Documentary Wedding Photography Overview
Looking for the right wedding photographer in Lexington can be challenging. As you look around at various photographers, you might begin to think, “Why does it all look the same? Sure the people are different, but they’re all posed the same. Even the ‘candid’ moments look the same.” The truth is they look the same because they are the same. When you boil it down, what you’re seeing is the photographer’s interpretation of what the wedding day should look like. That’s why I believe in documentary wedding photography as a more authentic approach.
What is documentary wedding photography?
Picture this - you’re getting ready with a group of your best friends. Everyone’s laughing and having a good time, telling jokes and maybe enjoying a mimosa or two. All the while, your photographer has captured the smiles, laughs, and tears. No fake poses or awkward forced smiles ... just real emotions and real moments. That’s documentary wedding photography.
Key Components of Documentary Wedding Photography
Storytelling
Above all, documentary wedding photography is about storytelling. It’s about so much more than a good picture here and there. From the nerves of the bride getting ready to the energy of the last dance, it’s the story of your day that you’ll want to revisit and retell for decades.
Observational Skills & Anticipation
My 20 years of experience as a photojournalist helps me see the details and anticipate moments. These are skills that only come through experience.
Timelessness
Whether it’s the Dutch tilt, selective color, or the latest super-sepia toning, wedding photography trends can be cringeworthy. Do you want to look back on your wedding photos on a random Tuesday and laugh at how cringey they are, or do you want to look at them and be reminded of exactly how you felt on that day?
True-to-Life Tones
When you’re evaluating wedding photographers, one of the first things you’ll notice is how they edit the photos. One of the keys to the documentary style is that tones and colors will be true to life. In other words, your skin will look like your skin, and decades from now, your photos won’t reflect a fleeting trend. They’ll be an accurate representation of your wedding day.
Moments & Memories
Your wedding day, months in the making, will fly by in a blur! There will be important moments happening throughout the day, moments and memories that you’ll want to remember for years. Those are what you’ll want to look back on, not the awkwardly posed photos featuring the fake smiles. Do you want to look at a photo after 10, 15, 20 years and say to your partner, “Do you remember when the photographer made us stand there and get us into that pose?” or would rather look back at a photo and say to your partner, “I can remember exactly what I was feeling during that dance!”?
Why would you want a documentary wedding photographer?
The main reason you’d want a documentary wedding photographer is because you want to be fully present on your wedding day and don’t want to be stressed by having to perform for photo sessions. Another reason you may want a documentary wedding photographer is because you don’t like having your picture taken. Lastly, you may want a more photojournalistic approach if you aren’t into all the wedding gimmicks.
You want to be fully present and not stressed
As a documentary wedding photographer, I’m all about you living your wedding day rather than having it directed for you. I’ve seen wedding days commanded over by the photographer like a battlefield commander. That’s not my style, and that’s not how I think your wedding day should go.
You don’t like having your picture taken
Do you get nervous every time a camera is pointed in your direction? Do you feel self-conscious or dread the thought of cheesey smiling all day long for photos? Do you feel as though you have to perform when the camera is pointed at you? When you hire a documentary wedding photographer, you’re living your wedding day with little to no thought of the camera or photographer as they capture your real emotions and memories.
You aren’t into all the wedding gimmicks
Do you look at bridal magazines, TikTok, Instagram or Pinterest and find it difficult to picture yourself in those images? Sure they might be beautiful, but do you find it hard to picture yourself or your partner in those photos? You’re unique, and your wedding photos should be too. The documentary approach honors your vision of the day and empowers you to live the day to its fullest.
How to find the right (documentary) wedding photographer
When you consider a wedding photographer, first and foremost you should make sure their shooting and editing style match your vision of the day. As with most things, there can be nuance in the term documentary wedding photographer. Some follow strict photojournalistic principles and do not alter or direct a scene at all. Others, will put a scene together like a Hollywood movie director, and of course there’s everything in between.
First and foremost, you’ll want to do a consultation with any prospective photographer. Whether in person, over Zoom/Facetime, or on the phone, this is your first chance to see how well you’ll mesh. It’s extremely important for you to connect with your wedding photographer; after all, you’ll likely spend more time with your photographer than any other single person on your wedding day.
During your consultation, you’ll want to ask open-ended questions about the photographer’s style and how they approach each part of the day (generally speaking getting ready, ceremony, reception, and exit), and you should ask to see at least two full wedding galleries.
