What is Documentary Style Wedding Photography
It is your wedding day and you keep thinking you want every moment to be captured in the most authentic and beautiful way. Enter documentary style wedding photography. It is a candid and unposed approach which captures the true feelings, essence and emotion of your special day. It can create timeless images that tell the story of your day.
Unlike traditional staged wedding photography, documentary style photography focuses on capturing real moments as they unfold. It's all about candid shots, genuine smiles, and unfiltered and candid emotions. You can think of your photographer as a storyteller, documenting the natural interactions and moments that make your wedding unique.
This style often allows you to relive all the joy, laughter and tears of your wedding day through your wedding gallery. This gives you the ability to experience the beauty and emotions of your wedding day over and over again.
So if this is how you hope to relive your wedding day, I would recommend finding a documentary wedding photographer who can create a visual narrative that captures your day and love story.
What sets documentary style wedding photography apart?
Documentary style wedding photography stands out from other types of wedding photography because of its unique approach to capturing moments. Instead of staged poses and forced smiles, documentary style photography captures genuine emotions and candid interactions. I approach weddings by documenting moments but during portraits, I often do some gentle posing or prompts with my couples during portraits.
One of the key aspects of this style is its unobtrusiveness. A documentary style photographer will blend into the background, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the day without feeling like you're constantly needing to pose for photos. This allows for natural and authentic moments to unfold, resulting in images that truly reflect the atmosphere and emotions of your wedding.
Another aspect that sets documentary style wedding photography apart is its focus on storytelling. The photographer becomes a visual narrator, capturing the small details and significant moments that make up your love story. From the nervous anticipation before the ceremony to the heartfelt speeches during the reception, every element is documented so you can remember those moments for years to come.
Benefits of Choosing Documentary Style Wedding Photography
Opting for documentary style wedding photography offers several benefits that make it an appealing choice for many couples.
First and foremost, it allows you to truly be present in the moment. With a documentary style photographer, you can relax and enjoy your special day without constantly posing for the camera. This allows for authentic expressions and interactions, resulting in images that are filled with genuine emotion and joy.
Documentary style wedding photography captures the true essence of your wedding. It goes beyond the superficial, focusing on the emotions, relationships, and moments that make your day unique. The images will tell a story, allowing you to relive the laughter, tears, and love that filled the air on your wedding day.
Another benefit is the variety of shots you'll get. From candid moments to sweeping landscapes, documentary style photographers have a keen eye for capturing the beauty in every detail. You'll have a diverse collection of images that showcase the full spectrum of emotions and experiences from your wedding day.
Documentary style wedding photography vs. traditional wedding photography
When choosing a wedding photographer, you may come across both documentary style and traditional wedding photography options. Understanding the differences between the two can help you make an informed decision.
Traditional wedding photography is often characterised by posed shots and a focus on capturing the formal aspects of the wedding. Your photographer will direct you and your guests, ensuring everyone is in the right position and smiling at the camera for all your photos. While this approach can yield beautiful images, it may lack the authenticity and storytelling elements that documentary style photography offers.
On the other hand, documentary style wedding photography prioritises capturing candid moments and emotions. The photographer takes a more hands-off approach, allowing the day to unfold naturally. This results in images that are filled with genuine expressions, laughter, and tears, creating a more authentic representation of your wedding.
Ultimately, the choice between documentary style and traditional wedding photography comes down to personal preference. If you value candid moments and storytelling, documentary style photography may be the perfect fit for you.
Planning for documentary style wedding photography
To ensure that your documentary style wedding photography captures all the moments and emotions you desire, it's important to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
1. Communicate your vision: Share your vision and expectations with your photographer. Discuss the key moments you want to be captured and any specific shots or poses you have in mind. This will help your photographer understand your priorities and tailor their approach accordingly.
2. Create a shot list: While documentary style photography is all about capturing candid moments, it's still helpful to create a shot list of must-have images. Include important details such as the rings, bouquet, and venue, as well as specific family and friend groupings you want to capture.
3. Share your schedule: Provide your photographer with a detailed schedule of the day, including important events, locations, and timings. This will help them plan and anticipate key moments, ensuring they are in the right place at the right time.
4. Consider a pre-wedding shoot: A pre-wedding shoot can be a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and build rapport with your photographer. It also gives your photographer an opportunity to understand your chemistry as a couple, which can translate into more intimate and authentic images on your wedding day.
5. Trust your photographer: Once you've communicated your vision and shared your schedule, trust your photographer to do what they do best. Avoid micromanaging or trying to direct every shot. Instead, allow them to capture the day as it naturally unfolds, knowing that they have the expertise to document the most meaningful moments.
Candid moments and storytelling in documentary style wedding photography
Candid moments and storytelling are at the heart of documentary style wedding photography. It's about capturing the unguarded and spontaneous moments that unfold throughout your wedding day.
From the joyful tears of the mother of the bride to the laughter shared between friends during the reception, documentary style photography seeks to capture the raw emotions that make your wedding unique. These moments may not be perfectly posed or staged, but they hold a deeper authenticity that resonates with both you and your loved ones.
A skilled documentary style photographer knows how to anticipate and capture these fleeting moments. They have a keen eye for detail and composition, allowing them to create visually compelling images that evoke emotion and tell a story.
In addition to candid moments, storytelling plays a vital role in documentary style wedding photography. The photographer becomes a visual narrator, piecing together the different elements of your wedding day to create a cohesive narrative.
Through composition, timing, and post-processing techniques, the photographer weaves together a collection of images that take you on a journey through your wedding day. From the anticipation and excitement of getting ready to the heartfelt vows and joyful celebration, every image adds to the overall story.
Editing and post-processing in documentary style wedding photography
Editing and post-processing are essential steps in creating the final collection of images in documentary style wedding photography. This is where your photographer adds their artistic touch and enhances the storytelling aspect of the images.
During the editing process, your photographer selects the best images from the wedding day and applies various adjustments to bring out the true essence and emotions captured in each shot. This may include adjustments to exposure, contrast, colour balance, and sharpness.
The goal of editing is to enhance the visual impact of the images while maintaining their authenticity. Documentary style wedding photography typically leans towards a more natural and timeless aesthetic, avoiding overly stylized or heavily edited looks.
Examples of documentary style wedding photography
To truly appreciate the beauty and storytelling potential of documentary style wedding photography, here are a few examples of stunning images captured in this style:
1. A candid shot of the bride and groom sharing a quiet moment before the ceremony, a sweet moment of anticipation and joy.
2. A black and white image of the father of the bride shedding a tear during when he sees his daughter right before the wedding.
3. A shot of the guests erupting in laughter, showcasing the genuine joy and camaraderie among friends and family.
4. An intimate shot of the couple stealing a kiss away from their wedding party.
5. A close-up shot of the bride's grandmother wiping away a tear during the speeches.
These examples demonstrate the power of documentary style wedding photography and how it can tell the story of your day.
Why documentary style wedding photography is worth considering
Documentary style wedding photography offers a unique and authentic approach to capturing the moments and emotions of your wedding day. By choosing this style, you ensure that your images truly reflect the essence of your love story, allowing you to relive the joy, laughter, and tears for years to come.
From candid moments to storytelling, documentary style photographers have the ability to craft a visual narrative that takes you back to your wedding day. Their approach allows for genuine interactions and emotions, resulting in images that are filled with authenticity and depth.
So, if you want to capture the true essence of your wedding day, consider documentary style wedding photography. It's an art form that celebrates the beauty in every moment, ensuring that your memories live on through stunning visual storytelling.
