by Have you ever seen a friend’s wedding photos and wonder what on earth did their photographer do to make these photos stand out this much? Well the answer is – Documentary wedding photography!
I know what you are thinking now, what on earth is documentary wedding photography? You can think of it as the perfect way to capture the raw and unfiltered moments of your special day!
Unlike traditional wedding photography, the documentary style of photography focuses on capturing the candid, real-time shots that tell the story of your wedding in the most authentic way possible.
Over the last decade, documentary wedding photography has become incredibly popular and for good reason. Its focus on capturing the genuine emotions, laughter, tears and the little moments that often go unnoticed is what makes it so in demand.
Forget about the staged poses or forced smiles – it’s all about the genuine emotions of the couple and the people present at the wedding.
In this article, I’ll tell you what sets documentary wedding photography apart. What are its key features, benefits and why you might want to consider it for your own wedding and much more.
I promise you that by the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of why this approach can make your wedding photos a timeless treasure.
What is Documentary Wedding Photography and Its Key Features
So, what is documentary wedding photography exactly? To put it out in the simplest words, it is a style of wedding photography where the photographer focuses on capturing the natural flow of the wedding day as it unfolds without making any interference – It’s like they don’t even exist.
This also means that there are no staged shots or poses. Just real moments that tell a true story of the day.
Years down the road when you’ll pick up your wedding album rocking on a chair by your fireplace with a glass of Chivas Regal, you won’t be looking at a series of forced smiles but rather the genuine emotions, the true laughter, the heartfelt tears and the true happiness that you and your family had on the day.
Documentary wedding photography puts a lot of effort into storytelling. Every shot that the photographer takes is a piece of puzzle which when put together narrates the entire day.
The photographer blends into the background and becomes an unobtrusive observer who captures the essence of your wedding day.
If someone asked to create shot list for documentary style wedding photography, this is what I’ll give them:
- Candid Shots: Unposed, natural moments that reflect true emotions.
- Storytelling: Photos that, together, tell the full story of the day.
- Details and Atmosphere: Capturing the little things that make your wedding unique.
- Emotional Resonance: Focus on capturing the genuine reactions and interactions.
Being able to capture the atmosphere and the intricate details also adds to the charm of documentary style wedding photography. From the decorations to the laughter and tears, it preserves every little thing.
The goal with documentary wedding photography is to create an album that brings you back to each moment, making you feel the emotions all over again.
What are the Benefits of Documentary Wedding Photography?
I remember asking Freddy, one of my photographer friends about what he thinks are the benefits of documentary wedding photography over traditional wedding photography?
Freddy said,”There are three most significant benefits that the couple gets when they go for a documentary wedding photography style instead of traditional wedding photography”.
He further added, “They get the most authentic photos that they would have not got otherwise, the atmosphere is much more chill and relaxed and the couple gets a comprehensive coverage of their wedding.”
The sad part is that not many couples know about these small details and therefore end up making an uneducated decision which they might regret later.
To make sure that you have a good understanding of what Freddy meant, I am expanding upon the benefits he told me.
Authenticity
The documentary wedding photography is all about capturing authentic moments, as it is, without any external interference.
It captures everything from the nervous excitement before the ceremony to the joyful and grand celebration at the reception
Thus the photos captured reflect the true emotions and genuine moments of happiness.I remember shooting a wedding where the bride’s grandmother gave a heartfelt speech. The tears and smiles captured in those candid shots told a beautiful, authentic story that no posed photo could ever convey.
Relaxed Atmosphere
As mentioned by Freddy, the atmosphere that documentary style photography creates is very calm and relaxed.
Without any pressure of posing for photos everyone can enjoy the day in a more natural way. This helps both the couples and their guests to feel at ease which also results in more natural and joyous photographs.
It takes off one pressure from your head and allows you to freely enjoy your day, knowing that your photographer is capturing everything without needing to direct you.
Comprehensive Coverage
Now what do I mean when I say that it offers comprehensive coverage of your day. Well just what it sounds like – everything!
From the small, intimate moments that the couple shares with each other to the grand celebrations. Every aspect of your wedding is documented.
The documentary style ensures that nothing is missed and gives you a complete and detailed visual narrative of your big day.
What I feel is that it’s not just about the big moments that should make into your wedding album but also the little ones – the subtle glances, the spontaneous laughter, and the quiet, tender moments that make your wedding uniquely yours.
And choosing this style will do just that to your album. You’ll end up with an album that not only brings back all the memories but also lets you truly relive and experience the day again and again.
Photographer’s Role and Skills in Documentary Wedding Photography
Selecting the right photographer is very important if you want a documentary wedding photography that’s a visual treat to the eyes. The photographer that you choose has to be more than just a person with a camera.
He needs to be an artist, a storyteller and a keen observer. I believe that these are the qualities that separates a good photographer from a great one. The skills and approach that a photographer has can make all the difference in capturing the true essence of your wedding day.
