Choosing the Right Wedding and Engagement Photography Style
Your wedding day—or engagement session—is one of the most memorable moments of your life, and your photos will be the memories you treasure forever. Before booking a photographer, it’s important to understand the different photography styles available so you can choose the one that best reflects your personalities and the feel of your day.
As a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve captured weddings and engagement sessions in mountain resorts, urban rooftops, and everything in between. While every couple is different, my approach blends multiple styles and is tailored specifically to your personalities, your wedding, and your engagement session. This ensures that your photos look unique to you and truly reflect your day.
I send out a wedding questionnaire about 3 months before your wedding and one of my favorite questions is “how do you envision your portrait session looking?” So while the vast majority of the day is candid coverage (read more on my 60% candid, 40% posed approach), I want to make sure your portrait session reflects you and your partner’s personalities and vision.
Candid and Authentic
This style focuses on genuine moments and emotions—laughing, tears, hugs, and spontaneous celebrations. I utilize prompting and movement to create photos that feel wholly authentic but still ensuring you feel comfortable.
Best for couples who:
- Love natural, unposed moments
- Want the story of their day captured authentically
- Enjoy reliving emotions and small interactions
Traditional and Timeless
This style will stand the test of time. Think photos that are slightly more posed, the photos your parents and grandparents want to see. They are simple and classic.
Best for couples who:
- Value classic portraits and formal group photos
- Want an heirloom look that will stand the test of time
- Don’t want anything too out of the box and pose-y
Editorial
Editorial photography is inspired by fashion magazines, with clean lines, thoughtful composition, and striking poses. If you’re into this style, we might try out some direct flash or creative posing using chairs and stairs. Harsh light is always a fun bonus with editorial photos.
Best for couples who:
- Appreciate polished, magazine-worthy images
- Love dramatic lighting and styling details
- Want photos that could feature in a wedding editorial
Romantic and Intimate
Romantic and intimate photography highlights the connection between you and your partner. Closeups, sweet kisses, and more touchy feely imagery.
Best for couples who:
- Want soft, dreamy, emotional images
- Value personal and heartfelt moments
- Are looking for quiet, tender memories
Creative and Artsy
Creative and artsy photography plays with angles, light, and composition for visually striking, unconventional images.
Best for couples who:
- Want unique, artistic storytelling
- Are adventurous and open to experimentation
- Love imagery that feels like fine art
Fun and Natural
Fun and natural photography captures the joy, laughter, and energy of your day. These photos are similar to candid and authentic images but just a bit more lighthearted. Think fun games, frolicking and genuine laughter.
Best for couples who:
- Want relaxed, playful images
- Enjoy candid moments with friends and family
- Want a mix of posed and spontaneous shots
Goofy and Quirky
Goofy and quirky photography celebrates your personalities in a playful, offbeat way. Think silly faces, inside jokes, and unique details that only the two of you share. Great to mix in with another style rather than just featured solo.
Best for couples who:
- Want their personalities to shine through in unconventional ways
- Have several poses that you frequently do and want to recreate
- Don’t want to take their session or day too seriously
High Fashion and Glamorous
High fashion and glamorous photography emphasizes elegance, drama, and sophistication.
Best for couples who:
- Desire a bold, red-carpet aesthetic
- Appreciate dramatic lighting and polished poses
- Want luxurious, cinematic imagery
More Directive vs. More Candid
Some couples prefer guided poses, while others prefer natural, spontaneous moments.
Best for couples who:
- Directive: Want confidence and polished shots in every frame
- Candid: Want organic, real-life moments captured naturally
- Many couples enjoy a mix of both approaches for a balanced collection
Wide Shots of the Scenery vs. Close-Ups
Colorado’s landscapes are breathtaking—from mountain peaks to city rooftops. Wide shots will tell the story of your day.
Best for couples who:
- Wide shots: Want dramatic backdrops and scenery featured
- Close-ups: Want intimate, emotion-focused images
- A balanced approach ensures your photos tell both your story and showcase your location
Finding Your Perfect Style
The best wedding and engagement photography style reflects your personalities and the vibe of your day and engagement shoot. Most couples find that a mix of styles—candid, editorial, scenic, and intimate—best captures the full story.
My approach is always tailored to each couple. Every session and wedding is different, so your photos will be unique—capturing your connection, your personalities, and your day in a way that looks as natural, joyful, and authentic as it felt.
Ready to start planning your wedding day or engagement session? Let’s dream up something unforgettable together. Inquire here to get started.
If you enjoyed this post on the different photography styles, here are some other posts I think you might enjoy!
How to be present on your wedding day
15 questions to ask your wedding photographer before you book
let's work together!
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