PHOTO: SJ Del Priore Photo & Film
From Super 8 to Drones: All The Wedding Photography & Videography Terms You Need to Know to Define Your Vision
If you’ve started researching wedding photography or videographers, you’ve likely encountered a wave of creative terminology such as documentary, editorial, fine art, Super 8, drone, and more. We gathered some insight from wedding photographers and videographers to dive into what terms you will need to know to define your vision.
Before diving in, it’s important to note that these labels aren’t always black and white. Always remember “these terms can be very subjective and have different meanings to different artists,” says Sarah Anne Thompson, Owner of Sarah Anne Thompson.
Photography Styles
Documentary
At the foundation of most wedding coverage is documentary photography.
“Documentary meaning “photographed as is,” is a hands-off approach to photographing an event where, as the photographer, I am not prompting or asking anything of my subjects. I can still thoughtfully compose and capture a scene, but I am leaving it untouched as much as possible,” says Thompson.
Nicole & Michael from Aspen Avenue & Berlez put it simply, “Documentary photography is fully hands-off, observer-only.” With this style, moments unfold without intervention.
However, hands-off doesn’t mean unstructured. Mallory McManus of M Visuals reminds us that “documentary photography doesn’t mean chaotic.”
In essence, documentary photography is about capturing the day as it naturally unfolds without staging the moment.
Candid
PHOTO: SJ Del Priore Photo & Film
While often grouped with documentary, candid photography introduces a subtle layer of direction.
Nicole & Michael describe this as, “light guidance and prompts to create natural emotion without stiff posing.”
“Candid wedding photography focuses on capturing moments as they naturally happen, with little posing or direction, says Samantha Farmer of Samantha Farmer Photo & Film.
Imagine genuine laughter, effortless movement, and emotion that feels spontaneously captured, even if there’s a gentle nudge behind the scenes.
Fine Art
For couples drawn to romance and artistry, fine art photography offers another approach.
“Fine art photography emphasizes emotion, light, and composition,” says Jennifer Cortiella of Cortiella Photography. “What it really means is images are created with intention and artistry, often with a softer, romantic feel.”
This style often leans into beautiful light, graceful composition, and imagery that feels timeless.
Editorial
PHOTO: SJ Del Priore Photo & Film
On the opposite end of the spectrum, yet often beautifully blended with other styles, is editorial photography.
Nicole & Michael describe this style as “fully styled, posed, and curated imagery.”
“Editorial or classic wedding photography is all about clean, intentional photos that feel timeless and polished without feeling stiff,” says Farmer. “Think beautifully composed photos, flattering but natural posing, and a thoughtful use of light that makes everything look elevated.”
Importantly, structure does not equal rigidity. “Editorial does not mean stiff or overly posed when done well. A strong editorial photographer knows how to guide you naturally while keeping images elevated,” says Cortiella.
Editorial photography is about curated, polished imagery that still feels like you.
Videography Styles
Just as photography styles vary, wedding films can take dramatically different approaches depending on what you want to feel when you press play.
Emotional Storytelling
PHOTO: SJ Del Priore Photo & Film
For couples who prioritize feeling over format, emotional storytelling may be the perfect fit.
“This style is all about feeling,” says Farmer. “Your film is built using vows, speeches, and meaningful moments, starting slower and building into the celebration of the day. It’s designed to bring you right back to how everything felt,” says Farmer.
This style weaves together sound and visuals to recreate the emotional arc of the day.
Editorial
On the other hand, editorial wedding films focus heavily on aesthetic refinement.
“Editorial films are polished and visually driven,” says Farmer. “They focus on beautiful details, clean imagery, elegant posing, and a refined, magazine-worthy look with less emphasis on audio,” says Farmer.
The result is visually stunning, stylistically cohesive, and cinematic in its execution.
Bonus: Plan a Vision Call
No matter the style you gravitate toward, communication is key.
“This is where couples and creatives align on expectations, preferences, and priorities beyond surface-level inspiration,” says Nicole & Michael. “A vision call helps translate abstract ideas into a cohesive plan by discussing style approach, locations, lighting, timeline, and emotional tone.”
A thoughtful conversation can often clarify more than any Pinterest board ever could.
Vocabulary to Know
Beyond stylistic labels, there are technical terms you may hear during your planning process.
Drones
PHOTO: SJ Del Priore Photo & Film
“Drones capture aerial views of your venue and surroundings, adding a cinematic layer to your wedding film,” says Farmer.
“Traditional drones create smooth, classic shots that show off the venue beautifully while FPV (first-person view) drones feel more immersive and energetic, adding movement that feels exciting and modern,” explains Farmer.
However, drone usage comes with legal considerations. Always remember, not everyone is legally allowed to fly a drone. “It’s important to work with a team that’s properly licensed to do so, including holding an FAA Part 107 certification, which allows drones to be flown safely and legally,” says Farmer
And while aerial footage is impressive, it shouldn’t overshadow storytelling.
“Aerial footage helps set the tone and context of the story before the day unfolds,” says Nicole & Michael. “A drone should enhance the story- not be the reason you choose a team.”
Super 8 Film
Super 8 is a vintage film camera from the 1970s that uses real film instead of digital video.
“It is a vintage film format shot on actual film, not digital,” says Cortiella. “It looks like soft focus, visible grain, warm tones, and nostalgic movement.”
“Because Super 8 uses real film, it naturally comes with a bit of unpredictability. Film can’t be reviewed instantly, and elements like light leaks, soft focus, or imperfect exposure are part of its charm,” says Farmer.
For couples seeking nostalgia and texture, Super 8 offers something digital simply can’t replicate.
Bonus: True-to-Color Editing
Editing style can be just as important to distinguish as shooting style.
“This refers to how images are edited and delivered,” says Coreilla. “Colors are accurate to real life, especially skin tones. If longevity matters to you, this editing style tends to age beautifully.”
If timelessness is a priority, true-to-color editing ensures your photos feel authentic for decades to come.
Final thoughts
With so many terms circulating in the wedding world, it can be tempting to focus on choosing the “right” label. But style terminology is simply a starting point — not the full picture.
As Sammy Jo, Owner of SJ Del Priore Photo & Film, shares: “While these terms often mean different things depending on the artist, rather than focusing on a specific label, it is more important to focus on connection. There are so many incredible styles out there, and many photographers and videographers curate or blend multiple styles together. The key is finding work you truly connect with and can see yourself and your partner reflected in. Ultimately, your perfect team is one whose work reflects not just how your wedding will look, but how it will feel.”
At the end of the day, your wedding photos and film should do more than fit into a category, it should align with how you want your wedding day to feel.
