Light and Airy vs True To Color Wedding Photography: What’s The Difference?
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through wedding inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram, you’ve probably come across terms like “light and airy” or “true to color” when describing photography styles. While both can result in beautiful, timeless images, the style you choose will have a major impact on how your day is remembered and how your portraits come out. So how do you know which one is right for you? Let me break it down for you.
What is Light and Airy Wedding Photography?
Light and airy photography is exactly what it sounds like: images that feel soft, bright, and ethereal. The whites are clean, the shadows are light, and the tones often lean pastel. This style is incredibly popular for romantic weddings, especially those in outdoor or naturally lit spaces. It often evokes a dreamy, fine-art feel.
But light and airy can also mean a shift away from the real-life tones of your day. That dusty blue you picked out might lean more gray. Your natural skin tone might appear lighter or more washed out. It’s beautiful, but it’s definitely a stylized approach.
What is True to Color Wedding Photography?
True to color photography, on the other hand, focuses on capturing your day as it looked and felt. The colors stay rich and accurate, your bouquet looks just like it did in real life, and the tones of your venue, your florals, and your people stay honest. That doesn’t mean the images are dull or unedited. In my work, I aim to enhance the natural beauty of the scene without altering it beyond recognition.
True to color photography gives you timeless, emotional storytelling that won’t go out of style years down the road.
Which Style is Right for You?
If you’re drawn to images that feel airy and pastel, and you’re okay with some artistic interpretation of your day, a light and airy photographer might be a good fit. But if you want your photos to feel exactly as you remember them, and to reflect your day in a way that’s honest, beautiful, and real, true to color photography might be the way to go.
Why I Choose True to Color
As a wedding photographer in St. Louis, I’ve worked in just about every lighting condition and every venue style. What’s remained consistent over the years is my love for telling real stories. I want your skin to look like your skin. I want your florals to be just as vibrant as you remember. I want your gallery to reflect the actual emotion, energy, and design you poured into your day. That’s the magic of true to color photography: it’s beautiful, but it’s also real.
Still unsure what style fits your vision? Let’s chat. I’d love to help you decide what direction makes the most sense for your day.