If you’ve landed here, you’re likely planning a wedding and trying to figure out what kind of photography speaks to you. You may have come across phrases like “editorial photography,” “documentary style,” or “timeless editing”—but what do those really mean? And more importantly, how do they translate into photos that feel like you?
As a wedding photographer who blends an editorial eye with a documentary approach, I want to break down exactly what that means and how it shapes the experience and final images I deliver to every couple.
Table of Contents
What is Editorial Wedding Photography?
Editorial photography draws inspiration from fashion magazines and storytelling-driven publications. Think Vogue Weddings, Harper’s Bazaar, or Kinfolk. The images are carefully composed, artful, and intentional—but they don’t feel stiff or overly posed.
In weddings, this translates to:
- Clean compositions and elegant framing
- Attention to lighting, texture, and negative space
- Thoughtful details and flatlays styled with care
- Portraits that feel powerful, romantic, or cinematic
An editorial approach means I’m not just documenting what happens—I’m composing each frame with artistic intention, whether it’s your getting-ready details or a quiet moment between the two of you before the ceremony.
What is Documentary Wedding Photography?
Documentary-style photography is grounded in real, unscripted moments. It means capturing what’s happening naturally, without interference. This approach is all about emotional honesty, presence, and storytelling.
When I’m photographing in a documentary style, I’m:
- Observing, not directing
- Letting moments unfold organically
- Looking for emotion, movement, and connection
- Capturing candid interactions and fleeting expressions
You won’t hear me say “look at the camera and smile.” Instead, I’ll gently guide you into an environment or rhythm that allows you to connect with each other, and then I step back and let the magic happen.
My Editing Style: Clean, Natural, and Film-Inspired
After your wedding day is over and the photos are selected, each image is edited with care and intention. My goal is to enhance, not transform. I want your photos to feel like an elevated version of reality—rich in color, balanced in tone, and timeless in finish.
Here’s what you can expect from my editing process:
- Color Grading: Inspired by film photography—soft highlights, deep shadows, and warm, true-to-life skin tones
- Natural Texture: I keep skin realistic—blemishes or distractions are removed, but I don’t overly smooth or manipulate
- Distraction Removal: Temporary distractions (bruises, blemishes, background clutter) are cleaned up so the focus stays on you
- Consistency: Your gallery will have a cohesive visual tone that reflects the mood and setting of your day
If you’re drawn to images that feel warm, honest, and artfully composed, this blend of editorial and documentary is likely what you’re looking for.
Why This Matters for Your Wedding Photos
Your wedding photos shouldn’t look like anyone else’s—and they shouldn’t feel trendy or overly edited five years from now. The way I approach your day is all about creating space for authenticity, while elevating each moment with an artistic eye.
That means:
- Your portraits will feel effortless, not forced
- Your gallery will include quiet in-between moments that transport you back
- The details—your florals, dress, paper goods, and space—will be documented with the same care as your vows
The result? A visual story that feels cinematic, timeless, and unmistakably you.
Want to See It in Action?
Here are a few galleries that show this approach in real life:
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who knows how to document real moments with editorial polish and emotional depth, I’d love to connect.
Reach out here to start the conversation.
