Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make while planning your wedding. Your photographer is responsible for preserving not just how your wedding day looked—but how it felt. The laughter, the nerves, the quiet moments, and the joy all deserve to be captured with intention.
With so many photographers available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters—so you can choose the photographer who aligns with your vision and priorities.
Start With Photography Style (This Is the Priority)
You’ll notice this section is the longest—and that’s intentional.
Photography style is one of the most important factors in choosing your wedding photographer because it shapes the entire visual story of your wedding day. Two photographers can shoot the same wedding, at the same venue, on the same day—and deliver completely different results based on style alone.
Before pricing, availability, or packages, you should be confident in the look and feel you want your wedding photos to have.
Understanding Wedding Photography Styles
Every photographer has a signature approach to lighting, posing, composition, and editing. Understanding these differences will help you avoid disappointment later.
Light & Airy Wedding Photography
Light and airy photography is known for:
- Bright, clean images
- Soft highlights and pastel tones
- Romantic, timeless aesthetics
This style works beautifully for:
- Outdoor ceremonies
- Garden, coastal, and vineyard venues
- Brides who love softness and brightness
However, this style relies heavily on natural light. Ask your photographer how they maintain this look indoors, during harsh midday sun, or at night—experience matters here.
Dark & Moody Wedding Photography
Dark and moody photography features:
- Rich shadows and deep tones
- Dramatic lighting
- Emotional, cinematic storytelling
Ideal for:
- Historic venues
- Indoor or evening weddings
- Couples who love drama and depth
A skilled photographer ensures images are intentionally dramatic—not muddy or underexposed.
True-to-Color Wedding Photography
This is my style right here.
True-to-color photography prioritizes:
- Accurate skin tones
- Natural color balance
- Timeless results
This style appeals to brides who want:
- Photos that age beautifully
- Florals and décor represented accurately
- A classic, authentic look
True-to-color is often chosen by brides who value longevity over trends.
Editorial / Fashion-Inspired Wedding Photography
Editorial photography emphasizes:
- Structured, intentional posing
- Magazine-worthy imagery
- High-end, luxury aesthetics
Best for brides who:
- Love fashion and detail
- Are comfortable being guided
- Want elevated, polished portraits
This style requires trust in your photographer’s direction and vision.
Documentary / Photojournalistic Wedding Photography
Documentary photography focuses on:
- Real moments as they happen
- Emotional authenticity
- Minimal interruption
Perfect if you value:
- Candid laughter and tears
- Storytelling over perfection
- Being fully present on your day
Many photographers blend documentary coverage with guided portraits for balance.
Fine Art Wedding Photography
Fine art photography combines:
- Artistic composition
- Thoughtful use of light
- An elevated, refined aesthetic
It often overlaps with light and airy or editorial styles and is ideal for brides who appreciate artistry and intention.
Hybrid Styles
Most professional photographers work in a hybrid style, blending multiple approaches. The key is consistency—your gallery should feel cohesive from start to finish.
Why Editing Style Matters
Editing defines the final look of your images. Pay attention to:
- Warm vs. cool tones
- Skin color accuracy
- Contrast and shadows
Editing cannot be changed later, so choose a style you’ll love for decades.
Review Full Wedding Galleries (Not Just Instagram Highlights)
Instagram showcases a photographer’s best moments—but full galleries reveal the truth.
When reviewing a full wedding gallery, look for:
- Consistency throughout the day
- Strong images in all lighting conditions
- Emotion and storytelling, not just portraits
A photographer who delivers a strong full gallery is far more valuable than one with only highlight-worthy shots.
Experience Matters More Than You Realize
Weddings are fast-paced and unpredictable. An experienced photographer knows how to:
- Adjust to timeline changes
- Work in difficult lighting
- Capture moments without interrupting them
- Stay calm under pressure
Experience brings confidence—and confidence leads to better photos.\
Connection and Comfort Are Essential
Your photographer will be with you during intimate moments. Feeling comfortable allows you to:
- Be yourself
- Relax in front of the camera
- Trust their guidance
If you feel awkward or unheard during your consultation, it will show in your photos.
Ask Thoughtful, Experience-Based Questions
Instead of focusing only on price, ask questions that reveal preparedness:
- How do you handle bad weather or low light?
- What backups do you have in place?
- How do you guide couples who feel camera-shy?
- Do you help create or refine timelines?
The answers should give you peace of mind.
Understand the Investment
Wedding photography is an investment in your memories. You’re paying for:
- Years of experience
- Professional equipment and backups
- Editing expertise
- Storytelling and reliability
This is one area where cutting corners can lead to lasting regret.
Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, clarity matters. When you’ve found the right photographer:
- You love their work consistently
- You trust their expertise
- You feel excited, not anxious
That confidence is worth everything.
Final Thoughts for Brides
Choosing your wedding photographer is about more than beautiful images—it’s about choosing someone who understands your vision and preserves your story with care and intention.
Start with style. Value experience. Prioritize connection.
Because the right photographer won’t just capture how your wedding looked—but how it felt.
About the Photographer
I’m Phavy of Phavy Photography, a wedding photographer based in St. Augustine, Florida, and I’m open to travel wherever your love story takes you. My style is a refined blend of true-to-color, documentary storytelling with an editorial touch—focused on capturing real moments as they naturally unfold, while also guiding you when it matters most.
I believe wedding photos should feel timeless, emotionally honest, and visually elevated. My approach prioritizes authentic connection, thoughtful composition, and lighting that flatters every environment—whether you’re exchanging vows in natural sunlight, candlelit interiors, or under the stars.
If you value images that look beautiful today and still feel meaningful decades from now, I would be honored to tell your story.
Phavy Photography (phavyphotos.com)
Wedding Photographer in St. Augustine
E-mail: contact@phavyphotos.com
Phone: 904-228-1350
Instagram: 904photographer
