Capturing Authentic Moments: A Guide to Documentary Wedding Photography
Capturing Authentic Moments:
A Guide to Documentary Wedding Photography
I’ve spent the last few weeks ‘trying’ to improve / optimise my website in terms of it’s search engine rankings. It’s not a fun job and because I am a bit of an idiot in the technical realms of the interweb, it is not easy either. During my work, one of the things I have noticed is how many of my peers describe themselves as ‘documentary wedding photographers’. Now, they may well all be (I didn’t look at their work… it’s a slippery slope of doom and one I’ve learnt to avoid) but it got me thinking… does ‘documentary wedding photography’ actually mean anything?
What is Documentary Wedding Photography?
Documentary wedding photography is a style of photography that focuses on capturing candid and natural moments from the wedding day without any direction or interruption. The photographer acts as a storyteller, documenting the day as it unfolds, without staging any moments or using props. The aim is to capture the emotions and atmosphere of the day, telling the story of the wedding through a series of candid photos.
This may, almost immediately, disqualify me (and most others) from describing myself as a documentary wedding photographer. After all, if I take a family group photo or suggest how a couple might pose when taking a portrait, it’s fair to say I am staging a moment.
However….
With very limited exceptions (maybe 2-3 times in all the weddings I have shot), there is always a group photo to take and a portrait session to do at a wedding. And rightly so…. I totally understand their importance. So, do they count in defining how I work?
In the context of ‘documentary’ wedding photography I tend to put aside this element of my work to one side and consider the rest of the day as what defines what I do. So yes, I do consider myself to be a ‘Documentary Wedding Photographer’ as I don’t stage or set up anything other than the aforementioned set piece photographs.
Advantages of Documentary Wedding Photography
Authenticity: Documentary wedding photography captures genuine and spontaneous moments, providing an authentic representation of the day. How can a moment be authentic if you have to set it up?
Storytelling: By capturing candid moments and emotions, documentary wedding photographers can tell the story of the wedding day in a way that those that rely on staging photos simply cannot.
Less intrusive: Documentary wedding photography involves less direction and interruption, allowing the couple and their guests to enjoy the day without feeling overly posed or staged. Not only is this great for couples that don’t want that ‘in your face’ photography experience, it’s also great for those of us that don’t want to be that kind of a wedding photographer (i.e. - me)
Unique perspective: A documentary wedding photographer can offer a unique perspective on the day, capturing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. We all see things slightly differently but if you can find someone that you think is ‘on your wavelength’ then the story they tell will be both unique and will resonate with you personally.
How to Choose a Documentary Wedding Photographer
Look at their portfolio: A photographer's portfolio will give you a great idea of their style and whether it aligns with what you're looking for. For me, I truly take the photographs I want to take. I don’t look at the work of others cos a) It’s depressing and b) I don’t want to start down the road of ‘should I be doing that as well’. So if you like it… great! If not, I’m not the person for you!
Read reviews: This should kind of be taken for granted but reading reviews from previous clients can provide valuable insight into a photographer's professionalism, the quality of their work and the person that they are. You can find some of mine here.
Meet in person: It's a great idea to meet your photographer in person to ensure you have a good rapport and feel comfortable with them (really important). Obviously, with modern day technology as it is, meeting virtually is nearly as good (even though I hate speaking on camera!).
Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask your photographer questions about their approach, experience, and equipment. But, one word of warning…. asking them to recreate the work of others or highlighting other photographers work that you like isn’t a good look, especially if you are talking with someone with quite a bit of experience. It just adds in an element of uncertainty which is no good for anyone!
Consider their personality: A documentary wedding photographer should be unobtrusive, discreet, and able to blend in with the surroundings, so consider whether their personality matches these qualities. As i noted above, this is where the testimonials/reviews come in super handy.
Summing it all up…..
Documentary wedding photography offers a unique and authentic way of capturing your wedding day. By focusing on candid and natural moments, it provides a true representation of the emotions and atmosphere of the day and not just a facsimile of so many others. When choosing a documentary wedding photographer, it's important to look at their portfolio, read reviews, meet in person if you can, ask questions, and consider their personality. By following these tips, you will go along way towards finding the right photographer to capture your special day.
Documentary wedding photography is an excellent choice for couples looking for authentic and meaningful wedding photos. By capturing candid and natural moments, it tells the story of the day in a way that staged photos cannot. With the right photographer and approach, you can create a beautiful and timeless collection of wedding photos that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Images © John Colson