Finding a wedding photographer who truly matches your aesthetic, vision, and personality is such an important part of planning your big day! After all, this is the person who will be by your side through every magical moment, so you want to make sure it is the right fit for you.
Richmond is home to many talented, artsy professionals who know how to capture love in the most beautiful ways. One of the first steps? Do some research. Start by narrowing down photographers who fit within your budget, then explore their portfolios to see if their style resonates with you. Most photographers have websites or social media pages, which makes it easy to scroll through their previous work.
Choosing your style helps you narrow down who to reach out to and whose editing and approach align with your ideal wedding gallery. Below is an overview of the most popular wedding photography styles to consider.
Traditional
If you love timeless, posed photos, this is likely your style. Traditional photographers focus on the classic shots, such as walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, family portraits, and all the formal moments. Their work is consistent and elegant, perfect if you are dreaming of a wedding album similar to your parents or grandparents.
Photojournalistic / Documentary
Love candids? This one is for you. Documentary-style photographers are more like observers, capturing real, unscripted moments as they naturally unfold. All the happy tears, hugs, and spontaneous dance floor moves are turned into the most precious galleries. This style is all about authenticity and capturing the moment.
Editorial / Fashion-Inspired
This one is bold, dramatic, and glamorous. Editorial photography draws inspiration from fashion magazines and styled shoots. Expect powerful poses, creative lighting, and a modern, high-fashion feel to your photos.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle photography is a mix of candid and posed. The photographer may guide you with gentle prompts (“walk hand in hand and laugh at each other”), creating photos that look natural while still feeling polished. It is perfect for couples who want genuine emotion without being left to figure it out on their own.
Light and Airy
Soft, romantic, and filled with natural light. This style uses bright tones and pastel colors to create a fresh, elegant look. Ideal for outdoor weddings, spring/summer events, or couples who love a clean aesthetic.
Dark and Moody
For couples who want something a little more edgy and emotional. This style uses deep tones, natural shadows, and rich contrast to create cinematic images. It pairs beautifully with fall or winter weddings and intimate venues.
Fine Art
Fine art photographers focus on intentional composition, soft light, and dreamy edits. These photos often have an ethereal, romantic feel, and many photographers use actual film or film-inspired editing to create stunning images.
Vintage / Film-Inspired
This style gives off serious nostalgic vibes. Think warm tones, grainy textures, and retro film aesthetics. Some photographers even shoot on old-school film cameras to fully embrace that throwback look. Perfect for couples who love a retro, timeless feel.
True-to-Color / Natural
This style keeps colors close to how they appeared in real life. Edits are clean, balanced, and classic — not too light, not too moody. It is perfect for couples who want a look that will age well over time.
Artistic / Alternative
Experimental and creative, this style may include blurred motion, double exposures, dramatic flash, or unexpected compositions. Often mixed in with other approaches, it adds an extra layer of personality and edge to your wedding gallery.
Before locking in your photographer, consider scheduling an engagement shoot or bridal portrait session. It is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and see if their vibe, direction, and editing truly match what you are looking for.
If you are still deciding, spend some time scrolling through Pinterest or wedding blogs. Save the images that stand out to you, and over time, you will start to notice a pattern. Those recurring styles? That is the look you are going for! Keep in mind your venue and color palette so you can compare more accurately.
Most importantly, meet with your potential photographer. Talk through your vision, ask to see full wedding galleries (not just Instagram highlights), and make sure you click both creatively and personally.
Before locking in your photographer, consider scheduling an engagement shoot or bridal portrait session. It is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and see if their vibe, direction, and editing truly match what you are looking for.
If you are still deciding, spend some time scrolling through Pinterest or wedding blogs. Save the images that stand out to you, and over time, you will start to notice a pattern. Those recurring styles? That is the look you are going for! Keep in mind your venue and color palette so you can compare more accurately.
Most importantly, meet with your potential photographer. Talk through your vision, ask to see full wedding galleries (not just Instagram highlights), and make sure you click both creatively and personally.
No matter which style or photographer you choose, the most important thing is feeling confident and comfortable. The right photographer will capture your story in a way that feels true to you, and help you feel completely at ease on one of the most meaningful days of your life.