Weddings continue to evolve, and photography is evolving right along with them. As couples look for more meaningful, creative, and personal ways to document their big day, photographers are adapting to meet those changing needs.
Whether you're a bride, groom, or industry professional, understanding the latest trends can help you plan a wedding experience worth remembering. Here are 12 standout photography trends that made waves in 2022.
Eco-Minded Weddings
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s becoming a central theme for many weddings. From decor to catering, couples are making greener choices, and they want those values captured in their photography. The goal is to reflect a conscious lifestyle in every frame. That means more natural lighting, minimal waste, and thoughtful details.
Highlight locally sourced or seasonal elements like flowers, food, and venue features.
Capture décor made from recycled, reusable, or compostable materials.
Use natural lighting as much as possible to cut down on electricity use.
Showcase the couple’s sustainable choices through storytelling—such as charity favours or eco-friendly transport.
Documentary-Style Photography
Staged shots are taking a back seat to candid, documentary-style photography. Couples are asking for more genuine, emotive photos that reflect the real moments of the day. Think tears during vows, laughter over drinks, and heartfelt embraces. This approach tells a story from start to finish.
Blend into the background to allow organic moments to unfold naturally.
Focus on sequences rather than single images to create a narrative.
Capture the in-between moments that often go unnoticed but tell the real story.
Prioritise emotion over perfection—tears, messy hair, and all.
Second Shooters & Videography
With so much happening on a wedding day, having a second photographer—or a dedicated videographer—is becoming more common. It ensures every angle is covered, from behind-the-scenes prep to wide ceremony shots. This layered coverage creates a richer memory archive for the couple.
Assign specific roles: one photographer for details and one for reactions.
Use multiple perspectives to document key moments like the first kiss or walk down the aisle.
Let the second shooter focus on guests while the lead covers the couple.
Encourage collaboration between photo and video teams to avoid getting in each other’s way.
First Look Photos
The ‘first look’ photo session—where the couple sees each other privately before the ceremony—is gaining popularity. It’s a chance to capture raw emotion away from the crowd. For some, it’s also a calming moment before the day’s whirlwind begins. The result? Intimate, personal images to treasure.
Choose a quiet, private location with good lighting and minimal distractions.
Coordinate with the planner to make sure the timeline allows for this special moment.
Capture both reactions as they happen in real time—no need to pose.
Keep the moment uninterrupted by guests or onlookers for genuine emotions.
Unplugged Ceremonies
Smartphones can interfere with the magic of a wedding ceremony—not to mention the professional photos. That’s why more couples are going unplugged, asking guests to keep their phones away. It allows the photographer full access and ensures clean, focused images of key moments.
Display signage or include a note in the invitation to explain the unplugged policy.
Position a second shooter at the back to capture guests’ reactions—without devices in hand.
Get close-up shots of people fully present, engaging with the ceremony.
Capture wide shots that show the beauty of an undistracted, tech-free moment.
Up in Social Media
Weddings and social media now go hand-in-hand. Couples want photo and video content that’s ready for instant sharing. In some cases, they're even hiring professionals to manage real-time posts. That means photographers need to think in both vertical and horizontal formats, with quick delivery options.
Shoot with platforms like Instagram and TikTok in mind—vertical framing is key.
Offer a sneak peek within 24–48 hours for couples to post quickly.
Include behind-the-scenes moments or short video clips ideal for Stories.
Provide a dedicated online gallery that’s mobile-friendly and shareable.
Fun & Candid Shots
Gone are the days of stiff, overly posed portraits. Couples are prioritising candid, personality-driven images that show joy, fun, and spontaneity. The best photos often come from in-between moments—dancing with friends, laughing at toasts, or sneaking a quiet kiss.
Encourage couples and guests to relax and forget the camera is there.
Look for unscripted interactions during speeches, dancing, and prep.
Use a fast shutter speed to catch fleeting, energetic expressions.
Capture guests as they naturally respond to the couple and the celebration.
Style Shoots
Weddings are becoming more personal and fashion-forward, and couples are leaning into editorial-style shoots. These mini photo sessions focus on bold fashion choices, dramatic poses, and styled backdrops. Think of it as a magazine spread featuring the couple as models.
Scout visually interesting locations—urban, industrial, or nature settings.
Plan wardrobe changes for different moods or themes.
Use creative lighting and posing to elevate the images beyond standard wedding fare.
Capture detail shots of accessories, makeup, and styling elements for a polished look.
Proposal Shoots
Proposal photography is more than a trend—it’s a full-blown movement. Many couples are hiring professionals to capture the proposal itself, whether planned or a surprise. These sessions deliver once-in-a-lifetime expressions and genuine emotion that can’t be recreated later.
Help the proposer choose a location with good lighting and an uncluttered background.
Blend into the surroundings or use a zoom lens to stay inconspicuous.
Communicate signals beforehand to know when to start shooting.
After the proposal, offer a mini engagement session to celebrate the moment.
Drone Wedding Photography
Aerial shots from drones are adding a whole new layer to wedding albums. From sweeping views of the venue to symmetrical group shots, drones provide perspective that ground-level cameras can’t. When used properly, they create cinematic visuals that feel epic and unforgettable.
Use drones to capture establishing shots of the venue and surrounding landscape.
Plan large group photos from above for dramatic symmetry and scale.
Be aware of noise and safety regulations—check local drone laws ahead of time.
Combine drone footage with traditional video for a dynamic highlight reel.
More Physical Photos
Even in the digital age, there’s still a strong demand for physical prints. Wedding albums, framed prints, and photo books offer a tactile way to relive memories. Couples are putting more emphasis on keepsakes that can be displayed or passed down through generations.
Offer premium albums with thick pages and custom covers.
Create a curated set of prints for display around the home.
Design mini photo books for parents or members of the wedding party.
Include a mix of posed and candid shots to tell the full story in print.
Day-After Shoots
Wedding days can be hectic and leave little time for creative portraits. That’s why many couples are scheduling a relaxed shoot the day after. It’s a chance to wear the dress again, unwind, and take stunning photos without a packed schedule looming.
Choose a scenic location that wasn’t accessible on the wedding day.
Use natural light during golden hour for soft, romantic tones.
Encourage playful poses or barefoot beach walks for a casual vibe.
Offer this session as part of your package to extend the storytelling experience.
Final Thoughts
Wedding photography has become more expressive, inclusive, and story-driven than ever before. Couples are no longer just documenting a day—they're capturing a lifestyle, a set of values, and the essence of their relationship.
Whether you're planning your own wedding or working in the industry, staying ahead of these trends ensures your images feel timeless and relevant.
