When it comes to planning your special day, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right wedding photography style to tell your story. With so many options — from candid documentary shots to timeless fine art portraits — how do you know which will truly capture the magic of your Wedding Day?
To help couples navigate the world of wedding photography, Suffolk Registrars sat down with local wedding photographer Tracey Davies, who shared her insight into the different styles, their unique qualities, and how to find the perfect match for you and your partner.
In this guide, Tracey explains the artistry behind approaches such as documentary, editorial, fine art, cinematic and more, so you can feel confident your wedding photographs will be a beautiful reflection of your celebration.
Documentary Wedding Photography – Capturing the Real Story
Also known as reportage / photojournalism, this style captures real, raw emotion of your day as it naturally unfolds. Predominately in-the-moment, candid photography.
The spectrum is the widest in this category. Pure photo-journalist wedding photographers will not intrude on the day and just capture what is directly in front of them. Some not even moving a traffic cone or orange bag if it is in the way - it was there - part of the true story of your day.
It is not fly on the wall as you think, to be able to get the raw, real, genuine emotion - documentary photographers get close to the people and action so they can capture how it really felt.
This is a skill, and those that have it make the best 'fearless photographers' out there. They are so comfortable at being in that space, you do not even notice they are there, they have the courage to get right amongst it all and dare to get those 'wow' moments.
On the other end of the spectrum of documentary / reportage style you have visual storytellers - who will offer couple portraits, group photographs, move traffic cones out of the way and give gentle direction where needed. They too are fearless, amongst it, in the heart of it, to tell the narrative of your day; the emotion, atmosphere, the joy.
Editorial Wedding Photography – Modern, Stylish, Magazine‑Worthy
If you are into fashion, are inspired by the latest wedding and photography trends, such as the blur and the tilt, like the look of direct flash - an editorial wedding photographer may be what you are looking for.
This is the most current wedding photography for modern romantics, creative and sleek. Photographers will give direction and use their creative artistry to find best locations for these moments to be captured.
Editorial wedding photography takes inspiration from high-fashion magazines and artful storytelling to create striking, polished images. This style focuses on dramatic poses, impeccable styling, and bold compositions that showcase the couple and details with elegance and flair.
Ideal for couples who want their wedding photos to look glamorous, sophisticated, and artfully curated — like a beautiful feature story in a top magazine.
Docu‑Editorial Photography – The Best of Both Worlds
Blending documentary and editorial photography, Docu-Editorial wedding photography blends the candid, authentic storytelling of documentary photography with the refined, styled approach of editorial fashion shoots. This style captures genuine moments as they happen, while incorporating thoughtfully posed and artfully directed images that look polished and magazine-worthy.
Perfect for couples who want a natural yet sophisticated look, docu-editorial photography offers a balance of emotion, storytelling, and high-end artistry — delivering a wedding gallery that is both real and exquisitely styled.
Fine Art Wedding Photography – Elegant and Romantic Imagery
Elegant and romantic, with artistic compositions and beautiful imagery - image’s like paintings. Considered and thought through. Would give direction on the day for the best of natural light and most elegant of composition’s. Often a refined, light and airy, soft colour palette. Dreamy and captivating. Often capturing all of the timeless, classic, celebratory wedding imagery.
Docu‑Art Photography – Authentic Moments with Artistic Flair
A fuse of the documentary, candid style with an artistic eye for composition and the best of light.
Unique style, not as common in the industry, giving you art like photography as well as authentic emotion. This style combines the authenticity of documentary storytelling with the creativity of fine art. This style captures genuine moments as they unfold naturally, while using artistic composition, light, and detail to elevate each image into a visually stunning work of art.
Perfect for couples who want their wedding day documented honestly but with an elegant, creative touch — resulting in photos that are both heartfelt and beautifully crafted.
Cinematic Wedding Photography – Dramatic, Story‑Driven Visuals
Dramatic and moody. Creative and artsy. Cinematic wedding photography captures your day with dramatic artistry and emotional depth, transforming moments into striking visual stories. This style emphasises bold compositions, rich colours, and carefully crafted lighting to create images that feel timeless and powerful — like scenes from a beautifully directed film.
Perfect for couples who want their wedding photos to be both expressive and unforgettable, cinematic photography highlights the grandeur and emotion of your day with an artistic, story-driven approach.
Traditional & Classic Wedding Photography – Timeless Memories
Cherished for generations and generations, traditional wedding photography focuses on timeless, classic images that capture the essential moments of your day with elegance and grace. This style emphasises posed portraits, formal group shots, and well-composed scenes that honour the ceremony’s rituals and family connections.
Ideal for couples who want a refined, classic collection of images that will look beautiful for generations to come, traditional photography preserves the cherished memories and important details with clarity and respect.
Tracey's own style fuses her fine art eye with her documentary spirit and editorial inspirations:
I call myself a storytelling wedding photographer as it's the couple's love story and journey I care deeply about. I care about all of the generations that will look at the images in years to come, as well as the couple reliving their day every time they look through their gallery.
Choosing the right wedding photography style is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your Suffolk celebration.
Whether you’re drawn to the candid charm of documentary, the elegance of fine art, or the striking flair of editorial, working with a photographer who understands your vision will ensure your wedding is captured with timeless beauty.
Read on:
🔹 For couples ready to find their perfect match, the
Photographers & Videographers section of the Suffolk Registrars' Wedding Supplier Directory
is a great place to explore trusted local talent.
🔹Festival wedding inspiration - Live music, smooth flow, and creative extras for an unforgettable Suffolk celebration.
🔹Bridgerton-inspired Romance: Whimsical period‑style touches to sweep your guests off their feet.
🔹 Chic Register Office Weddings - elegant venues and bespoke details for a stylish, intimate day.
🔹Kids at Weddings - Fun, thoughtful ways to keep little guests happy from start to finish.
🔹Enchanted Winter Elopements - Cosy, magical ideas for cold‑season “I dos.”
✨ Explore trusted local talent in the
Suffolk Registrars' Wedding Supplier Directory
- florists, wedding planners, caterers, and more
📞 Ready to chat through your ideas?
Contact our ceremony team today and take the first step toward your perfect Suffolk wedding.