Decoding Wedding Photography Editing Styles
The wedding photography industry offers a vast array of editing styles, each with its own unique approach to post-processing. The style you choose for your big day will play a crucial role in determining the overall look and feel of your gallery. It's essential to choose a photographer whose editing style aligns with your desired aesthetic, venue, and overall vibe. In this post, we'll explore different editing styles to help you find the right photographer for you.
Different Wedding Editing Styles & What Makes Them Unique
*Please note that not all wedding photography styles fit neatly into these six categories! There are many photographers who expertly blend different style elements all at once. The provided examples are intended to simplify the basics for educational purposes.
Light and Airy:
This is a popular style that captures a bright and ethereal atmosphere with a soft and romantic feel. This style is often characterized by the use of natural light and pastel colors, creating a dreamy and delicate aesthetic. This style is perfect for couples who are planning an outdoor wedding or garden wedding. It complements the natural surroundings and captures the essence of the venue.
Warm and Bright:
If you're planning an outdoor wedding with lots of sunshine and warm colors, this editing style is a great choice to bring out the beauty and warmth of your special day. This style is perfect for outdoor weddings when the sun is shining bright. The colors are vibrant and pop, with a focus on creating a cozy, sunset effect that will effortlessly transport you back to that day. It is ideal for beach weddings, vineyard weddings, and any wedding with beautiful natural lighting.
Photo by: Nicole Catherine Photography
True to Color:
True to color is a timeless photography style that prioritizes accuracy and naturalness. With this style, the photographer aims to capture the beauty of the wedding venue and its surroundings as they appear in real life. The photos are neither too bright nor too dark, and they showcase the true colors of the wedding elements. This style is perfect for couples who want their wedding photos to stand the test of time and not be tied to fleeting trends. True to Color photography is often chosen for elegant and classic weddings because it brings out the sophistication and beauty of the wedding details in a natural and effortless way.
Photos by: Waller Wedding Photography
Warm and Moody:
This photography style is perfect for couples who want to add an intimate and dramatic touch to their wedding photos. It is a unique blend of warmth and drama that creates epic images with a rich, golden tone, often called “sepia” coloring. The warmth used in this style create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that can make you feel like you are right there in the moment.
Photo by: Jessica Woodard Photography
Cool and Moody:
Cool and moody is a sophisticated style of wedding photography that offers a contemporary and unique aesthetic. It's a perfect choice for couples who want a wedding that's modern and edgy. This style incorporates cooler hues to create a dramatic and mysterious feel. It can be especially effective in highlighting the intricate details of your wedding venue, such as the architecture and textures. This style of photography can also create a stunning contrast between the subject and the background. The cooler tones lend a more sophisticated and urban feel to the images, and the result is a set of wedding photos that are artistic and bold.
Dark and Moody:
A popular choice for couples who want to add an element of drama and intrigue to their wedding photos is dark and moody. This style is characterized by its use of darker hues and high contrast, creating a powerful and striking effect. The use of shadows and contrast creates depth and dimension, making the images appear almost three-dimensional. It's ideal for weddings where lighting can be controlled to create that perfect moody look. With this style, you'll get a set of images that are both bold and beautiful, capturing the essence of your special day in a way that's truly unforgettable.
Photo by: Shannon Cox Photography
Choosing the right wedding photographer is an essential part of your wedding planning process. By understanding the different editing styles available, you can select a photographer whose style aligns with your aesthetic, venue, and desired overall look. Take your time to research and find the photographer whose portfolio speaks to you. Remember, your wedding photos are an investment in memories that will last a lifetime – choose wisely!
