“Documentary-style wedding photography” seems to be a buzzword lately — every photographer seems to say they offer it. But what does documentary-style actually mean? And how do you know if this approach is right for your wedding?
If you’re searching for a photographer who captures real moments, genuine emotion, and the full story of your day without constant posing… you’re in the right place.
Let’s break it down.
Documentary-Style Photography, Defined
According to Tate,
“Documentary photography is a style of photography that provides a straightforward and accurate representation of people, places, objects, and events.”
Your wedding isn’t a news story, but the goal is similar:
to honestly document the people, emotions, atmosphere, and natural flow of your day as it unfolds.
Documentary-style wedding photography focuses on truth over perfection, emotion over performance, and presence over posing. It captures not only the big moments — but all the little, in-between moments & lived-in details that make your wedding feel like you (and let you relive your day time and time again!)
Why Couples Choose Documentary-Style Wedding Photography
Documentary-style might be for you if you….
- Want to be fully present on your wedding day, not pulled away for constant posing.
- Love candids, unscripted moments, and emotional images that feel alive.
- Want photos that reflect the real atmosphere of your day — the people, the energy, the candlelight, the connection.
- Crave minimal interruptions and a photographer who blends in with your guests to capture your day as if they were a friend with a front-row seat.
It’s the perfect style for couples who value authenticity, connection, and a wedding day experience centered on being together — not performing for the camera. Click here to take my free, 2-minute quiz to see if documentary style is for you!
What Documentary Photography Feels Like On Your Wedding Day
Let’s paint the picture:
Getting Ready
The room is full of makeup bags, music, nerves, and laughter. Your mom buttons your dress — not for the camera, but for you. And that’s exactly what’s being captured.
Your First Look
You see your partner for the first time in a way that feels natural. No pressure, no audience — just the two of you sharing a moment you’ll remember forever because it was real, not staged.
Portraits
You’re guided toward soft, flattering light and encouraged to move, laugh, talk, squish together — whatever feels like you. It’s direction without pressure, and editorial without rigidity.
Cocktail Hour
(Aka the best part of a wedding day and one you won’t want to miss because you’re doing portraits for an hour!)
You breathe. You hug your people. You sip your drink, eat the food, and sneak away for a quiet minute. You’re not posing — you’re present.
Reception
The night becomes a blur of dancing, laughter, tears, and connection.
The photography isn’t interrupting — it’s keeping up.
So later, when the night feels like a dream, you have images that bring it all back to life.
A Quick Note About Me (and Why I Photograph This Way)
I didn’t become a documentary-style photographer by accident.
Before weddings, I studied journalism and worked at a local newspaper covering real people and real stories. I learned how to anticipate emotion, stay observant, blend into a scene, and capture moments that only happen once.
Later, working for a wedding venue group, I realized most wedding photos all looked the same — heavily posed, overly curated, and lacking the raw emotion that makes weddings meaningful.
So I decided to do things differently.
I leaned into my storytelling background and started photographing weddings the way they actually unfold — with honesty, emotion, and an eye for the in-between moments.
(You can read more about my story on my full About Me page.)
Is Documentary-Style Photography Right For You?
If you’re planning a wedding that’s centered on connection, presence, and celebrating with your people — and you want images that feel natural, emotional, and true to you — documentary-style photography might be the perfect fit.
Take my free quiz to see if documentary photography is actually what you’re after.
If you’d love photos that bring you right back into the moment every time you look at them…
I’d be so honored to document your day.
Curious if we’re a good fit? Let’s chat!
