Wedding photography in 2025 is thriving with creativity, shaped by artists who push the boundaries of storytelling. From timeless elegance to bold, modern experiments, today’s best wedding photographers are redefining what it means to capture a couple’s day. For fellow photographers, studying their work offers a masterclass in style, technique, and vision. In this guide from Photography FYI, we highlight some of the most inspiring wedding photographers of 2025—creatives worth learning from if you’re looking to sharpen your craft and stay ahead of the trends.
The Magic of Wedding Photography
A wedding album is like a time capsule. It holds the tear in your mom’s eye as you walk down the aisle, the way your partner’s laugh echoes during a toast, the quiet moment when you both realize it’s real. For couples aged 25 to 40, photos aren’t just keepsakes—they’re a way to hold onto the feelings of a day that passes too fast. You want shots that feel like you, whether that’s a soft, golden-hour glow or a raw snap of the afterparty chaos. The goal is simple: pictures that bring you back, every time you flip the page.
The craft has grown into something big—a blend of art, heart, and grit. Couples today don’t want stiff poses or cookie-cutter shots. They want images that show their quirks, their connection, their vibe. That’s brought out a crowd of artists with wildly different styles, from polished veterans to scrappy upstarts. Each one’s got a unique way of seeing love, and Photography FYI is here to spotlight the names making waves, helping couples find the one who’ll tell their story right.
How the Craft Got a Makeover
Go back to the early 2000s, and wedding photography was a different world. Think family lineups, fake smiles, and filters that screamed “vintage” but felt more like a gimmick. Photographers worked off long checklists, making sure every moment was caught but often missing the spark that made the day special. It was more about coverage than creativity, and the results could feel flat.
Fast forward to 2025, and things have flipped. Couples want photos that breathe—ones that catch the real stuff, like the way your best friend snorts when they laugh or the quick kiss you steal when no one’s looking. They’re after truth, not perfection, and photographers have stepped up to deliver. It’s less about staging a moment and more about finding the ones that matter.
Technology’s been a big part of the change. Film cameras, once left behind, are back with a vengeance, giving photos a warm, grainy charm that’s hard to fake. They’re a favorite for couples who want that nostalgic, timeless feel. At the same time, new mirrorless cameras—small, fast, and packed with tech—let photographers move like ninjas, grabbing shots from corners and angles older gear couldn’t touch. Some of the best mix both, using film for its soul and digital for its sharpness, creating albums that feel both classic and crisp.
Social media’s been the real kicker, though. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have turned photographers into storytellers with a global audience. A single post can catch a couple’s eye in another country or spark a trend that spreads fast. It’s not just about showing off pretty pictures—it’s about sharing the process, the gear, the mess behind the scenes. For Photography FYI’s readers, this means you’ve got a world of talent at your fingertips, each with a feed that shows their style before you even pick up the phone.
The Big Players: Masters of the Craft
These artists aren’t just taking pictures—they’re building the craft, teaching others, and making images that stick with you long after the day’s over.
Vanessa Joy
Instagram: @vanessajoy
Vanessa Joy has a knack for making every moment pop. Her photos mix fancy with heartfelt, catching the sweep of a grand venue and the small, quiet spark between a couple. As a Canon Explorer of Light, she’s got the technical know-how to back it up, but it’s her way of finding the heart of a scene that makes her stand out. Whether it’s a ballroom glowing with chandeliers or a backyard wedding under string lights, her shots feel big yet personal.
She’s also a teacher at heart. Her YouTube videos, workshops, and talks break down everything from nailing the perfect exposure to keeping clients happy. Couples love her for delivering photos that feel like a dream but still real; other photographers lean on her for advice that’s practical and straight-up useful. Joy’s the kind of pro who shows you can be at the top and still help others get there.
Fer Juaristi
Instagram: @ferjuaristi
Fer Juaristi, working out of Mexico, shoots weddings like they’re art projects. His photos use deep shadows, quirky angles, and a raw vibe that feels more like a movie still than a standard snapshot. He’s not big on following the usual rules, which is why his work hits so hard—every shot’s got a story, whether it’s a tearful vow or a wild moment on the dance floor.
He spends plenty of time teaching, too, through workshops and online groups, pushing others to find their own edge. For Photography FYI’s readers, Juaristi’s a solid pick if you want an album that feels like it could hang in a gallery, not just sit on a coffee table.
Erich McVey
Instagram: @erichmcvey
Erich McVey’s photos are like a love song you can see. His film work, popping up in places like Style Me Pretty and Martha Stewart Weddings, has a soft, dreamy look that never feels old. He’s got a way of making every shot feel special, whether it’s a couple in a foggy field or a fancy venue lit up at night. In a world chasing the next big trend, McVey’s images stay timeless.
