthetics, and a photographer who’s not afraid to experiment.
This style is ideal for couples who want their wedding photos to reflect the high-fashion elements of their day, with a strong focus on the elegance and glamour of the event.
While similar to reportage photography, documentary wedding photography goes a step further. This style involves capturing every part of the wedding day in a raw, authentic way, with an emphasis on the events as they unfold. It’s about telling a complete, unfiltered story.
Full Storytelling: Documentary photography aims to tell the complete story of your wedding, from the smallest details to the biggest moments, without interference or posing.
Emotionally Driven: These photos are not just about the visual—they’re about the emotions, connections, and experiences that happen throughout the day.
Natural, Unobtrusive: Documentary photographers work behind the scenes to ensure that they capture the day as it truly is, allowing you to be present without worrying about the camera.
Documentary wedding photography is perfect for couples who want a complete, honest representation of their day, showing everything from the big moments to the fleeting, candid interactions.
Lifestyle wedding photography is a hybrid style that blends posed and candid shots. It’s about capturing you and your guests in a relaxed, natural state while still ensuring there are moments of structure and organization.
Balanced Approach: This style offers the best of both worlds. You’ll get those candid, emotional moments, but also more structured shots with a focus on styling and composition.
Casual and Comfortable: Lifestyle photography is relaxed and less staged than traditional portraiture, but it still involves a bit of direction from the photographer to make sure everything looks its best.
Natural yet Polished: Expect a mix of light, airy images with a sense of sophistication but without the stiffness of traditional poses.
Lifestyle wedding photography is ideal for couples who want a relaxed, personal feel without sacrificing beautifully composed shots.
Your wedding photography style is one of the most important decisions you'll make because it will influence how you experience your day and how you remember it for years to come. Whether you’re drawn to the authentic moments captured through candid or reportage photography, the polished elegance of traditional or fine art photography, or the glamorous, fashion-inspired shots of editorial photography, there’s a style that will suit your vision perfectly.
If you’re unsure about which style fits your personality and wedding vision, it’s helpful to browse through various photographers’ portfolios and speak with them about your preferences. A professional wedding photographer will be able to guide you toward the best style for your day while ensuring that your memories are captured exactly how you envision them.
At the end of the day, wedding photography is about telling the story of your love, your journey, and your celebration. Whichever style you choose, make sure it reflects the true essence of who you are as a couple.
What a Cornish wedding overlooking the hills in cornwall a couple share a laugh and moment together
Cornwall is a place like no other—rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and rolling countryside create the perfect backdrop for a wedding day. As a wedding photographer specializing in reportage and candid photography, I find endless inspiration in the Cornish landscape and the raw emotions that unfold during a couple’s special day. My goal is always to document the real, unposed moments that tell the true story of a wedding, blending natural beauty with authentic connection.
The Magic of Candid Wedding Photography
For me, wedding photography isn’t about stiff poses or forced smiles—it’s about capturing the little moments that make a wedding unique. The way a couple steals a glance at each other during the ceremony, the burst of laughter between old friends, or the way the sea breeze catches a bride’s veil as she walks along the cliffs. These unscripted moments are what make wedding photography so special, and they are what I strive to preserve in every wedding I photograph.
Candid photography allows couples to relax and enjoy their day without feeling like they are constantly under a spotlight. Instead of directing every shot, I focus on quietly observing and capturing the natural flow of events, ensuring that the images reflect genuine emotion and atmosphere.
Why Cornwall is the Perfect Backdrop
There’s something truly magical about getting married in Cornwall. Whether it's a barefoot beach wedding, a rustic barn celebration in the countryside, or an intimate elopement on a windswept clifftop, Cornwall offers some of the most breathtaking wedding locations in the UK.
The Cornish landscape plays a huge role in my photography. I love using the dramatic cliffs of Bedruthan Steps, the golden sands of St Ives, or the hidden coves along the Roseland Peninsula as natural frames for my couples. The soft, golden light at sunset, the ever-changing sky, and the wild beauty of the coast all contribute to creating images that feel both timeless and deeply personal.
Connecting with Couples
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is getting to know my couples and their stories. Every couple is unique, and I believe wedding photography should reflect that. By spending time with my couples before the big day, I get a sense of their personalities, what’s important to them, and how they interact naturally. This helps me capture images that feel personal and real, rather than staged.
