Dark & Moody vs Light & Airy

You’ll often hear these two terms used as opposites:

  • Dark & Moody: Rich, deep tones, high contrast, and a cinematic feel. This style can feel romantic and atmospheric, often highlighting dramatic light and shadow.

  • Light & Airy: Bright, pastel tones, with a soft and dreamy quality. This style often gives a fresh, elegant feel to wedding photos, with plenty of natural light and gentle colours.

Neither is “better” than the other — it’s about which look resonates with you and reflects the atmosphere you want to remember.

Documentary (or Photojournalistic)

A documentary approach means your photographer will focus on candid, real moments as they unfold naturally. Rather than posing you constantly, they’ll capture laughter, tears, hugs, and all those in-between moments that truly tell the story of your day.

It’s ideal if you want your gallery to feel authentic, raw, and filled with emotion.

Fine Art

Fine art wedding photography blends editorial elegance with creative composition. Think carefully curated portraits, soft colour palettes, and a polished, timeless look. Photographers in this style often pay attention to symmetry, details, and artistic framing.

It’s perfect if you’re drawn to photos that could easily sit in a magazine or frame on your wall as a piece of art.

Editorial

Editorial photography has its roots in fashion photography. It’s stylish, dramatic, and often directed more carefully by the photographer. Expect striking poses, bold framing, and a touch of high-fashion flair.

Couples who love a bit of drama and sophistication often find this approach irresistible.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle wedding photography is a blend of documentary and lightly posed imagery. You’ll be gently guided into flattering, natural positions while still keeping the mood relaxed and authentic.

It’s a great middle ground if you want a balance between candid storytelling and a little polish.

So… Which Style Should You Choose?

With so many options, it’s easy to get lost in the labels. But here’s the truth:

The best style is the one that feels right for you.

When you’re scrolling through a photographer’s portfolio, ask yourself:

  • Can I see us in these photos?

  • Does this style make me feel something?

  • Do these images reflect the atmosphere we want on our wedding day?

At the end of the day, the connection you feel with a photographer’s work — and with the photographer themselves — is what matters most.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to the moody romance of cinematic tones, the softness of light and airy imagery, or the candid charm of documentary photography, your photos should feel like you.

As a wedding photographer covering Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, my style is warm, soft, and cinematic — a mix of storytelling and artistry. But more than anything, my aim is to capture your wedding day in a way that feels true to you, so that when you look back, you’ll remember not just how it looked, but how it felt.

If you’d like to chat about your own wedding photography and see if my style is the right fit, I’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch here.