What is
Documentary
Wedding
Photography?

Documentary wedding photography, also known as photojournalistic wedding photography, is a style of wedding photography that aims to capture candid and natural moments throughout the wedding day.

The photographer takes a hands-off approach, capturing events without posing or directing the subjects. Here is a breakdown of the critical elements that distinguish documentary wedding photography from other styles:

In documentary wedding photography, the photographer takes a fly-on-the-wall approach, capturing events as they happen naturally, without interfering or directing the subjects.

The photographer observes the events and documents them in a way that tells the wedding day's story.

Candid moments:

Documentary wedding photography focuses on capturing candid and spontaneous moments. The photographer aims to document the emotions and interactions of the subjects without staging or posing them. The goal is to create a visual narrative of the day that reflects the couple's personalities and the wedding atmosphere.

Storytelling:

Documentary wedding photography is all about storytelling. The photographer captures the small details and candid moments that make up the wedding day, creating a visual narrative that tells the story of the couple's special day. The images are often presented chronologically to convey the flow of events.

Minimal interference:

Documentary wedding photographers aim to be unobtrusive, capturing events without interfering or disrupting the proceedings. They work discreetly, using available light and natural settings to create honest images.

Emphasis on the wedding day as a whole:

Unlike other wedding photography styles, which may focus on individual portraits, group shots, or staged moments, documentary wedding photography aims to capture the wedding day as a whole. The photographer documents the events from start to finish, capturing the details and interactions that make up the day.

Why you should consider Documentary Wedding Photography

  • Authenticity

    A documentary wedding photographer captures candid moments without staging or directing the subjects.

    This approach results in authentic and genuine images, reflecting the personalities and emotions of the couple and their guests.

  • Storytelling

    A documentary wedding photographer tells the wedding day's story through their images.

    They capture the small details and interactions that make up the day, creating a visual narrative that reflects the atmosphere and emotions of the event.

  • Minimal interference

    A documentary wedding photographer works discreetly, capturing events without interfering or disrupting the proceedings.

    This approach allows the couple and their guests to enjoy the day without feeling self-conscious or posed, resulting in natural and spontaneous images.

A Gallery of Documentary Wedding Photography

Some Recent Documentary Weddings

Here are a few blog posts from recent documentary weddings.

In summary, documentary wedding photography is a style of wedding photography that focuses on capturing candid and natural moments throughout the day.

The photographer takes a hands-off approach, documenting events without posing or directing the subjects. The emphasis is on storytelling, capturing the small details and interactions that make up the wedding day as a whole.