Guide to Editorial and Documentary Style Wedding Photography

In this guide to editorial and documentary style wedding photography, you will learn:

• The key differences between editorial and documentary style wedding photography
• Advanced techniques to master each style
• The latest industry trends shaping wedding photography
• Essential gear and lenses to elevate your craft
• How to refine your approach for a signature style

As a professional wedding photographer, your work goes beyond taking pictures. It’s about crafting a compelling visual narrative. Whether your goal is to curate striking, high-fashion editorial images or capture raw, authentic moments in a documentary style, understanding these two distinct approaches is essential.

Our 4-part guide serves as a comprehensive resource to help you refine your techniques, explore emerging trends, and choose the best gear, especially Tamron’s top lenses, to elevate your wedding photos.

Introduction to Editorial and Documentary Style Wedding Photography

Editorial Wedding Photography

Inspired by high-fashion magazines, editorial photography is characterized by its curated, posed shots. This approach often involves planned compositions, artistic direction, and dramatic lighting to create a cinematic, luxurious feel. It’s best suited for couples who want to feel like models in a sophisticated, stylized wedding album.

Documentary Wedding Photography

In contrast, documentary wedding photography (also known as photojournalistic wedding photography) focuses on capturing unposed, candid moments. The photographer takes a hands-off approach, allowing events to unfold naturally. This style aims to capture genuine emotions, interactions, and the real essence of the day without interference.

See links to each part of the Ultimate Guide to Editorial and Documentary Style Wedding Photography below.

Part 1: Key Differences Between Editorial and Documentary Wedding Photography

Editorial Style:

• Carefully posed and directed shots
• Fashion-forward compositions
• Dramatic lighting techniques
• Focus on aesthetics and styling
• Strong emphasis on storytelling through artistic vision

Documentary Style:

• Candid, real-time captures
• Natural lighting and minimal interference
• Unscripted emotions and interactions
• Storytelling through genuine moments
• Less emphasis on perfection and more on authenticity

For a deeper dive, read our post: Key Differences Between Documentary and Editorial Style Wedding Photography

Part 2. Tips for Mastering Documentary Wedding Photography

Documentary wedding photography requires a keen eye for storytelling and an ability to anticipate meaningful moments. Here are some key tips:

• Blend into the background: Act as an observer rather than a director.
• Be patient and ready: Emotional moments happen in an instant; be prepared to capture them.
• Use natural light wisely: Avoid using flash whenever possible to maintain an organic feel.
• Choose the right lens: A fast prime lens like the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 allows for beautiful depth and flexibility.
• Focus on expressions and connections: Capture the subtle glances, laughter, and tears that tell the real story.

Check out our dedicated post: Documentary Style Wedding Photography Tips

Part 3. Tips for Mastering Editorial Wedding Photography

Creating stunning editorial-style wedding images involves more than just posing; it requires artistic vision and precision. Here’s how to achieve it:

• Plan ahead: Scout locations and determine ideal lighting conditions before the wedding day.
• Direct with confidence: Provide clear instructions to the couple for natural-looking poses.
• Use dramatic lighting: Incorporate off-camera flash and reflectors for controlled light.
• Frame with intention: Pay attention to composition, symmetry, and negative space.
• Incorporate fashion elements: Encourage elegant wardrobe choices that complement the theme.

For more, read our full guide: Editorial Style Wedding Photography Tips

Part 4. Top Trends in Editorial and Documentary Wedding Photography

Wedding photography is constantly evolving, and new trends continue to shape how couples want their special day captured. Some of the latest trends include:

• Cinematic Storytelling: Combining both styles to create a dynamic wedding album.
• Black & White Documentary Shots: Enhancing emotion with a timeless feel.
• Editorial-Inspired Bridal Portraits: High-end magazine-style solo shots.
• Motion Blur and Slow Shutter Effects: Adding an artistic touch to storytelling.
• Drone Photography: Aerial shots to capture grand perspectives.

Explore more trends in our post: Top Trends in Documentary and Editorial Style Wedding Photography

Essential Gear for Editorial and Documentary Wedding Photography

Choosing the right gear is crucial for mastering these wedding photography styles. Here’s a look at Tamron’s top lenses for wedding photography:

Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2

• Versatile zoom range perfect for both styles
• Fast aperture for low-light conditions
• Lightweight and travel-friendly
• For Sony E and Nikon Z full-frame mirrorless cameras

Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD

• The ultimate wedding lens for both styles
• Wide-to-telephoto range for all situations from posed to dance floor images
• Stunning bokeh and subject separation
• For Sony E and Nikon Z full-frame mirrorless cameras

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

• Ideal for capturing intimate moments from a distance
• Great for portraits with beautiful background compression
• Excellent sharpness and autofocus
• For Sony E full-frame mirrorless cameras

Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD

• Perfect for dramatic wide-angle shots
• Great for capturing venue and environmental details
• Lightweight and compact for ease of use
• For Sony E full-frame mirrorless cameras

Tamron’s lenses provide flexibility and quality for wedding photographers who want to excel in either editorial or documentary photography styles.

Final Thoughts on Our Guide to Editorial and Documentary Style Wedding Photography

Whether you prefer the refined elegance of magazine worthy editorial wedding photography or the raw authenticity of documentary storytelling, the choice ultimately depends on your personal vision and desired aesthetic.

By understanding the differences between these styles, refining your techniques, and using the right gear, you can create stunning wedding albums that beautifully capture the couple’s wedding story.

For more in-depth discussions, be sure to check out our posts on each subtopic linked above and explore Tamron lenses designed to elevate your wedding photography game.