At the end of the day, the decision should really come down to your comfort with the photographer. If you’re comfortable talking with them in the consultation, you’ll most likely be comfortable with them shooting photos on your wedding day.
Wedding day do’s and don’t’s
Do trust your photographer
You’ve done your due diligence and found the perfect documentary wedding photographer. Now, you need to relax, and let them work. You hired them for a reason, so trust in that. Give your photographer the access and freedom to completely capture your day. You’ll be glad you did!
Do let the day unfold naturally
Wedding days rarely go 100% to plan. Accept that, and embrace the unexpected. That’s when the magic happens!
Do create a rough timeline
Documentary wedding photography is all about letting the day unfold naturally, but it is helpful to have a general timeline of how you expect the day to play out. Having a plan can help alleviate some of your wedding-day nerves, and it helps the photographer anticipate key moments. For example, knowing you’re doing a sparkler exit will help the photographer set up for the most memorable shot possible.
Do spread the word
It’s helpful if you let the key players in your wedding day know that the photographer is more of a documentary style, so all they have to do is enjoy the day and think of the photographer like furniture. I usually reiterate this when I first arrive and start photographing getting ready, but again, it’s very helpful if it comes from you.
Don’t micromanage the process
How would you feel if your boss stood over your shoulder while you were working? No one likes being micromanaged! And I’d be willing to bet not a single piece of good art came from a micromanaged artist. Trust your photographer, and enjoy your wedding day!
Avoid staged or forced situations
Documentary wedding photography is all about authenticity and empowering you to enjoy your wedding day without stress. Let the day unfold naturally not like a scripted performance.
Don’t underestimate the value of good rapport
I mentioned this before, but it bears repeating – it’s so important to connect with your wedding photographer. People can feel quite vulnerable in front of the camera, but connecting with your wedding photographer leads to comfort in front of the lens, which leads to better photos.
Don’t skip the initial consultation
I believe so strongly in the initial consultation that I require a meeting of some kind before I book a wedding. Between getting to know one another and establishing a clear understanding of expectations, the consultation is vital to getting everything started on the right foot.
FAQs about documentary wedding photography
Is documentary wedding photography more expensive?
When comparing wedding photographers, there’s no denying budget is usually a factor. I would say documentary wedding photography, in and of itself, is no more or less expensive than traditional photography; however, since it usually requires more experience, you may find prices skew a little higher. I’m, of course, an exception to this. Since this is my passion project and not my sole source of income, I’m able to keep my prices considerably lower than photographers with similar experience.
Will there be family formals, group or posed shots?
Most documentary wedding photographers will do a few family group photos. I work through these pretty quickly and with minimal drama so you can get back to your wedding day.
How much planning is required?
I like to have a general idea of the timeline so I can know when to expect key moments, but it definitely doesn’t have to be down to the minute. I say come up with a plan that suits you, however detailed or vague that may be. Just keep in mind that rarely does a wedding day go exactly to plan, so stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.
Do I need to provide a shot list?
To put it bluntly, creating a detailed shot list is a waste of your time. No documentary wedding photographer will need to be told to get a photograph of the first kiss or the first dance. What we do need to know, though, are the extraordinary aspects that make your wedding day unique. Are you and your spouse doing a special grand entrance or a choreographed first dance? Definitely need to know that. Are you giving each other gifts or writing each other letters to read before the ceremony? Yup, need to know that too.
We also need to know what photos are a priority for you. During my initial consultations, I ask everyone to think of the one photo that would perfectly encapsulate the day, the one photo from your wedding that you’d run into a burning building to save.
Can documentary wedding photography capture all the details?
Absolutely! Details are an important part of the story, so your photographer should definitely capture details like the rings, invitations, table settings, etc.
Is this style suitable for all wedding types?
Documentary wedding photography is suitable for any wedding where there are natural emotions. Most documentary wedding photographers are experienced enough to make beautiful photographs regardless of the time of day, season, or size of the wedding. Just be present during your day, and be comfortable with your photographer.
What if we’re camera shy?
Most of the couples I photograph would describe themselves as camera shy to some degree or another. One of the great things about the documentary style of wedding photography is that it focuses on capturing the moments as they unfold, not forcing you into contrived poses and situations that exacerbate camera anxiety. People look their best when they’re relaxed, and a good documentary wedding photographer will quickly create a safe, relaxed atmosphere so you start to forget they’re even there and can focus on your loved ones and the day.