My mentor, Mr. Manoj Kagra, constantly stressed the importance of improving my soft skills along with my photography skills. He says, “these soft skills are what draws the line between good and great.”
Some of the most important skills that a photographer must have in order to excel at documentary style wedding photography are:
Anticipation
Being able to anticipate and predict the moments before they even happen is a common trait that is shared by all professional documentary wedding photographers.
This skill comes from experience and a deep psychological understanding of human emotions and interactions. Being a great photographer is not just about clicking the shutter button but also about being a good observer!
Professional photographers can sense when a touching moment is about to occur like a father’s first look at his daughter in her wedding dress and they are always ready to capture these moments perfectly.
Blending In
I can’t emphasise the importance of blending in enough! This is not an option but an essential skill that documentary photographers have.
The best documentary photographers know how to be unobtrusive, almost invisible, so they don’t disrupt the natural flow of events.
I always make sure to dress appropriately and move quietly, ensuring that I don’t draw attention to myself. This allows me to capture genuine moments without people feeling self-conscious or posed.
Technical Proficiency
Of course, technical proficiency is a must. Knowing how to use the camera to its fullest potential, understanding lighting, composition, and timing – these are all critical.
Weddings demand photographers to make split-second decisions. Being highly skilled with their equipment and quick on their feet enables them to adapt swiftly and handle challenging lighting conditions with ease.
A photographer who has mastered these skills will be able to deliver an album full of authentic, emotional, and beautifully composed photos that tell the complete story of your wedding day.
Comparing Documentary Wedding Photography Styles
When choosing between documentary wedding photography and traditional styles, it’s essential to understand their key differences. Both have their merits, but they cater to different preferences and visions for your wedding photos.
Documentary vs. Traditional Wedding Photography
I believe that by now, you have developed a good understanding of how the documentary wedding photography style differs from a traditional wedding photography style.
Below, I have created a quick comparison table to help you recall all the differences!
| Feature | Documentary Wedding Photography | Traditional Wedding Photography |
| Style | Candid, storytelling | Posed, structured |
| Photographer’s Role | Observer, unobtrusive | Director, guiding poses |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed, natural | Formal, sometimes staged |
| Moments Captured | Genuine emotions, spontaneous events | Planned shots, posed moments |
| Photo Editing | Minimal, true-to-life | Often heavily edited for perfection |
I believe that by now you are clear as to why Choose Documentary Style. If you are one of those couples who want a relaxed wedding day and focus more on enjoying the moment rather than posing for photos then feel free to drop me a message on my whatsapp at +91 63931 68551.
Hybrid Approach
This is just what it sounds like – the mixture of the two. Many couples opt for a hybrid approach, combining documentary wedding photography with traditional elements.
This way, you get the best of both worlds – the candid, authentic moments and the beautiful, posed portraits. This is a great option for couples who are confused between the two styles and feel like they need it both.
Choosing the right style comes down to what you envision for your wedding photos. Whether you lean towards the authentic, unfiltered approach of documentary style or the classic, posed look of traditional photography, make sure it reflects your personality and the story you want to tell.
Conclusion
And once again let me ask, what is documentary wedding photography? Well I guess I don’t have to answer it now, you know the answer very well.
But just to give you a quick walk through your memory lane. Documentary wedding photography is all about capturing the real and unposed moments that make your wedding day, well – YOURS!
Remember, choosing the right photographer will make all the difference. Make sure that the photographer you choose is good at communication and understands your vision. This is much more important than you might think. Never ever work with someone who does not understand your vision.
In the end, whether you go fully documentary, traditional, or a mix of both, the most important thing is that your wedding photos make you smile, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear or two. After all, these photos are your memories, captured forever.
If you are looking for someone who can capture your wedding the way you have envisioned it, feel free to drop me a direct message on my WhatsApp at +91 63931 68551 or drop me a mail mihirsoni.photography@gmail.com
I would love to have a detailed discussion with you, understating your needs and bringing your vision to life.
That’s it for this article, I’ll see you in the next one.
This is your host for the day signing off!
FAQ
What is the difference between cinematic and documentary photography?
Cinematic photography often uses dramatic lighting and composition to create a storytelling effect, while documentary photography captures real-life moments with minimal intervention and a focus on authenticity.
Is documentary photography the same as photojournalism?
While similar, documentary photography focuses on storytelling through candid images, whereas photojournalism often covers newsworthy events and may include a more structured approach to capturing stories.
What is the opposite of documentary photography?
The opposite would be posed or staged photography, where subjects are directed to create specific scenes rather than capturing spontaneous, natural moments.
Which camera is best for documentary photography?
A versatile camera with good low-light performance and fast autofocus, like the Canon EOS R6 Mii or Sony A7 Siii, is ideal for documentary photography.
What camera settings for documentary photography?
Use a fast shutter speed to capture spontaneous moments, a wide aperture for better low-light performance, and adjust ISO as needed to maintain image clarity while minimising noise.