Trends change. Aspire instead to images that stand the test of time.

This summer several couples told me they’re tired of the photography style trends everywhere right now. They don’t want to choose between ‘light and airy’ or ‘dark and moody’—they want an authentic wedding photography style that matches what their day actually felt like. Photos that will remind them, 10 years from now, of the real emotions and real light of their celebration.

The Trends Everyone’s Adopting

First, let me explain what I mean by “light and airy” and “dark and moody.” If you’ve been looking at wedding photography recently, you probably know these styles when you see them. Light and airy photos are bright, light, and generally feature soft, pastel-colored subjects.

By contrast, “dark and moody” photos are just that: lots of dark areas, images with deep shadows, rich colors, and lots of drama.

In my opinion, the problem occurs when people use those effects on everything and declare “I’m a light and airy photographer!” Or “I’m a dark and moody photographer!” And some couples seem to go for it. Also, the thought that you have to choose between the two is silly to me.

Why this False Choice Matters

My worry is that couples think they’re choosing a photographer based on photo style, when really they should choose a photographer who responds to the specific conditions on the couple’s wedding day. Light and Airy and Dark and Moody are editing trends; not necessarily an authentic response to the couple’s celebration.

How I Photograph: Responding to the Room

As an experienced event photographer, when I enter a space, I want to let the room and atmosphere suggest the look of the final image. That’s why I adjusted the photo of Allison in the getting ready suite to match the natural light and airiness of the window light, and the image of Magnus and Allison at their romantic and dimly candlelit table in the Silver Vault to match the drama of the room.

Here’s a light and airy photo from early in Allison and Magnus’ wedding day. The suite at the Bernards Inn is bathed in soft daylight that streams in from several large windows on two sides of the room. It’s one of my favorite spaces to photograph in because of its amazing daylight! Photos taken in this room during the day are naturally bright, light, and “airy,” just like this one of Allison looking incredibly stylish just before her wedding ceremony.

In contrast, the photo below is another one of my absolute favorites from Allison & Magnus’ wedding, taken in the luxuriously appointed Silver Vault. The Silver Vault has no windows and the elegant decor exudes soft, muted elegance. It is super romantic and glows in soft candlelight, making it an incredibly opulent room for special occasions.

In both photos the room dictated the the photo style, not the couple, not a trend. The getting ready suite awash in daylight results in authentic light, bright and airy photos, whereas the softly candlelit Silver Vault had a dark, moody ambiance for dinner.

The Light Changed. My Editing Stayed Authentic.

When I edited Allison and Magnus’s photos, I didn’t I didn’t force them into a predetermined aesthetic. No filters or presets to make a dark room light and bright, or a brightly day lit room dark. That’s not how I work.

Instead, I respect what the light created. My editing preserves true-to-life color. It honors the actual mood of each moment—whether that’s bright afternoon light in the getting ready suite or soft candlelight in the Silver Vault. The photos look like their day actually felt, not like an instagram filter.

Here’s the thing. Light and airy and dark and moody styles in digital photography were born of film emulations — photographers making post-production edits to simulate the look of analog film photography. And that’s good. But the problem arises when photographers use those same adjustments on everything, regardless of what’s actually there.

My best advice is that instead of searching for a #lightandairy photographer or a #darkandmoody photographer, find a photographer whose style you love AND has experience working in environments like yours. That way, when you look back at your images 10 years from now, you’ll be reminded of what the day actually looked and felt like —not the trendy filter that was fashionable for a minute.

Looking for a photo style that’s authentic to your wedding day? Let’s get in touch.