Other photographers study him to figure out how to stick to their style while keeping clients happy. For couples wanting a wedding with a classic, elegant vibe, McVey’s photos are the kind you frame and pass down through the family.
Sal Cincotta
Website: salcincotta.com
YouTube: @SalCincotta1
Sal Cincotta’s a do-it-all guy—photographer, business owner, teacher. His photos are bold, with big, dramatic vibes that grab you right away. But he’s just as known for his hustle, running multiple businesses and a YouTube channel where he shares tips on shooting, editing, and making a living as a photographer.
For Photography FYI’s readers, Cincotta’s a great choice if you want someone who’s as professional as they are creative. He shows that photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about building something that lasts, from the images to the career behind them.
The New Crew: Fresh Faces to Watch
While the pros have set the stage, a new bunch is stealing the spotlight with bold ideas and a knack for connecting with couples who want photos that feel real and different.
Ben Sowry
Instagram: @benjaminsowry
Ben Sowry’s photos feel like they’re pulled from a film you’d watch twice. They’re moody and emotional, catching the spark between couples with a polished, dramatic touch. Whether it’s a quiet moment by a window or a big, windswept scene on a cliff, his work makes every second feel important.
He’s getting noticed fast, and it’s no shock. His style’s perfect for couples who want photos that are big but still feel like them, making him a go-to for Photography FYI’s readers looking for something with heart and edge.
Kayla Esparza
Instagram: @kaylaaesparza
Kayla Esparza’s photos are like a memory you can hold. They’re full of joy and warmth, grabbing the little things—a laugh during a speech, a hand held tight in a crowd. Her style’s a hit with couples who want their day to feel like them, not some posed idea of a wedding.
Her Instagram’s packed with behind-the-scenes peeks and real talk that makes her feel like someone you’d grab coffee with. For Photography FYI’s readers, she’s a top pick for photos that are as natural as they are beautiful.
Lauren Scotti
Instagram: @laurenscotti
Lauren Scotti’s work is all about energy. Her bright, lively shots capture the vibe of a wedding, from the soft moments during vows to the sweaty, happy chaos of the reception. Her photos don’t just show the day—they make you feel it, like you’re right back in the middle of it.
She’s building a name fast, and it’s easy to see why. For Photography FYI’s readers, Scotti’s a fresh voice for couples who want an album that feels like a party in pictures.
The Social Media Edge
Social media’s changed the game for finding a photographer. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are like open galleries, showing off a photographer’s style and personality before you even meet them. For Photography FYI’s readers, it’s a way to explore tons of talent from all over, each with a feed that tells you what they’re about.
The best photographers don’t just post nice shots. They share the mess of a shoot, geek out about their favorite lens, or drop videos that feel like a chat with a friend. Big names like Vanessa Joy and Sal Cincotta use YouTube to teach tricks like lighting or running a business, while newcomers like Kayla Esparza use Instagram to share their journey. It’s this mix of art and realness that’s making waves.
What the Pros Teach Us
Here’s what the best in the business show couples and photographers alike:
- Find Your Fit: Juaristi’s bold art, McVey’s classic romance—pick someone whose style feels like your story.
- Look for Skill: Joy and Cincotta prove that getting better never stops. Choose a photographer who’s always learning to catch every moment right.
- Go for Storytellers: Your photos should tell your tale, whether it’s big and cinematic or small and real.
- Check Their Vibe: Social media shows who a photographer is. Scroll their posts, watch their videos, and find someone you click with.
Where the Craft Is Headed
In 2025, wedding photography’s a wild mix of styles—pretty fine art, raw documentary, stylish shots inspired by fashion. It’s all about telling a love story, whether through the cozy glow of film or the sharp edge of digital. Legends like Vanessa Joy and Sal Cincotta keep pushing the craft forward, while newcomers like Ben Sowry and Kayla Esparza bring fresh fire.
For Photography FYI’s readers, this range is a gift. The pros bring experience and polish; the newcomers add spark and new angles. Together, they’re making sure every wedding gets photos that feel special, no matter the style.
The Bigger Picture
Wedding photography’s a tough gig—part tech, part art, part heart, all under the pressure of one day. The artists here, from veterans like Vanessa Joy and Sal Cincotta to rising names like Kayla Esparza and Ben Sowry, show how alive the craft is. They’re turning moments into memories that hit you every time you open the album, whether it’s five years later or fifty.
For Photography FYI’s readers, picking a photographer is about finding someone who gets your love story. With so much talent mixing classic craft with new ideas, the choices are as exciting as the wedding itself. The craft keeps growing, but it’s always about one thing: capturing love in a way that lasts forever. Whether you’re dreaming of soft, romantic shots or bold, gritty ones, there’s an artist out there ready to make your day unforgettable.
