What Wedding Photography Style Fits You Best? Take This 5-Minute Test
When you start looking for a photographer, you’ll see words like documentary, candid, editorial, fine-art, and think:
“Cool... but what does that actually mean for us?”
Your choice isn’t just about how your photos look.
It’s about how your wedding day will feel.
Because your photographer’s approach changes everything — the pace, the energy, even how much you actually get to enjoy your day.
So let’s make it simple.
We built this little test to help you figure out what fits your story.
How it works
Read the questions below.
Write your answers somewhere — something like (aabbaa) or (bbabab).
At the end, you’ll see what your answers mean.
1. The morning of your wedding
Would you rather…
A. Have quiet time with your closest people, no rush, no camera in your face.
B. Have your photographer help guide where to stand, what to do, and capture the aesthetic beautifully.
2. During the getting-ready part
Do you want…
A. The chaos, the laughter, the real energy captured as it happens.
B. A calm, styled setup — the dress hanging perfectly, clean light, details photographed beautifully.
3. When you see each other for the first time
Do you want…
A. To just let it happen naturally, no direction, no repeats.
B. To have it placed somewhere beautiful, with light and composition that feel cinematic.
4. During couple portraits
Would you prefer…
A. Minimal guidance — just being together while the photographer observes.
B. Gentle direction to help you move and look your best in a few stunning, editorial frames.
5. When things go “off plan”
If the weather changes or the dress gets dirty, do you…
A. Laugh it off — it’s part of the story.
B. Prefer to keep things under control and looking clean.
6. During dinner or speeches
Do you want your photographer to…
A. Stay in the background, capturing reactions, emotions, small details.
B. Step in for a few planned photos
7. On the dance floor
Would you rather…
A. Have the photographer right in the middle of the action, catching the chaos and fun.
B. Step aside for a few artistic, motion-filled shots that look like a movie scene.
8. When you think of your gallery later
Do you want to feel like…
A. You’re reliving every moment exactly as it happened.
B. You’re flipping through a visual story that looks refined and beautifully curated.
9. How do you feel about direction and posing?
A. I get awkward if there’s too much direction — I’d rather just move naturally.
B. I actually like being guided a bit — it helps me feel confident and relaxed.
10. What do you want your photographer to focus on most?
A. The emotions, reactions, and connections between people.
B. The composition, light, and design of the whole day.
Now look at your answers.
Write them down — are they mostly A’s, mostly B’s, or a mix of both?
Here’s what that says about you (and what that really means for your day).
Mostly A’s — Documentary / Candid Style
You care about how it feels, not how it looks.
You want to live your day, not perform it.
In reality:
You’ll get minimal guidance — your photographer quietly follows the story as it happens.
Your photos will be emotional, spontaneous, and full of personality.
You’ll remember the feeling of the day, not the poses.
Why it matters:
If you hate being directed or don’t want your wedding to feel like a photo shoot, this style will keep things real.
You’ll forget the camera’s there — and that’s when the best photos happen.
Mostly B’s — Editorial Style
You love elegance, art, and intention.
You appreciate beauty in structure — how light falls, how everything connects visually.
In reality:
Your photographer will guide you through parts of the day to make things look cinematic and refined. (more like an art director/art coordonator)
You’ll still have natural emotion, but with more direction and visual control.
It’s perfect if you care deeply about the aesthetic — the dress, the flowers, the setting.
Why it matters:
An editorial approach gives you timeless, graceful images.
But it also means you’ll spend a bit more time being staged — intentional.
Mix of A’s and B’s — The Sweet Spot
This is where most couples end up — and it’s honestly the best of both worlds.
In reality:
The day flows naturally, documentary-style — you live it, we capture it.
During your private shoot, we slow down, guide you lightly, and create something more editorial — cinematic, calm, beautiful.
You get the emotion and the art.
Real life, but elevated.
Why it matters:
You don’t have to choose one box.
You can have both — photos that feel alive and look incredible.
That’s where the storytelling meets the artistry.
Why it’s important to know this before booking
Because this isn’t about trends — it’s about fit.
Choosing a photographer with the wrong style for you can make your day feel off.
If you hate being posed, an editorial-heavy photographer will drain you.
If you love structure, a documentary one might feel too hands-off.
Knowing your answers helps you find the right person for your energy — someone who lets you actually enjoy your day, while giving you the kind of memories that matter most to you.
