What is ‘documentary wedding photography?’

Documentary or reportage wedding and event photography emphasizes a natural, informal, narrative approach. It follows the story of your wedding as it unfolds showing people and moments as part of a natural narrative.  In contrast, traditional wedding photography tends to emphasize set poses, standard photo packages and a more orchestrated approach to your wedding or event. There is nothing right or wrong with either approach.  It depends entirely on how you want to remember your wedding or event.  

Documentary wedding photography is a bit more flexible than traditional wedding photography.  The photographer follows you through the event rather than stopping the event to pose for pictures or create a specific scene.  A good documentary photographer will be able to include informal group shoots, capture specific moments (vows, cake cutting, etc.) as part of the day’s narrative.  Its just part of what happens.

My approach to photographing weddings is to document both the story and the feeling of the day.  I like to include informal portraits of the couple and their families and friends.  I want people will look at the photos in years to come and have an idea of the personalities, the emotions, and the place & time.

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