Why Choose a Documentary Wedding Photographer
There are many different things to look at when choosing your wedding photographer – perhaps the two most important are the style of photography and the photographer themselves. Documentary Wedding Photography is the main way we would describe our style – but what does it really mean? Putting it simply, a documentary approach means capturing events as they unfold: unscripted, unposed, and uninterrupted.
What is Documentary Wedding Photography?
In short, this style of photography uses similar techniques and approaches that a photojournalist would use to report a story. It’s a hands-off type approach with minimal interference from the photographer. It’s an honest, unscripted set of photographs. Uncontrived and unpretentious. Telling a story is precisely what this style is all about. You won’t see a documentary wedding photographer setting up shots or directing people.
It’s about capturing a series of images throughout the day that, when put together, tell a story. If you were watching a documentary photographer at work, you would witness someone thinking, watching and waiting – composing frames in advance and waiting for the right moment to take the image. There is always a story-telling moment and a good photographer will find it. Maybe it’s laughter or perhaps tears, maybe just an emotion-filled glance.
Comparison of Photography Approaches
To further understand the concept of documentary photography, it’s also useful to look at what the alternative is. We believe the alternative to be posed, staged and scripted. Below is a comparison of these approaches based on the common characteristics of wedding photography:
| Feature | Documentary Photography | Alternative/Staged Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Unscripted, unposed, and real. | Posed, staged, and scripted. |
| Primary Goal | To capture how the day felt. | To create "perfect" looking imagery. |
| Interference | Hands-off with minimal interference. | Directing the action and setting up shots. |
| Result | Authentic, unique story. | Editorial or commercial look. |
Is a Documentary Wedding Photographer Right for You?
If you want to feel like you can totally be yourselves, not worry about posing and don’t want the natural flow of the day interrupted, then this is the kind of photography you want. Documentary wedding photography is about anticipating all the unexpected expressions and emotions that make that wedding unique to you. There are generally no check-lists of photographs so you can experience the day without stressing over must-have pics.
Benefits of this approach:
- Authenticity: It won’t look like someone else’s wedding because no two weddings can be the same with a documentary wedding photographer.
- Honesty: If you want timeless honest photographs, edited in a natural and authentic way with no over-editing trends, then this is for you.
- Artistic Candidness: This approach elevates the candid nature of photography into something more creative and artistic.
Technical Expertise and the Use of Light
Another thing a Documentary Wedding Photographer might do differently is in their use of available light. Essentially, the available light is whatever light that exists at the wedding – from the natural light outside, or coming through a window – to the light emitted from candles. Many documentary photographers have refined skills and techniques that allow them to capture emotive imagery using whatever light is available.
We tend to utilize available light for around 90% of a wedding day, so as to remain as unobtrusive as possible – coupled with a respect for the ambience of the day. But if the quality of light gets too low, we have no problem adding in a little of our own, by way of flashes. As one couple noted: "Pippa thank you for capturing all the emotions on our day so unobtrusively. Your praises have been mentioned more than once."
How to Choose the Right Photographer
To find the perfect documentary wedding photographer, consider the photographer’s portfolio, experience, and communication style. A strong portfolio will showcase their ability to capture the essence of a wedding day. Experience is essential for ensuring they can handle the fast-paced nature of a wedding. A good photographer should have strong communication skills so you feel comfortable and relaxed on your big day.
Being a documentary wedding photographer however, isn’t about lurking in the shadows. There’s often interaction with the guests, eye contact, listening to and sometimes being part of some banter, which will set up being able to take great natural, honest shots. Ultimately, you want a photographer who understands the connections and bonds between you and your family to tell emotive stories that resonate with people.