Indian weddings are all about traditions, culture, bright colours, and fun ceremonies. Bengali weddings, in particular, have their own customs that deserve to be captured through photographs.
Given the eclectic cultural aspects that feature in these weddings, various wedding photography styles can be employed to catch their unique essence. If you’re wondering about the different types of photo styles to incorporate into your wedding, then we at EventsMonial are here to help you out.
In this article, we will be discussing the wedding photography styles that are perfect for Bengali weddings, how to choose the best wedding photographer, and more.
Why Knowing About Wedding Photography Styles Matters
A wedding album isn’t just about photographs. It’s about turning priceless moments into a memory you will cherish forever. By being aware of the different types of photo styles, you can pick the ones that will be best suited to your taste and personality. After all, the same wedding photography trends don’t work for everyone.
For instance, imagine that you’re looking for a soft vibe and warm aesthetic, and instead you’re presented with saturated and loud colours. Or perhaps a bold and dramatic vibe is what you desire, whereas the photos end up having a minimalistic approach. Hence, every betrothed couple should read up about the different wedding photo styles so that their wedding album perfectly encapsulates the events of the day.
Different Wedding Photography Styles Explained
Let’s elaborate on the different wedding photography styles so you can find out which one will best complement your vibe:
Traditional Wedding Photography

Traditional wedding photography is a classic wedding photo shoot style that has been used in Indian weddings for generations. It includes posed photos of the bride and groom along with family portraits with relatives and family members.
Such kind of photography is perfect for ceremonies like:
- Aiburobhaat (the last meal as a single person)
- Bor jatri (the groom’s wedding procession)
- Saat paak (the bride being carried around the groom seven times)
- Sindoor daan (the groom applying vermillion on the bride’s hair parting)
Bright lighting and decorated backgrounds are mostly used for traditional wedding photos. It’s a great way to focus on the attire of the couple, the décor, and the little details. Also, these timeless shots help in bringing families together in the same frame.
Candid Wedding Photography

Candid wedding photography is the best way to capture unscripted moments. These pictures portray the raw emotions of the couple and their loved ones. From unabashed laughter to the tears shed during the bride’s bidaay, candid photos are indeed ones to remember.
While such photos happen automatically, a skilled wedding photographer knows just when to keep their camera ready to catch the precious gestures. It’s one of those wedding photography trends that has gained immense popularity in recent years.
With candid wedding photos, the ceremonies and moments to capture could be:
- The bride and groom seeing each other for the first time during shubho drishti.
- The banter between the bride’s side and the groom’s side during mala bodol (exchange of garlands).
- The friends of the bride and groom being mischievous during gaye holud.
- The reactions of the bride’s parents upon seeing their little girl in her wedding attire.
- The overflowing tears as the bride bids goodbye to her childhood home.
Documentary Wedding Photography

Documentary style wedding photographers tell the story of your wedding in an unfiltered manner. They capture the behind-the-scenes moments that multiply the beauty of your wedding album. From hugs and handshakes to stolen glances and intimate moments, they focus on the little things that often go unnoticed.
The hustle, the preparations, the reunions, and the unbridled joy are all captured by this new style wedding photography. It’s a storytelling kind of photography that zooms in on moments like the bride putting on her wedding jewellery, old friends meeting after ages, the guests smiling at a heartfelt speech, and so on.
Fine Art Wedding Photography

Fine art photography is becoming increasingly popular among young couples as one of the go-to wedding photography styles. If you’re hoping to get shots that look dreamy and aesthetically pleasing, then this photography style is the one to choose.
Artistic angles, warm lighting, and creative ideas are used to produce photographs that look soft and romantic. It’s closely tied to editorial wedding photography as the photographs look like they could be hung in an art gallery.
Lighting is essential in these photos as natural or carefully controlled lighting is used by wedding photographers to produce soft, artistic, and delicate shots.
Dramatic Wedding Photography

We all know just how dramatic Indian weddings can be, and it’s this cinematic aspect that dramatic wedding photography aims to capture. Think of how inspired we were from the glitz and glamour of Bollywood weddings back in the day. Photographers often make use of elaborate backgrounds and striking lights for these shots.
Ask the couple to pose against the expensive décor and floral arrangements to make it look truly filmy. Utilise the chandeliers, twisting staircases, and vintage doors for those contrasting pictures. If a royal touch is on your mind, then you can pose on your wedding chair like a king and queen ascending their throne.
Fashion Wedding Photography

Bengali weddings include a plethora of elements that deserve special attention, and fashion wedding photography is the best way to shed light on these elements. It uses photography styles and techniques in a way that highlights the jewellery, makeup, clothes, and overall appearance.
With this wedding photography style, you can capture the bride’s alta and jewels, the groom’s topor, the Benarasi saree of the bride, the dramatic eye makeup, and much more. Dramatic compositions, editorial angles, and architectural symmetry are used to make these shots look like ones you would find in a fashion magazine.
Which Wedding Photo Shoot Style Should You Go For?
With numerous wedding photography styles available these days, it can be tricky to take your pick. Fret not, because here are some tips that could help you make this decision:
- If you want to emphasise family portraits and rituals, then go for traditional wedding photography.
- If you’re a bit camera-shy and want to avoid posing, then candid photos are the best option.
- If you want your wedding journey to be shot with minimal disruptions, then look for documentary style wedding photographers.
- For those who have a bold vibe and want filmy shots, you can choose dramatic wedding photography.
- If you want your outfits and accessories to be highlighted, then fashion wedding photography is a good choice.
- In case dreamy and cosy is your aesthetic, then you can explore fine art wedding photography.
How to Choose the Best Wedding Photographer for Your Big Day
As your wedding date inches closer, you might begin to question how to choose the best wedding photographer. This is where EventsMonial comes in. We have suggestions for the best wedding photographers in Kolkata who will ensure that the photos from your special day are endlessly memorable.
When you finalise a wedding photographer, remember to discuss the crucial details with them, such as:
- Your wedding type: Is it a big fat Indian wedding or an intimate gathering of loved ones?
- Your vibe and personality: Are you more of an extrovert or an introvert? Would you like minimalistic and candid photos or maximalist and bold shots?
- Your focus: Inform them of the specifics you’d want the photos to focus on apart from you and your partner. This could be your outfits, the rituals, your family, your friends, and so on.
- The combination: Let them know about the different kinds of wedding photography styles you’d like to combine for your wedding.
Can I mix different types of photo styles for my wedding?
–Yes, of course you can. Mixing different wedding photography styles allows various kinds of moments to be captured.
Can I combine traditional and candid wedding photography style for my wedding ceremonies?
+Yes, combining traditional and candid photography is the best way to capture both the customs and the emotional moments.
Which photography style is best for Bengali weddings?
+The photography style you choose for your Bengali wedding depends entirely on your personality and preferences. If you want maximalism, then go for dramatic and fashion wedding photography. If minimalism is your vibe, then opt for fine art and candid wedding photography.
Should I tell the photographers beforehand about the kind of wedding photos I want?
+Yes, inform the photographers well in advance so they are aware of the kind of moments you want to capture in your wedding photos.
