Why Wedding Photography Isn’t Timeless… And Why That’s a Good Thing
‘Timeless” gets thrown around a lot in wedding photography. Every photographer claims their work will be forever classic, and Pinterest boards are full of “timeless wedding inspiration.” But here’s the truth: wedding photography isn’t actually timeless. And honestly? That’s the magic of it.
Styles don’t stay still
Remember sepia filters? Heavy vignettes? Those super moody edits from the mid-2010s? At the time, they were the vibe. Now they look about as current as MySpace. Even today’s “light and airy” or “filmy and nostalgic” edits will one day feel very 2020s. Styles evolve… And so will what feels fashionable in photography.
Fashion has a timestamp
Think about your parents’ or grandparents’ wedding photos. You can immediately tell the decade from the hair, the dress, the suits, the poses. That doesn’t make those photos any less incredible… In fact, that’s what makes them so nostalgic. But it proves the point: fashion and beauty trends will always anchor photos to a specific era.
Technology leaves its mark
Film grain, early digital, DSLR vs mirrorless… Every era of photography carries the stamp of its tools. You’ll always be able to spot a 90s digital photo compared to one shot on today’s kit.
The power isn’t in being “timeless”
Here’s the thing: what makes your wedding photos special isn’t the style of editing, or whether your dress will still look “classic” in 50 years. It’s the people. It’s the real, unposed moments. It’s the laughter, the nerves, the messy dancefloor, and your nan throwing shapes to ABBA.
That’s the stuff you’ll come back to. That’s the part that makes you smile years down the line. Not because it’s timeless… But because it’s yours.
So don’t chase timeless
Chase meaningful. Chase honest. Choose a photographer who captures the real energy of the day, not just what’s trending on Instagram right now. Because in 30 years, you won’t care if the editing style screams 2020s… You’ll care that you can still feel it.
If you’re looking for the kind of wedding photos that capture your story as it really was, with all the laughter, chaos and occasional happy tear then I’d love to hear from you!