When choosing a Scotland wedding photographer, many couples don’t realise just how many different styles of wedding photography exist. From traditional and fine art to documentary and editorial, the approach your photographer takes will shape how your wedding day is captured and remembered for years to come.
As a documentary wedding photographer in Scotland, I specialise in blending candid storytelling with high-end editorial imagery. This fusion creates wedding photos that feel natural, emotional, and full of life, while also delivering wow-factor, polished portraits. Before diving into why this combination works so well, let’s explore the main styles of wedding photography and what they each bring to the table.
The different types of wedding photography
1. Traditional Wedding Photography
This is the style most people think of when they hear “wedding photography.” It involves carefully posed shots of the couple, bridal party, and family members. Traditional wedding photography is about timeless, structured portraits that follow a classic composition. While it ensures key moments are captured (such as the first kiss, cake cutting, and family portraits), it can sometimes feel a little rigid or outdated.
Pros: Classic, formal, and ensures all must-have moments are captured.
Cons: Can feel stiff or overly posed if not done well.
2. Photojournalistic / Documentary Wedding Photography
Documentary wedding photography is all about storytelling. Instead of staged shots, the photographer captures the wedding as it unfolds naturally. Think of it like a behind-the-scenes view of your day—raw emotions, spontaneous moments, and all the little details you might not even notice happening. Documentary wedding photography is perfect for couples who want an authentic and natural feel to their wedding album.
Pros: Candid, real, and full of emotion.
Cons: No control over lighting or composition, which can sometimes mean less polished images.
3. Fine Art Wedding Photography
Fine art wedding photography is all about creativity and aesthetics. Photographers who specialise in this style use light, composition, and artistic direction to create stunning, dreamlike images. The final product often has an ethereal, high-end feel that looks like it belongs in a luxury bridal magazine.
Pros: Beautiful, artistic, and visually stunning.
Cons: Requires more posing and direction, which may feel unnatural for some couples.
4. Moody & Dark Wedding Photography
This style has gained popularity in recent years, often featuring deep shadows, rich contrast, and an almost cinematic feel. It’s ideal for couples who love a dramatic and edgy aesthetic. While it can create incredibly striking images, it might not be the best fit for those who prefer light, airy, or classic wedding photography.
Pros: Unique, emotive, and artistic.
Cons: Can sometimes feel overly stylized or dark depending on the editing.
5. Editorial Wedding Photography
Inspired by fashion photography, editorial wedding photography is all about creating high-impact, sophisticated images. This style focuses on impeccable composition, elegant poses, and an emphasis on storytelling through refined, magazine-worthy shots. It’s often associated with luxury weddings and works beautifully for couples who want their wedding album to have a chic, high-end feel.
Pros: High fashion, polished, and stylish.
Cons: Requires direction and posing, which can sometimes feel less natural.
Why the Candid + Editorial Approach is the Best of Both Worlds
Each of these styles has something special to offer, but my approach combines the best of two: candid storytelling and editorial elegance. Here’s why this blend works so well:
