How to Choose a Wedding Photographer in Michigan Whose Style Matches Your Vision
We’ve heard this story too many times. A couple hires a wedding photographer because the price seems right, the portfolio looks “good enough,” and it’s one more thing off the checklist. Then the gallery comes back… and the photos feel nothing like their wedding day.
The flowers are right. The people are right. But the mood? Completely off.
That’s because your wedding photographer’s style shapes how your memories will look and feel for decades. Choosing a photographer who doesn’t match your vision is a mistake you can’t undo.
Here’s how to make sure you pick a Michigan wedding photographer whose style truly fits your day.
1. Understand the Main Wedding Photography Styles
If you’ve been scrolling Pinterest or Instagram, you’ve seen that not all wedding photos look the same. Most professional Michigan wedding photographers work in one or more of these styles:
Light & Airy – Soft, bright, pastel tones. Dreamy and romantic.
Dark & Moody – Deep colors, dramatic lighting, and cinematic emotion.
True to Life – Clean and timeless edits that match the colors you saw in real life.
Documentary / Photojournalistic – Minimal posing, authentic storytelling, capturing real moments as they happen.
Editorial / Fine Art – Polished and styled, like a magazine spread.
Knowing which style you connect with will save you from hiring someone whose work doesn’t match your vision.
2. Review Full Wedding Photography Galleries, Not Just Instagram
Instagram is a highlight reel. Everyone looks good in the highlight reel.
When hiring a wedding photographer in Metro Detroit or anywhere in Michigan, always ask to see a full wedding gallery. This will show you how they handle:
Harsh sunlight during an outdoor ceremony
Low-light indoor receptions
Fast-paced events like first dances or bouquet tosses
Quiet, emotional in-between moments
A style you love in one portrait might not hold up in different lighting situations.
3. Match the Photography Style to Your Michigan Wedding Venue and Vibe
Your venue, lighting, and décor influence how your photos will look.
A candlelit barn in Oakland County will photograph differently than a bright summer ceremony at a Detroit garden venue. If you’ve chosen a blush-and-ivory palette, a heavy moody style might mute those colors.
The best wedding photographers tailor their approach to match the personality and atmosphere of your day.
4. Decide How You Want to Feel in Your Wedding Photos
This is about more than just how your photos look.
Do you want soft, romantic moments? Big laughs and candid movement? Bold, dramatic portraits?
Some photographers work with lots of posing and direction, while others focus on letting moments unfold naturally. Choose someone whose shooting style matches your personality so you’re comfortable in front of the camera.
5. Remember: Editing Style Lasts Forever
Once your photos are edited, you can’t change the style.
If you hire a dark and moody photographer, you can’t later decide you want bright and airy. Editing style is part of a photographer’s signature. Pick something you’ll still love 30 years from now when you’re showing your wedding album to your kids.
6. Meet Your Photographer Before You Book
Portfolios are one thing. Spending 8 to 12 hours with someone on the most emotional day of your life is another.
Whether you meet in person in Metro Detroit or talk on a call, make sure you feel relaxed and understood. Comfort translates directly into how natural and genuine your photos look.
7. Trust Your Gut, Not Just Your Budget
Budgets matter, but so does peace of mind.
If you find a Michigan wedding photographer whose style excites you, whose work you can picture on your walls, and who makes you feel completely at ease… that’s the right choice.
See If Our Wedding Photography Style Matches Your Vision
We’re Jodi and Bryan of J&B Patton Photography, a husband-and-wife wedding photography team based in Troy, Michigan. We photograph weddings all over Metro Detroit, Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Washtenaw County.
Our style is true-to-life with candid storytelling and occasional dramatic flash so your wedding photos actually feel like your day.
