When it comes to wedding photography, there are many styles to choose from, and one that’s growing in popularity is documentary-style wedding photography. So, what exactly does that mean?
What is Documentary-style wedding photography?
At its core, documentary-style photography is completely uninterrupted. Your photographer becomes a fly on the wall, quietly observing and capturing your day as it naturally unfolds. It’s all about authenticity—no posing, no staged moments, just real, honest memories. You can relive your day exactly as it happened, with all the raw emotions and spontaneous moments that made it so special.
Documentary photography can be described as the purest form of wedding photography because it captures everything in real-time. Instead of focusing on perfect poses or ensuring everyone is smiling at the camera, it focuses on the emotion, interaction, and atmosphere of the day. That means capturing laughter during a heartfelt speech, a quiet glance between newlyweds, or kids running around the reception. The moments are unscripted, yet they’re often the ones that matter most when you look back.
The Reality of “Documentary” Wedding Photography
It’s important to note, though, that while many photographers describe themselves as “documentary photographers,” they may still stage a lot of the images. They might create poses or scenarios to fit a specific look or aesthetic, blending a traditional approach with documentary elements.
Instead of searching for a photographer whose website says they specialize in documentary-style wedding photography, communicate your needs with them and see if they’re confident in achieving your vision. It’s best to make sure you and your photographer are on the same page when it comes to the aesthetic you’re looking for.
My Approach: A Hybrid Style
Personally, I take a hybrid approach to wedding photography. I believe in encouraging untouched, organic moments where you, your wedding party, your family, and your guests can simply be yourselves. Over the years I’ve learned to pay attention to and anticipate most of the moments you just can’t replicate. Those are usually my favorite photos to capture. The ones you can feel that really show honest emotion.
That said, I also understand that some couples want a little bit of direction to feel comfortable in front of the camera, and I’m happy to guide when necessary. This flexibility allows me to strike the right balance between candid documentary photography and more structured, posed shots.
However, if documentary-style photography is something you really want for your wedding day, we can discuss that beforehand on our planning call. I’m completely comfortable capturing the day in a purely documentary manner, letting the story of your wedding unfold naturally, from start to finish.
Why Choose Documentary Style?
Choosing a documentary approach for your wedding photography means prioritizing authenticity over perfection. It’s perfect for couples who want their wedding gallery to be a genuine reflection of their day, filled with the laughter, tears, and joyful chaos that come with a wedding. It’s about focusing on what’s real, not just what looks perfect for Instagram.
At the end of the day, it’s your wedding, and the photography should match the vision you have in mind. Whether you lean toward a documentary style, prefer some guidance, or want a mix of both, the key is communication. By discussing your preferences ahead of time, I can help ensure your wedding is captured in a way that reflects who you are and how you want to remember your day.
If you’re curious about documentary-style photography or how a hybrid approach might work for your wedding, feel free to reach out—I’d love to chat!
