Breaking down the meaning and intentions behind a documentary wedding photographer.

What is documentary or candid photography?

Documentary photography, or candid photography, captures moments as they organically unfold. There’s less posing and setup by the photographer, no stopping to perfect your flyaway hair or find the perfect lighting, and just focusing more on capturing how it felt on your wedding day, as it all unfolds organically.

In my opinion (and that of other documentary photographers!) your wedding should not feel like a photoshoot, moving from scene to scene to capture perfection. I want you to feel every emotion, every tear and giggle and not feel like this day is a photo op, looking to me for what to do next. I want to focus on capturing moments as they happen, not staging the first time you see your partner because the lighting changes or keeping you in a stiff pose while I get a wide and a close-up. Less emphasis on those perfectly curated flatlay shots of invites, rings, etc. – more of the messy, lived-in reception shots showing cake slices & cocktails, your friends’ Polaroids and kicked-off heels.

This is referred to as documentary photography because as you look back on your gallery, it’s going to tell the true story of the day as a documentary would.

How can I get it?

Well, search those buzz words! Find some photographers you like, and submit an inquiry. The trouble is, not every photographer who identifies as documentary will be exactly what you’re looking for.

So, get on a call and ask what it means to them. Ask to see some of their full wedding galleries! This is HUGE in separating a beautiful Instagram feed or website from a photographer who approaches the rest of the day the way you want yours captured. The reactions, candids and in-between moments are everything, and often times you can only see those within a full gallery.

For the day of, make sure your schedule is padded. If things are running behind, there’s less of those sweet in-between moments and genuine time with your partner & your people, and you’ll probably be a lil’ bit uptight and stressed. A good timeline ensures you can take a breath, relax and enjoy your day – which gives your photographer that authenticity to capture.

Final thoughts!

What do ya think? I know, it’s a lot of info! But if this resonates with you & your partner and how you want the story of your day told – I’d love to chat with you two.