As a wedding photographer I’m often asked if I shoot documentary style or a more directed and posed style?
Short Answer: I shoot BOTH.
Documentary style wedding photography has gained a lot of popularity over the years, but many couples are unsure of what they can expect. Let me break it down for you and explain how this style works — and why, despite being all about the candid moments, there are times when posing is necessary to capture the best shots.
What Is Documentary Wedding Photography?
Documentary wedding photography, also known as photojournalistic style, is all about capturing the authentic moments of your wedding day as they happen. My goal is to document the story of your day in the most genuine, unscripted way possible. This means observing and capturing real, emotional moments — from the laughter between bridesmaids to the quiet glances shared between you and your partner during the ceremony.
Attempting to minimally interact with you, your wedding party and guests with gentle direction. Letting the day unfold as naturally as possible and record it in a way that reflects the emotion and atmosphere of your celebration. The beauty of documentary photography is in its authenticity — it allows you to relive your day exactly as it was, including the little in-between moments.
The Power of Candid Moments
One of the things I love most about documentary wedding photography is how it captures those candid, spontaneous moments that make your day so special. These are the moments you might not even realize are happening — like the joyful laughter of your aunt telling a funny story or the emotional hug between you and your best friend.
These types of images bring out the true essence of your wedding day, showing the connections and feelings that might not be visible in posed shots. It’s the genuine smiles, the tears of joy, the surprise, and the celebration — all of these are beautifully encapsulated in a documentary style. For many couples, the appeal lies in knowing that they don’t need to worry about posing perfectly for the camera. You can just relax, be yourselves, and let the photographer handle the rest.
So, Why Do I Still Pose Some Shots?
Now, while documentary wedding photography focuses on capturing real moments, that doesn't mean posing is completely off the table. Posing helps to enhance the story I’m telling through my lens. Here’s why:
- Group Photos: Let’s be honest — some family and group shots are a must. Most couples want a few pictures with their loved ones, and these are often better when they’re posed, even if just a little. I’ll gently guide you and your guests into position to make sure everyone looks their best while still feeling relaxed. I’m not going to make anyone do anything awkward, but a little direction helps me create balanced, flattering images.
- Couple Portraits: One of the highlights of any wedding is the couple portraits. Now, even though I strive to keep these moments natural, I will give gentle direction to help make the photo feel authentic. For example, I might ask you to stand together in a certain way or suggest that you walk hand-in-hand for a few steps to create a beautifully candid, intimate moment. The idea is to capture you in a natural state, but sometimes a little help with framing or movement makes a huge difference.
- Lighting and Composition: Lighting and composition are crucial to creating stunning photos. If I notice that the light is perfect in a certain spot, or if the background needs a little adjustment to make the shot stand out, I may ask you to shift slightly. These adjustments are subtle, but they help create visually striking photos that are still true to the feeling of your day.
Finding the Right Balance
I call myself a HYBRID Photographer. With wedding photography, my goal is to capture the most authentic, natural moments of your wedding. But that doesn’t mean I completely avoid any direction. A small amount of posing can actually be key to ensuring that the most important moments are documented in the best possible way.
The trick is to find that sweet spot where your photos feel genuine, but are visually appealing and well-composed. It’s all about balancing the candid moments with the right amount of subtle direction — and my experience allows me to know when to step back and when to step in to ensure I’m getting the best shot without disrupting the flow of the day.
Relying on My Photo Assistant
Often I give the second shooter specific instructions to stand off to the side a bit, capturing soft in-between moments I might miss. Especially to watch for angles and emotions happening before and often after we have composed a shot.
The magic of your day
Documentary wedding photography is about telling the story of your day as honestly and emotionally as possible. It’s capturing those raw, beautiful moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours. But the reality is a little bit of posing helps elevate the shots. My goal is never to take away from the authenticity of your wedding day, but to enhance it with the right guidance when necessary.
So, while you can expect a lot of candid moments, you’ll also get stunning, carefully directed shots to ensure the best of both worlds. Ultimately, documentary wedding photography is about preserving the magic of your day, while making sure every shot looks incredible.
