Not to toot my own horn but *toot*. I think I do my job pretty well. However, my confidence in my work has not always been this way. For all of you perfectionists out there, you know how tough it can be to feel good about something.
I do have to say, that there was a pivotal moment in which I felt more aligned with my work and style than ever before. That was once I finally nailed down my own creative wedding photography style. Documentary-style wedding photography to be more exact.
I feel that it’s important before anyone decides to work with a wedding photographer, that you determine what you value most among the many wedding photography styles out there. So here we go…
What Is Documentary-Style Wedding Photography?
While I could go on and on about what documentary-style wedding photography is, that would be a whole novel. A novel that frankly, nobody wants to read right now – lol. There are probably a ton of definitions of what a documentary-style wedding is to others. Here is how *I* personally view the subject. In short:
Documentary-style wedding photography entails letting your wedding day moments unfold without the influence of your wedding photographer. It lets you stay completely in the moment. You’re able to enjoy your wedding day, instead of only looking into the camera lens. Rather than spending your day tweaking every move/moment to get the “perfect shot”, it is much more organic. Your final gallery will include likely a few posed images alongside an abundance of candid photos of you and your guests enjoying each other’s company.
Why Do I Think Documentary-Style Wedding Photography Is Important?
As your wedding photographer, my job is to document your memories. Instead of me creating those memories for you. Are you picking up what I’m putting down? If you’re looking for someone that will force you into a fake dance party for your photos, then I may not be the photographer for you. However, I *will* be ready when every special moment happens in the blink of an eye. My mission is to capture your experience as you travel through your day and document every moment for you to look back on for years to come.
It’s important to determine how you want your wedding day captured before hiring your wedding photographer. This will have a major impact on how your day is documented, how you feel throughout the day, and the types of images that you’ll receive afterward.
How Do I Shoot With This In Mind?
Now, this is a good question! It’s more than just talk the talk, you also have to walk the walk. Well, outside of your scheduled portrait time, I hang back as much as I can so that you can focus your energy on enjoying your day with your people. Instead of spending the whole day posing in front of the camera.
Basically, think of me as your fly on the wall capturing all of those small moments that you can barely hope to remember through mental pictures. My specialty lies not in directing your day, but in documenting it exactly as it happened.
Disclaimer: Posed Images Are Important Too
I also want to make it very clear that I will get those great posed images when it’s time for your wedding day. I’m not just going to leave you hanging! However, I do this through a lens of candid, natural images that show your emotion and who you are. To me, it’s about finding a balance and making sure that most importantly, your wedding day is captured authentically and genuinely.
What Is Documentary-Style Wedding Photography?
Well, folks, that is my short (but not so short) summary of what documentary-style wedding photography is. Again, this is my personal definition of the term. However, it’s important to understand where my heart and soul lie within my business and capture my couples on their wedding day.
So if you’re in search of a wedding photographer who captures your day authentically to your specific story and has a documentary-style wedding photography approach, then I’m your gal! If you’re not sure when to book your wedding photographer, check out this blog next!
