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!

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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!