What are the various styles of wedding photography?

The earlier replies have covered the main labels well, so I'll give you a quick map and then the bit that actually matters when you're choosing. Broadly you'll come across traditional or classic (posed, working through a shot list), photojournalistic or documentary (capturing the day as it unfolds without much direction), fine art (more deliberate, styled, with attention to light and composition), and editorial or fashion-inspired (bolder, magazine-style portraits). Most of us these days sit somewhere across a few of these rather than in one strict box.

The honest truth is that almost no photographer is purely one style on the day. A good shooter floats between them depending on what's happening: documentary through your ceremony and the dancefloor where you don't want to be interrupted, a bit more direction for your couple portraits so you actually look relaxed, and a quick run of classic family groupings after the ceremony so nobody misses Nan. The label matters less than whether you love how their full galleries feel from start to finish.

One thing that often gets missed in these style conversations is editing, because that's a huge part of what gives a photographer their look. Light and airy, warm and filmic, rich and true to colour: those are editing choices as much as shooting choices. For us, every image is edited in-house by the same people who shot your day, never outsourced or sent offshore, so the feel you fall in love with on our website is exactly what you get back.

My advice: don't get too caught up in the terminology. Look at two or three full real weddings from anyone you're considering, ideally shot in similar light and seasons to yours, here in Queensland that summer sun is no joke, and pick the work that makes you feel something. If the images give you that flutter, the style label sorts itself out.

Any style of photography you would like such as Journalistic, such as some one who doesnt like haveing their photo taken

Also posed both Bride and Groom, I like to shoot both of you together and by your selves.

Photographer will need to be exprienced and flexible to customise each individual on the day. 

Environments, lighting, timing and characters can effect the outcome of the style. 

There are as many different styles as there are photographers. Just as no two people see the world through the same eyes, neither should we as photographers try to copy a particular style (however, drawing inspiration from others' work is super helpful!) A half-truth that I hear a bit is "I'm a better photographer because I shoot an unposed, candid style." There are many times in a wedding when an unposed photo is the best choice for that moment. But often it's not. There are many shots that absolutely need the photographer's direction. When a photo ends up looking stiff and starchy, it's not because it was posed; it's because the photographer didn't know how to make the couple feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera. If we have a bit of fun on the day, usually you will too - after all it's a day to celebrate and enjoy! Personally my favourite time in a wedding is when I get to create the dramatic, bold and artful shots between ceremony and reception. Some of this is candid, but most is directed. The skill in drawing out genuine smiles and emotion is in how we direct the shoot :)

Traditional, editorial and photojournalistic. We shoot Photojournalistic as the trend is turning to more of a story telling approach. The great Mel DiGiacomo has a great video about this on You Tube. Search - 'Wedding Photography Tips: Mel DiGiacomo on Photojournalistic Approach'.

Our philosophy is to find the 'real you' and tell your story. ;)

Don't get too caught up on style. Book a photographer who's images you love and trust he will do a fantastic job.

1/ Traditional - This involves a more static posed approach, where the poses are predictable. i.e.: couple standing by the tree. Couple walking down a road, Bridal party all holding hands. Many Photographers use this style and the work is pretty predictable

2/ Candid / Journalistic - This involves a much less posed approach and kind of involves movement and rapid image capture. Far less staged and more realistic.

3/ Fine Art - A mixture of artistic and timeless tradition. Almost graceful. Can involve landscapes, bright sun and sunsets.

4/ Glitz - Lots of colour, very posed, lots of artificial light and post production. Can look overly worked and very out there. However if done well can create images that have the WOW appeal

Basically, Wedding photography is the whole package. It comprises all types like, product photography(rings, flowers, etc), portraits (couple shoots), family(group shots) and a couple of events (reception, dance, etc). It may vary upon clients request and the theme they would like to capture on their special day. Some may have a classic look and feel as they have their 50's or 60's bridal car and their wedding in a old church. most of the time, it can be a documentary type or a dramatic one which most clients prefer.

There are a variety of answers subject to what context someone perceives style as. Personally, I think the style of any wedding is left to two components, the couple being wed & the artistic approach taken by the particular photographer. We have shot weddings as small as 30 guests, very cozy, a flattering venue and quite minimalist. This means we adjust our approach to suit the couple and surroundings, we emphasize the minute details, we capture the positive energy from a small crowd, we choose angles that retain a populated feel, we take advantage of macro lenses etc. Then we have shot weddings for up to 1000 guests. So in turn we adjust our approach to reduce how populated images are, we work on colour tones to so images don't feel messy or crowded, we maneuver around quickly constantly panning across the surroundings to capture the frequent laughter across those conversing. A lot of wider lenses may be used to encapsulate the magnitude of the wedding. We have shot a large number of ethnic weddings, of which often carry a strong colour theme, so we work with that, we make that a focal point and give push for strong contrasting images. We also meet all our clients for coffee, we show them our work and get a feel for the type of photos they like, the style they might want, and make sure we deliver a finished product they are happy with. I thoroughly recommend looking through wedding blogs and finding inspiration through photographers portfolios until something jumps out and grabs you.