if you’ve been researching wedding photographers for more than five minutes, you’ve probably run into a whole bunch of buzzwords, and it can feel like you need a glossary just to choose a photographer.

candid, documentary, editorial, photojournalistic… the list goes on. when you see photographers say they offer “candid photos” or a “documentary feel”, do you know what those words mean in practice?

so i thought to help you out and talk about the three most common styles and how they actually show up on your wedding day.

what candid wedding photography really means

candid photography is exactly what it sounds like — the natural in-between moments. expressions that are not posed, laughter that wasn’t planned, random hugs, and happy tears.

candid photography is about capturing your day as it unfolds with minimal interference.

as a wedding photographer, i use candid techniques all day long. in fact, most of your gallery will be candid moments. but here is the truth that most photographers don’t always say out loud. not every candid moment is flattering. sometimes the lighting is rough, or the background is distracting. so there is a little bit of quiet steering from me, like a nudge toward the cleaner part of the room or a gentle suggestion to stand near a window. it is never to change the moment, but to help it photograph in the best, most flattering way possible.

what is documentary wedding photography

documentary photography goes one step further. it means the photographer is capturing your day as it unfolds without giving direction or interrupting the moment. some documentary photographers are 100 percent hands-off. like… they will not move you, adjust you, tell you about the weird exit sign behind your head — none of that.

that is a beautiful approach for some photographers, but it is not my style. I take a documentary approach to the flow of the day, but not at the cost of your final gallery. if your mom is buttoning your dress, I will not interrupt that moment. but if you are standing in harsh overhead light or next to a pile of overnight bags, I will move you to a better spot first. minimal intervention that protects the integrity of the moment while still giving you photos that feel clean, thoughtful, and polished.

about 80 to 90 percent of your wedding day is naturally documentary. most of your day is not a photoshoot. it is conversation, movement, hugs, laughter, speeches, dancing, and everything in between. my job is to translate that into something that feels honest when you look back at it.

what is editorial wedding photography

editorial photography is where things get fashion-forward. think: magazine vibes, fashion forward posing, intentional angles, clean lines, a bit of drama, things you see on pinterest when you look up “hotel wedding photos” (amongst many other keywords, but somehow editorial + hotel just always seem to go hand in hand).

editorial photos are normally posed. on a wedding day, the editorial portion is usually a small slice of time. about 30 to 45 minutes of your entire timeline. the rest of the day is filled with events on your wedding day, when you literally don’t have time to pose.

this is why you do not need to worry about “being a model.” you only need to follow my lead for a short window, then you get to go back to living your day.

so, what gets posed and what doesn’t

posed things:

family photos (gotta make sure everyone’s eyes are open and get those mantel pieces)
flatlays and detail shots
some couples portraits, depending on the vibe you want

not posed:

most of the ceremony
most of getting ready
reception moments
dancing, hugging, crying, laughing, all the good stuff

you hire me to document your wedding, not direct an all-day-long photoshoot.

so what is my style

I blend all three. my work is candid and documentary with an editorial polish. think real, natural moments with a refined presentation.

most of your wedding day (like… 80 to 90 percent of it) isn’t a photoshoot. you’re not being followed around by a paparazzi camera all day. it’s mostly documentary coverage of all the genuine moments, real emotions, and real interactions with your guests.

and then you get about 30 to 45 minutes for couples portraits. this is where we can go more fashion-forward, a little editorial, or keep things simple and candid. it all depends on your vibe.

my approach is a blend of:
candid emotion
documentary storytelling
editorial polish

most importantly, your wedding is not a photoshoot. it is your wedding. my job is to document it in a way that feels atmospheric and true while still giving you images that look intentionally crafted.

and if that’s what you’re looking for in your seattle wedding photographer, reach out and let’s make some magic together!