Traditional vs. Editorial Wedding Photography: Choosing Your Style
December 4, 2024
When planning your wedding, it’s often the case that you book your wedding venue first and then you look for your wedding photographer. You see, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing not only a photographer but a photography style that resonates with you. Photography styles vary hugely and significantly impact how your special day is captured and remembered. Two popular approaches, editorial and traditional wedding photography, cater to different tastes and priorities. This guide will answer the question “Traditional vs. Editorial Wedding Photography: Choosing Your Style”
What is Editorial Wedding Photography?
Editorial wedding photography blends the stylishness of fashion photography with the candid charm that you find at heartfelt weddings, if your photographer has the eye for it. This style delivers photographs you could see in a magazine, both with portrait crops and aesthetic editing, while staying true to the emotions and beauty of the day. It’s soulful, modern, and artistic, showcasing not just the event but its unique details, style, and heart. Editorial wedding photography highlights chic portraits, creative lighting, and real moments. The result? Sophisticated, unforgettable photos that capture the spirit and elegance of your wedding.
Key Features of Editorial Style
- Creative Portraits: Some editorial photographers will include intricate posing to get the look they want: I give guidance where necessary but most of the time give you and your partner things to talk about or places to explore. Then I’m able to capture the authentic things you do that convey emotion and connection while resembling a high-end photoshoot. Consider Editorial Wedding Photoshoot Locations for your wedding.
- Stylised Details: Real thought and care has been put into the setting, lighting, and small details, creating something beautiful on your wedding day. I love capturing these things as I know they mean a lot to those who have crafted them.
- Magazine-Worthy Aesthetic: My goal is to craft images that look beautiful but are authentic and reflect who you really are. Editorial style can do that, however some will focus on making you appear polished and cinematic, which I think can sometimes steal the life out of who the people really are.
This style is ideal for couples who value artistry and don’t mind a bit of direction if needed to create luxury imagery. When choosing an editorial wedding photographer, consider how involved you want to be in the process—some might love feeling like a model on a high-fashion shoot, while others may prefer a more subtle approach (that’s me!) that lets them savour intimate moments with their partner while the photographer captures stylish, authentic imagery. Check out this article for Editorial Wedding Photography’s Key Features & Examples.
Why Choose Editorial?
- You look forward to the idea of stylish, authentic portraits of you and your love.
- You prioritise aesthetics and want photographs that are soulful and fashionable
- Your wedding theme is stylised and you want to showcase it in between authentic moments
Example: Instead of a “look at me and smile” portrait, a bride could be stood in a beautifully lit area feeling her dress and looking over at her husband out of shot.
What is Traditional Wedding Photography?
I wouldn’t say I am a traditional wedding photographer, but I am a luxury wedding photographer with an editorial documentary approach. Traditional wedding photography is different in that it captures the essence of weddings in a classic, straightforward way. It focuses mostly on posed portraits and group shots, ensuring all the key moments and family dynamics are documented clearly and cohesively. There is less focus on creativity and could even include vast shot lists for the photographer.
Key Features of Traditional Style
- Formal Portraits: Group photos with family and friends are taken with attention to detail, ensuring everyone is included and looks their best. These can often take over an hour.
- Classic Composition: Photographs are clinical, emphasising clarity over artistic experimentation.
- Chronological Storytelling: The day is captured in a structured manner, covering the ceremony, key events, and formal poses.
This style appeals to couples who want what-it-says-on-the-tin classic wedding images that are simple but good quality.
Why Choose Traditional?
- You want a comprehensive gallery of posed family portraits and of everybody at their tables.
- You value simplicity and prefer a less creative approach to photography.
- You’re looking for standard, no-frills documentation of your wedding day.
Example: A family portrait at the wedding, with everyone standing together, smiling brightly for the camera. Look at the contrasting style between this and the photograph of the bride and bridesmaids
I think it’s key to take a handful of group photographs – it’s not often that all of your family and friends are in one place. However, I detest lengthy group shots and it kills the mood of a wedding day. My suggestion is a maximum of 6, and then I strongly recommend getting time to chat to the people at your wedding that mean lots to you.
Editorial vs. Traditional: Choosing Your Style & Key Differences
So, Traditional vs. Editorial Wedding Photography: Choosing Your Style – let’s compare the two:
| Aspect | Editorial | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Stylised, artistic, and creative, friendly | Structured, straightforward, minimal personality |
| Posing | Gentle direction, with attention to detail & fashionable cropping | Formal and predictable, involves a list |
| Focus | Aesthetics, mood, and personality | Documentation of people and events |
| Lighting | Dynamic and dramatic (natural or artificial) | Balanced and evenly lit |
| Suitability | Couples prioritising artistry and luxury & unique character | Couples valuing timelessness and tradition |
How to Choose the Right Style for You
1. Consider Your Wedding Photography Preferences
Look at photographer’s portfolios and save images that appeal to you. Do you gravitate toward polished, dramatic shots, or are you mostly interested in formal group photos?
2. Think About Your Venue
An editorial style works beautifully in distinctive venues like historic estates, modern architectural spaces, or outdoor settings with lush landscapes. Traditional photography can complement more classic venues banquet halls or town halls.
3. Plan Your Timeline
Editorial photography may require a chunk of time for styled portraits whereas traditional photography will need a much longer section for group shots.
4. Discuss with Your Photographer
A professional photographer will often incorporate elements of both styles. Communicate your preferences so they can see how they can tailor their approach to suit your needs.
Blending the Two Styles
Many photographers today offer a hybrid approach, seamlessly integrating the storytelling aspects of traditional photography with the stylised creativity of editorial. For instance, I blend editorial and documentary in the context of luxury weddings. Others might capture classic numerous group portraits before transitioning into fun candid shots during key moments.
Conclusion
Traditional vs. Editorial Wedding Photography: Choosing Your Style, it really depends on your personality, wedding vision, and priorities. Editorial offers high-fashion drama and elegance, perfect for couples seeking unique, artistic imagery. Traditional, on the other hand, provides reliable predictable photographs, ideal for those who cherish classic family portraits.
Ultimately, the right choice is one that resonates with your style as a couple who is completely unique and reflects the essence of your special day. Explore portfolios, trust your instincts, and collaborate with your photographer to create a gallery that will bring joy for generations to come.
Lastly, I think the most important factor in choosing your wedding photographer is about who the person behind the camera is. Whether you choose an editorial or traditional style, feeling comfortable with your photographer is key to having a great experience. When you trust them and have got to know them, you’re more likely to relax and enjoy the process, which ultimately leads to better photos.
A skilled photographer and a people person knows how to make you feel at ease, whether you’re after chic editorial shots or laughing out loud together. A good connection allows your true emotions to shine, ensuring your photos reflect your love and your wedding day – and THAT is what I’m all about.
Get in contact if that resonates with you!
For more inspiration and examples, visit Tom Keenan Photography’s editorial wedding portfolio.
