What Photography Style Am I? A Tampa and Sarasota Wedding Photographer Explains
- Nina Bashaw
- Aug 11
- 5 min read
My style as a Tampa and Sarasota Wedding Photographer
One of the most common questions I receive from couples is: "What would you describe your photography style as?" The funny thing is that most photographers don't fit neatly into a single category, and neither do most couples.
After reading my blog about candid, editorial, documentary, fine art, lifestyle, and film inspired photography, you might be wondering where my work falls. Am I a documentary wedding photographer? Am I editorial? Fine art? Lifestyle?
The answer is yes... and no.
While there are elements of several photography styles in my work, I would describe my photography as a blend of fine art, editorial, and lifestyle photography with a timeless, film inspired aesthetic.
If you're planning a wedding or elopement in Tampa, Sarasota, or anywhere along Florida's Gulf Coast, here's what that actually means.
Fine Art Is the Foundation of My Work
If I had to choose one style that most closely represents my work, it would probably be fine art photography. I am drawn to beautiful light, thoughtful composition, genuine emotion, and creating images that feel timeless rather than trendy. When I photograph a wedding, I'm not simply documenting what happened. I'm constantly looking for ways to create images that feel intentional and meaningful while preserving the authenticity of the moment.
Some characteristics you'll see throughout my work include:
Soft, flattering light
Clean, intentional compositions
Attention to details and storytelling
Romantic imagery
A timeless approach to editing
My goal is to create photographs that look just as beautiful twenty years from now as they do today.
Why My Work Also Has an Editorial Feel
Many couples describe my work as natural, but what they don't always realize is that there is often more direction happening behind the scenes than they might expect. Editorial photography is inspired by fashion magazines and luxury publications. It involves intentional posing, attention to detail, and creating polished imagery rather than simply waiting for moments to happen.
That doesn't mean I want you standing stiffly and staring at the camera all day. It means I'm paying attention to how your dress falls, where your hands are placed, how the light is hitting your face, and how the overall image comes together. Small adjustments can make a huge difference in the final photograph. Many of the images couples save on Pinterest and describe as candid are actually editorial photographs with genuine emotion woven into them.
The Lifestyle Approach That Keeps Things Natural
One thing you'll never hear from my clients is that they didn't know what to do with their hands. Most people who step in front of my camera are not professional models. They're real couples who are worried about looking awkward in photos. That's where lifestyle photography comes in. Rather than placing you in a pose and expecting you to figure it out from there, I guide you through movement and interaction so your images feel natural and effortless.
You might be asked to:
Walk together
Hold hands and talk
Dance together
Lean into each other
Focus on your partner instead of the camera
The result is photography that feels authentic without leaving you wondering what you're supposed to do next.
What My Photography Style Is Not
I love documenting real moments throughout a wedding day, but I would not describe myself as a purely documentary or photojournalistic photographer. Documentary photographers typically observe without much direction or intervention. Their goal is to capture events exactly as they unfold. While I absolutely photograph genuine moments as they happen, I also believe in providing guidance when needed to create the most flattering and meaningful images possible.
Here is what you can expect from me as your photographer:
If you're looking for a photographer who will spend the entire day silently observing from the sidelines, I may not be the best fit.
If you're looking for someone who will help you feel comfortable while still capturing real emotion and connection, then we may be a great match.
What About Film Inspired Photography?
Many couples tell me they are drawn to the soft, romantic feel of my images.
Part of that comes from my editing style and my long appreciation for film photography. I love the timeless quality of film, the softer transitions between tones, and the way it captures emotion without feeling overly processed or trendy. While I primarily photograph digitally, that film inspired influence can be seen throughout my work.
My editing style focuses on:
Natural skin tones
Timeless color
Soft contrast
Romantic light
A refined, classic feel
The goal is not to follow trends. It's to create images that will still feel beautiful decades from now.
So Am I the Right Photographer for You?
You may be a great fit for my photography style if you love images that feel romantic, timeless, and genuine. You appreciate beautiful light, thoughtful composition, and natural emotion, but you also want guidance so you never feel awkward in front of the camera. My couples are usually not looking for stiff poses or overly trendy editing. They want photographs that feel elevated without feeling forced, and authentic without feeling chaotic.
At the end of the day, labels like fine art, editorial, lifestyle, documentary, and film inspired are simply tools that help describe a photographer's approach. What matters most is whether the images make you feel something. If you look through my portfolio and can picture yourself in those photographs, that's usually the best sign that we're the right fit for each other.
Follow Me:
Choosing a wedding photographer is about more than finding someone whose images look beautiful. It's about finding someone whose approach matches the experience you want on your wedding day. If you're drawn to timeless imagery, natural emotion, thoughtful direction, and a blend of fine art, editorial, and lifestyle photography, I'd love to hear more about your plans. Whether you're planning a wedding in Tampa, Sarasota, or an intimate Florida elopement, the best way to determine if we're a good fit is to start a conversation. Contact me here to learn more about my wedding and elopement photography services.
Exceptionally gifted and passionate photographer. Please allow her love of capturing your moments and feelings to provide you with permanent memories to be remembered and shared for generations! Her photography inspires and captures those moments that we were not even aware of until captured through her lens. Those are the moments that you will relive and share 50 years later. Moments that you shared with special loved ones. Moments that can never be repeated. Yep, Nina does that! And does it exceptionally well!