What Style of Wedding Photography Is Right for You?
If you’ve started looking for a wedding photographer, in Norfolk or, even, further afield, you’ve probably noticed a lot of the same buzz words.
Documentary. Candid. Natural. Editorial. Relaxed. Traditional.
Helpful, maybe, but also a bit vague.
The truth is, choosing the right wedding photographer isn’t about labels. It’s about how you want your wedding day to feel and how you want to remember it afterwards.
Below is a simple way to work out what matters most to you.
A few questions to help you figure it out
You don’t need to overthink these. Just go with your gut.
When you picture your wedding day…
Do you want to:
spend as much time as possible with your friends and family?
forget there’s a photographer there most of the time?
stay in the moment, rather than stepping away constantly for photos?
If that sounds like you, you’ll probably suit a documentary-led approach where the day unfolds naturally and the camera follows along.
When you imagine looking back at your photos…
What matters more?
how the day felt, rather than everything looking perfect?
seeing moments you didn’t even realise were happening?
photos that make you laugh, cry, or say “oh wow, I’d forgotten about that”?
That usually points towards photography that’s about story and emotion, not stiff posing or staged moments.
How do you feel about being photographed?
If your answer is somewhere between:
“a bit awkward”
“please don’t make us pose all day”
“we’re not natural models”
Most couples I work with feel exactly the same. A relaxed approach, with gentle guidance when it helps, tends to suit people who just want to be themselves and get on with enjoying the day.
What about group photos and formal bits?
Some couples love them. Some would happily skip them altogether.
If you’re thinking:
a few is fine
keep it calm and efficient
don’t let it take over the day
…then you’re probably looking for balance rather than tradition-for-tradition’s-sake.
When browsing photographers’ websites…
Are you naturally drawn to …
real moments over styled setups
Natural interactions over dramatic poses
Photos that feel honest, unforced, and like you
… then you’ll probably get on best with a documentary style of wedding photography.
So… what does this mean?
If you nodded along to most of that, chances are you’ll feel happiest with a photographer who:
blends into the background
steps in when needed, then steps back again
focuses on people, not performances
cares more about real moments than perfect poses
That doesn’t mean no portraits, no guidance, or no structure but those things are used thoughtfully, without getting in the way of your day.
How this fits with my approach
My approach is very much about real moments, natural interactions, and letting you enjoy your wedding without feeling like it’s a photoshoot.
If this way of working sounds like your cup of tea, you can read a bit more about my approach here:
One last thing
The “right” photography style is the one that lets you enjoy your day and love your photos afterwards.
If you’re still not sure, that’s completely fine — these are often easier conversations to have once you start talking things through.
Ready to tell me about your plans and ask some more about how I’ll capture them, get in touch!
Or, if you have any more questions, check out these FAQs!
About the Author
Rob Dodsworth is a photographer in Norfolk, photographing the little moments.
Drawn to photography by his love of meeting new people and, when it comes to wedding photography, the prospect of eating fruitcake all year round, Rob takes photos of ‘people being people’.
Capturing the quirky, in-between, funny, joyful moments, Rob has been in the game since 2011.
Familiar with Norfolk’s top wedding venues and equally comfortable shooting across the UK and beyond, Rob delivers authentic images of your cherished memories.