Editing styles and trends
Wedding photography isn’t just about documenting moments on the day—it’s also about the time and care that goes into editing. Often, when I discuss hours of coverage and wedding pricing, it’s easy to overlook just how much time is spent perfecting the images. The real work begins after the wedding day!
In this blog, I’ll share behind-the-scenes examples of different styles and trends, and help you feel confident about choosing the right look for your big day.
Editing examples
The portrait above, taken at The Swan Hotel in Bibury, was photographed and edited in 2021. This image was created before what I am calling ‘The Era of AI’ and the generative AI editing capabilities in Adobe Photoshop (I’m super proud of that one!)
Like many others, I was blown away when Adobe introduced this feature in 2023! However, I believe it‘s still far from perfect, and I still rely heavily on my learned skills.
These are also a great example of what can be achieved through manual editing in Photoshop - using layers and cloning to enhance and clean up an image. While AI tools can be helpful, I prefer to have total control over the editing-process to ensure that nothing is compromised.
Above image: Holt Fleet Wedding, Ombersley Worcestershire. Distracting bubbles were edited from the groom’s face - chaotic scrumptious colour remains!
Below image: Kingscote Barn, Tetbury. Really fun couple amongst the sheep and a lot of sheep poo to be cloned out! A springs worth of sheep poo!
Example Styles
There are a diverse range of shooting and editing styles out there, often influenced by ‘wedding trends’. Some styles include:
-Editorial: A polished, magazine-inspired vibe
-Fine Art: Classic light, airy and dreamy feel
-Dark / Cinematic: Moody, warm & desaturated (on-trend.)
My style
I describe my editing style as true-to-colour, with a subtle vibrancy to elevate the image. My approach isn’t to oversaturate with colour, just give them extra ‘Ooomphf"‘.
#1 Original RAW image. No editing.
#2 My edit. True-to-colour and vibrant. Balanced tones.
#3 Editorial edit. Desaturated greens, airy.
#4 On trend edit. Moody, dramatic, warm.
Timeless or Trends?
Here are a few editing examples I mocked up in January 2025. The RAW image is from a wedding inspiration photoshoot I helped create at Berwick Lodge back in 2014. Interestingly, I feel the shoot still looks as fresh and relevant today as it did back then!
These examples showcase how editing styles can dramatically differ and how trends evolve.
The image labelled #2 above, is how I deliver a finished image to a client - colourful and, most importantly, natural. My true-colour edit may not suit everyone’s tastes, and that’s perfectly okay! For me, true-colour is timeless. Even as trends shift over the next decade, your wedding photography will continue to look fresh and gorgeous - just like this example does today.
How do I choose a style?
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to choose a photography style that resonates with you. My advice? Take some time to research photographers online and locally to discover styles that you and your partner both love. Wedding Magazines and UK Wedding Blogs are also fantastic starting points for gaining insight into not just editing styles—like color and tone—but also shooting styles, whether posed, candid, using flash, or natural light. Think about the overall vibe you want and how your chosen style will come to life in a wedding album.
When reaching out to photographers, ask to see sample galleries of a full-day wedding. This will help you understand how their editing style carries through an entire wedding day. Is it consistent? Does it resonate with your style and expectations?"
Once you’ve chosen your photographer and their editing style, trust in their expertise and vision. Resist the urge to request changes to follow passing trends, as their unique style is what drew you to them in the first place. This approach will ensure your photos remain timeless.
If you have any questions about editing, feel free to email me or send me a DM on social media.
#weddingediting #weddingtrends #stylevstrend #theeditingprocess #beforeandafter #weddingphotos