Editorial vs. Documentary Wedding Photography: Which is Right for You

Both documentary wedding photography and editorial wedding photography have been two very hot terms in the wedding industry as of late. While these two styles have been popping off, couples who are just entering the planning stages of their wedding may have a hard time differentiating between the two. Even if you know the difference, you may not know which to choose for your wedding. This article should clear that up, as well as cover my specific approach when it comes to photography!

Photo of a bride being hugged by the groom in a room near a window, motion in the photo showcases documentary style photography

What is Documentary Style Wedding Photography?

The technical definition for documentary style wedding photography is a style of photography in which a photographer does not influence any aspect of what is happening within the photo. Realistically most wedding photographers employ some form of documentary style photos in their approach, as there are many moments in a wedding day that you want to allow to happen naturally. The amount that a certain photographer does this is where things start to vary a bit.

A young boy sits on a chair looking at a bouquet of flowers during an outdoor wedding ceremony
A bride kisses her mother on the head as she smiles while holding her flower bouquet as they take portraits outdoors

What Would This Look Like on a Wedding Day?

If you were to book a photographer that exclusively uses a documentary style for their wedding photography you would end up with an experience without prompts, one where the photographer basically acts as a fly on the wall for your entire wedding day. The story of your wedding day may also be told with “messier” photos that may not look as traditional as the photos you grew up looking at. 

With a wedding photographer who only uses documentary style photography there aren’t any prompted portraits. Instead, they might have you do an activity with your partner where you can just exist together, and the actions you naturally take during that time are what they document in place of portraits. When it comes to documenting photos with specific family members or guests as well, you’ll want to plan activities into your day that you can do with those people so that you can ensure your photographer can document you interacting with them. 

Editorial style photo of a bride's wedding veil handing between trees outdoors
A bride and groom kiss one another during their outdoor wedding ceremony

What is Editorial Style Wedding Photography?

Editorial style photography is not too far off from documentary style photography as far as telling the story of the day, but there is a touch more artistry to the photography. Editorial is known for having a luxurious feel to it, showcasing the craft and thought that went into creating the day. In an editorial style wedding album you’ll see a focus on documenting the details that make up the wedding day, and intentional, thoughtful posing that feels effortless.

A bride smiles at the camera while flipping her hair as she walks in a park, behind her is Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline
A bride holds her white flower bouquet and adjusts her hair as she walks along the Riverwalk in Chicago

What Would This Look Like on a Wedding Day?

Editorial wedding photography still gives couples a way to authentically enjoy their wedding, but there is a considerable amount of prompting and guidance that goes into a photo. A wedding photographer with an editorial style will take portrait photos for example, but in a way that feels more intentional and artistic than the more traditional wedding portraits you’ll see in your parents’ wedding album.

It’s important to note that a moment can be staged without being produced. You can still be very present in a moment that like this, and you can still enjoy your experience with your partner when receiving direction. For some, having direction and guidance in photos may even make your day more fun and help you to be more present, or take some of the pressure off you. More often than not, when you see a photo from a real wedding or styled shoot on your Instagram or Pinterest feed, there was some prompting that went into that moment. It could be as simple as the direction the person is facing to adjust the light source for the image, or even just telling the couple to take a single step to the left. 

Documentary photo of a bride and groom walking with their wedding party members across a street in Chicago
Black and white photo of a bride and groom holding hands as they cross a crosswalk together in Chicago

Should You Choose Documentary or Editorial Style Wedding Photography?

Why not both! Unless you have a very specific vision that you want for your wedding album, booking a photographer that can incorporate both documentary and editorial style photography into your wedding day is the dream scenario in my opinion. MANY of the best and most skilled photographers can do both extremely well, and know how to read the room in order to document your day in a way that really is authentic to how it happened. Both of these styles are able to coexist beautifully and artistically to create a well rounded album.

Editorial style photo of wedding rings sitting on a fabric surface as a wedding day detail photo
Editorial style detail photography of a wedding invite with rings, earrings, and flowers next to it as a flat lay

What Wedding Photography Style Does JNA Visuals Use?

This should come as no surprise now that I love to employ a bit of both documentary and editorial style photos into my couples wedding day! As a photographer, I listen to what’s most important to you on your wedding day and the moments you’re looking forward to experiencing the most. I want to give you space to be you, to enjoy yourselves, and this magical day you’ve worked so hard to create together. At the same time, I want you to have the photos from the day that you want. I work with you to understand your vision and what you want out of your wedding day. When I am documenting the details of your wedding I know exactly what you’re after, what’s important to you, and the way you want to feel when you look back at your images.

More than anything I want you to enjoy your wedding day to the fullest. I want to give you space to take in every moment as it happens. I also want to be there to guide you when you’re not sure where to put your hands during portrait photos! It’s this balance that lets me document your wedding album in a way that is beautifully authentic, a combination of documentary and editorial style wedding photography!

For a closer look at my photography style be sure to check out some of my work over on the blog, as well as additional wedding planning resources! For anyone that’s ready to book me as their wedding photographer you can send me an inquiry through my contact page. I’d love to hear from you, get to know you and your love story, and photograph your wedding in a way that’s true to you and your vision!

A bride leans on a railing of a boat on Lake Michigan as the sun sets behind her on the city
A bride smiles as she faces away from the camera while in her getting ready space
Documentary style photo of a bride dancing with guests of her indoor wedding reception in Chicago
A bride looks over her shoulder as her bridesmaid and mother help to zip up the back of her dress
Black and white photo of a man in a suit and tie tearing up and wiping the tear away
A bride rests her head on the groom's shoulder as the two look out over a field towards the sunset away from the camera
Black and white photo of a bride smiling while holding the grooms hand, behind them is a large fountain

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About Jayde 

Docu-torial Photographer

I'm a Chicago wedding photographer with a passion for people, candid moments, authenticity, and golden hour. I document weddings with a ferocity for the real moments that matter on a wedding day: the moments you lived with the people you love. With 200+ weddings under my belt, I use my expertise to guide my clients to feel comfortable and confident so their images feel like them. 

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If you've been dreaming of a wedding photo album full of chic jaw-droppers, candid moments that make you feel, and images that look exactly how your day felt, then we are aligned and a perfect fit already. Let's connect and chat about how the JNA Visuals experience is perfect for you and your partner! 

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