Decoding Wedding Photography Buzzwords: What Do “Candid,” “Documentary,” and “Editorial” Actually Mean?
You’re scrolling Instagram, flipping through websites, and trying to decipher what “documentary with candid images and editorial edge” even means. Does that sound familiar? Welcome to the wild world of wedding photography buzzwords, where everyone wants to look effortless, but no one wants to feel awkward AF doing it. We get it. We’ve been there. And we’re here to break down these wedding photography terms for your wedding planning journey.
In this episode of Aisle Be Honest, we dive headfirst into decoding the photography terms that sound fancy but can cause some real confusion. Because here’s the thing: knowing the difference between styles like documentary, candid, lifestyle, and editorial actually matters when you’re choosing your wedding photographer (and your videographer, too). These terms don’t just describe a vibe; they impact how your wedding day feels and how your team works behind the scenes.
First Things First: Style Clashes Are Real
Let’s start with a truth bomb: your photographer and videographer don’t automatically vibe with each other just because you do. One might have a more “fly on the wall” documentary approach, while the other wants you to twirl on cue with a fan blowing your veil just right. Neither is wrong, but if those styles don’t mesh, you might notice it in your final gallery or highlight reel. So, ask how each vendor actually works throughout the day. Do they guide you? Pose you? Or just observe?
Wedding Photography Style: Let’s Talk Buzzwords
So, let’s cut through the fluff. You’ve seen the terms—documentary, candid, lifestyle, editorial—but what do they mean? And more importantly, how do they impact your wedding day? Let’s break down these buzzwords so you can stop guessing and start finding a photo style that fits.
Documentary Style
This is hands-off photography. Your photographer captures what’s happening organically. You’re not posed or styled. You’re living in the moment, and they’re capturing it as-is. Sounds dreamy, right? But here’s the catch: it only works if you’re cool being in your main character era without direction. If you’re someone who wants reassurance (“Is my arm doing something weird?”), this style might stress you out. Be prepared for any type of lighting. Without guidance, you will be photographed in a lot of conditions (from low light conditions to natural light to camera flash). Bonus: it works beautifully for ceremonies and receptions (times when stopping and posing would kill the vibe anyway).
Candid Style
This one’s less a style and more an approach. Candid moments can happen in any style—editorial, lifestyle, or documentary. Think of it as how a photo feels, not how it was created. Spoiler: lots of “candid” photos are actually guided or lightly posed. That dreamy walking shot in the woods? Probably had a whole lot of direction behind it.
Lifestyle
Here’s the middle ground. Think relaxed, natural, but with guidance. “Hey, can you help zip her dress?” “Walk toward me, laugh like you mean it, and maybe grab their hand?” This is what most couples think of when they say, “We want to look good, but not too posed.” It’s curated casual. And honestly? This is the most common approach we see.
Editorial Style
You want Vogue and GQ? You want drama? Do you want the most flattering light? This is it. Every detail is fine-tuned. Your train is fluffed, your chin is angled, and your wedding party is placed like an art installation. This style requires time, direction, and a great deal of intention. If your couple portraits are your Super Bowl, you’ll want to block time on the schedule to make magic happen. But you also need to want that kind of experience with the perfect photographer. Not everyone does, and that’s okay.
But Wait, There’s More
You don’t have to pick one and stick with it. Most wedding photographers photograph weddings in a variety of styles:
- Wedding ceremony? Documentary.
- Golden hour portraits? Lifestyle or editorial.
- Reception dance floor? Fully candid chaos.
- Formal family photos? Straight-up traditional. (Sorry. You have to look at the camera for Grandma.)
- Cocktail hour? Documentary again.
So don’t stress about fitting into one box. Instead, focus on how you want the day to feel—and make sure your team knows how to work that way.
Our Advice? Ask Better Questions
When you’re reaching out to professional photographers or videographers, don’t just say you like “candid photos.” Say:
- “I don’t want to feel like I’m in a photo shoot all day.”
- “We’re awkward in front of the camera. Will you help guide us?”
- “We’re all about the vibe. Can you capture the chaos without interrupting it?”
Also? Ask to see full galleries. Don’t get distracted by the color palette or the decor—look at the types of moments captured and how they feel. Do you see yourself in those photos? Yes? Then, book that photographer!
Photography Terms Got You Stressed?
Wedding photography buzzwords are like Tinder bios. They say a lot, but you still need to ask follow-up questions to know what you’re signing up for. Figure out what you want, how you want to feel, and how hands-on you want your photo and video team to be. Then book accordingly.
Whether you’re dreaming of a blurry black-and-white field shot or a full editorial moment on a rooftop, you deserve to be photographed in a way that feels like you and not a Pinterest trend.
Tune in now for Episode 13 of Aisle Be Honest to hear all about wedding photography buzzwords and which style is the best for your special day. Listen now on Spotify or YouTube.
