Documentary-style wedding photography has become increasingly popular among couples who want their wedding day captured naturally, focusing on real emotions and moments rather than staged, perfect photos. My approach is all about reflecting the authenticity of your celebration.
Here are 10 reasons why documentary-style wedding photography could be the perfect fit for your big day.
1. Authentic Moments Matter
One of the greatest strengths of documentary-style photography is its ability to capture real, unscripted moments as they happen. I’ll never forget one wedding where the bride was surprised by a heartfelt song from their family. The emotions in the room were raw, and she was brought to tears. These genuine reactions were so powerful, and being able to document that emotion was a privilege. With documentary photography, you’ll have those heartfelt moments captured forever—moments that no staged photo could replicate.
2. Storytelling Through Photography
My approach is about more than just taking pretty pictures—it’s about telling the story of your day. To do this, I gather information about both families so I can capture what’s meaningful to them. At one wedding, the bride’s mom and grandmother spent hours crafting the dessert table. Knowing the significance behind it, I made sure that moment became part of the wedding’s visual story. I aim to document the emotions, the details, and the overall flow of the day, weaving together a narrative that is uniquely yours.
3. A Relaxed, Natural Atmosphere
Most of the couples I work with don’t want their wedding to feel like a never-ending photoshoot. They prefer spending time with friends and family instead of posing for the camera. I keep the posed shots brief and focus on documenting candid moments. For example, I let the day unfold naturally, capturing interactions and genuine emotions without constantly interrupting for staged photos. This allows my couples to enjoy their wedding while still getting beautiful, real photos.
4. Capturing Meaningful Details Without Posing
Many of my couples aren’t interested in traditional detail shots or flat lays. They want to see those special elements naturally woven into their wedding day. I make sure to incorporate the details—the bouquet, the rings, the shoes—as they happen in real time, creating images that are as natural as the day itself. This approach keeps the photos connected to the larger story of the wedding and avoids the feeling of forced poses.
5. Timeless, True-to-Life Editing
With documentary photography, I focus on true-to-life editing rather than following trends. I believe in capturing emotions and moments in a way that feels authentic and timeless. Your photos won’t look dated or overly stylized years down the road. Instead, they’ll be a reflection of the real energy and emotions of your day, offering a timeless keepsake you can cherish for decades.
6. Less Intrusive Photography
One of the things my couples appreciate most is how unobtrusive I am as a photographer. One bride even called me a “ninja” after seeing her photos—she was amazed at how I managed to capture so many moments without being noticed. My approach allows me to blend into the background and capture candid moments without interrupting the natural flow of the day. This lets you and your guests enjoy the celebration without feeling like the camera is always watching.
7. Embracing the Unexpected
In documentary-style photography, there’s no wedding shot list. I don’t want to be locked into checking off boxes because it could cause me to miss spontaneous, memorable moments. For instance, at one wedding, the groom’s beer went flying during the reception, creating a hilarious, unexpected moment. That’s the kind of raw, real memory I aim to capture—something no shot list could predict.
8. Reflecting True Personalities
When couples need guidance during portraits, especially if they’ve chosen specific locations, I use mind games to shift their focus away from the camera. This allows them to relax and interact with each other naturally. By focusing on their dynamic, I capture their true personalities and emotions, resulting in photos that feel authentic rather than staged.
9. Versatility and Flexibility
You don’t need an extravagant venue to create meaningful wedding photos. I’ve photographed weddings in backyards, like Sam and Julia’s, where the environment didn’t matter as much as the emotions. With the right composition skills, the background fades away, allowing the connections and emotions to take center stage. Whether it’s a grand ballroom or an intimate backyard, I make sure the photos are about you, not just the venue.
10. Emphasizing Emotion Over Perfection
I don’t focus on creating picture-perfect, Pinterest-ready photos. My goal is to capture the day as it really happens—the good, the bad, the emotional, and everything in between. Your wedding photos won’t be about achieving flawless images; they’ll be about telling your real story. I want to create photos that are meaningful to you, not just pretty pictures for Instagram.
Choosing documentary-style wedding photography means choosing authenticity. It’s about capturing the true essence of your day, from the big moments to the smallest details, and everything in between. If you want wedding photos that reflect real life—beautiful, raw, and meaningful—this approach might be perfect for you. With a focus on storytelling, emotion, and natural moments, documentary-style photography offers a timeless and heartfelt representation of your wedding day that you’ll treasure for years to come.
