How to Photograph Weddings in a Documentary Style
Capturing documentary style photographs is a skill I’ve developed over decades in the wedding photography industry. I wanted to share, from my experience of capturing over 300 weddings around the world, what I do to make sure I get the right images to deliver to my couples. If you’d like to learn how to photograph weddings in a documentary style from an experienced and professional wedding photographer, read on.
Step One: The Approach to Storytelling
I approach each wedding as an opportunity to tell a story. It is the story of a celebration of the bride and groom’s love for each other and their commitment to a future together. I see storytelling wedding photography as an opportunity to document that shared experience, with my couple at the centre.
The bride and groom’s relationships with their guests are essential to their story. Many of the couple’s guests will be meeting each other for the first time; so now you have this beautiful tapestry of meetings and re-acquaintances.
Behind Scenes Candid Style
I approach each wedding as if the couple are my friends. I take a back seat to what is unfolding unless I am asked for advice or notice something I can help with. This approach endears me to my couples and their guests. By having those around me at ease with me being there, I can photograph the wedding with behind-the-scenes access in a candid style. The day is not about me or my photography, it is about doing my best to make sure my clients have the best possible time.
Understanding the Flow
Understanding the beats of a wedding day is vital to producing wedding imagery that your couples will love. There are ebbs and flows throughout the day. Today, I have a call with my couple around a month before their wedding, to learn about the events of their wedding day.
Step Two: Choosing The Best Equipment To Use
The best camera to use to capture documentary-style images is the one you enjoy using the most. It goes without saying that you should be using a professional standard kit. Personally, I use full-frame Nikon DSLRs along with a 35mm Nikon F100 and Pentax 645Nii medium format camera. When documenting fast-flowing events, you want to be focused on taking photographs.
Regarding lenses, this comes down to personal preference. I enjoy using prime lenses. My main go-to’s are a 35mm Sigma 1.4 Art and 24mm Nikon 1.4G for tack sharp, fast shooting. I find the fixed focal length of prime lenses make me think more about my composition.
Below is a summary of the equipment mentioned in this guide:
| Equipment Category | Specific Gear Mentioned |
|---|---|
| Cameras | Full-frame Nikon DSLRs, 35mm Nikon F100, Pentax 645Nii medium format |
| Lenses | 35mm Sigma 1.4 Art, 24mm Nikon 1.4G (Prime lenses) |
| Lighting | Flash (used when necessary) |
Flash Usage
I used to be very averse to flash, preferring to capture the natural lighting of a scene. Having a bright flash go off during intimate moments is also a distraction. Flash does have its benefits and I will use it when necessary, because it is a powerful tool in the documentary photographers bag. That said, I rarely use flash during a ceremony or speeches to a lesser extent.
Step Three: Wedding Preparations
Bride and Groom Details
Photographing wedding details seems counter intuitive to documentary-style photography. For me, the candid, natural approach also should include making sure I get images of details that are important to my couple. These details can sometimes have great personal meaning. Providing my couples with a comprehensive collection of images is important to me.
Documenting Emotions Pre Ceremony
The atmosphere before a wedding ceremony is electric. Along with the bride and groom seeing each other for the first time, this part of the day stands out as being packed full of emotion. Whether the bride or groom seem quiet or excited, I document the shared experience of those present.