I often encourage my couples to take a moment for themselves during their wedding day—a quiet walk along the beach, a pause on a windswept headland, or a moment under the stars. These private moments not only allow them to soak in the magic of their day but also result in some of the most intimate and emotional photographs.
Telling the Story of the Day
A wedding day isn’t just about the couple—it’s also about family, friends, and the atmosphere of the celebration. From the quiet anticipation of getting ready in the morning to the wild energy of the dance floor at night, every part of the day is part of the story.
As a reportage photographer, I capture the details that might otherwise go unnoticed—the way a parent wipes away a tear during the vows, the spontaneous hugs after the ceremony, the unrestrained laughter during the speeches. These moments are fleeting, but when captured in a photograph, they become treasured memories that last a lifetime.
Let’s Capture Your Story
If you're planning a wedding in Cornwall and are looking for a photographer who will document your day in a natural and candid way, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s an intimate elopement on the coast or a big celebration with family and friends, I’ll be there to capture the real moments—the love, the joy, and the magic of your day.
Let’s create something beautiful together. Get in touch to chat about your wedding plans!
One of my beautiful couples in St ives.
Down near St just is a perfect example of the amazing cornish landscapes we have around here.
Capturing Love Amidst Nature: A Wedding at the Eden Project, Cornwall
As a wedding photographer based here in Cornwall, I have the privilege of witnessing love stories unfold in some of the most stunning locations our beautiful region has to offer. One of my favorite experiences from last year was a wedding that took place in the breathtaking Mediterranean Biome at the Eden Project St Austell. If you’re a couple planning your big day and considering unique venues, let me share a glimpse into this special celebration that truly captured the essence of love, joy, and a little bit of whimsy.
Tom and Lizzie in the Med Bi-ome at the Eden Project St Austell, Cornwall.
The day began with a sense of excitement in the air, reflected perfectly in the couple’s beaming smiles. Their bond was palpable, a genuine reflection of their love and friendship. It was heartwarming to see that they were close friends with another couple whose wedding I had photographed a few years back. It felt like a beautiful circle of love; these connections create such a rich tapestry of memories and experiences that make each wedding even more special.
A peak into the camper the couple left in at St Johns Church, St austell, Cornwall.
The Mediterranean Biome, with its stunning collection of plants and warm ambiance, offered the perfect backdrop for their nuptials. The unique setting added an exotic touch, blending nature’s beauty with the couple’s personality. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and chatter. The scent of fresh herbs and flowers wafted through the air, setting the tone for the joyous occasion that awaited.
One of the delightful highlights of the day was the caterpillar cake. Yes, you heard that right! This whimsical creation brought smiles and nostalgia alike, evoking childhood memories for many guests. It was a lovely touch that showcased the couple's fun-loving nature and desire to keep the day lighthearted and personal. And can we talk about the paella? A feast worthy of the occasion, it provided a true taste of the Mediterranean right there amidst the tropical plants. Watching everyone enjoy delicious food together harmonized perfectly with the atmosphere of love and celebration.
As a photographer, my approach is all about capturing those natural, candid moments without fuss. I focus on the genuine interactions—the laughter shared during heartfelt speeches, the quiet glances exchanged between the couple, and the joyous dancing that unfolded as the band took to the stage. Each moment told a story, and I felt incredibly fortunate to be able to capture them for the couple to enjoy for years to come.
Watching the couple dance amid their loved ones was one of the most beautiful parts of the day. There’s something truly magical about seeing two people so in love, surrounded by their family and friends who support their journey together. Weddings are a celebration of love, but they are also a celebration of community, and this wedding radiated that spirit in every way.
The biome at night time was something to behold at the Eden Project.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through the Biome, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to capture these memories. For couples planning their weddings in Cornwall, I encourage you to embrace what makes your love story unique—be it a caterpillar cake, a stunning venue like the Eden Project, or the support of dear friends. Each detail, each moment, contributes to a beautiful narrative that deserves to be captured and cherished. Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!
As a wedding photographer, I had the privilege of capturing the beautiful and intimate wedding of a young couple at the stunning Caerhays Estate in Cornwall. The couple's vision for their wedding day was to celebrate their love amidst the natural beauty of the Cornish coastline, and their wedding did not disappoint.
