Documentary-style wedding photography, also known as photojournalism photography, is a genre of photography that aims to capture real-life events, scenes, and people in an authentic and unobtrusive manner. It involves telling a story or conveying a message through images, often without staging or altering the scene. Here’s how I would describe it to you today if I was sitting across from you with a warm drink in hand.
1. Authenticity:
- Real-Life Moments: Documentary-style photographers focus on capturing genuine moments as they unfold, without interference or manipulation.
- Truthful Representation: The goal is to represent the subject matter truthfully, offering viewers an unfiltered view of the world.
2. Storytelling:
- Narrative: Each photograph contributes to a larger narrative or story, whether it’s focusing on your ceremony or engagement session, it all points back to celebrating and telling about your relationship!
- Emotion and Impact: Images are selected and framed to evoke emotion and make a lasting impact. Perfection is left behind when the first priority becomes capturing timeless moments. This is a great way to ensure a relaxed, authentic wedding day.
3. Objectivity:
- Observer Role: Documentary-style photographers typically adopt the role of an observer rather than overly directing. As your wedding photographer, I am always there to provide direction, but if I really love a moment and the beauty within, I will do anything but interfere. Speaking of interference…
- Minimal Interference: This style avoids altering the scene or overly directing, allowing events to unfold naturally.
4. Technical Considerations:
- Lighting and Composition: While documentary-style photography emphasizes authenticity, as your photographer, I will still consider lighting and composition to create the best images possible.
- Equipment: Having updated cameras and lenses suited for fast-paced environments and low-light conditions is my priority in order to capture moments quickly and effectively. If a moment is happening, I want to capture it versus ruining it by setting up a perfect lighting setting. That is why I really value a mix of this (documentary style photography) and more direction-based photography when needed.
Are you looking for a wedding photographer who can capture your wedding with a focus on documenting each moment effortlessly? I’d love to connect and see if we are a good fit!
Images below are from the beautiful Ivy Rose Venue in Rocky Mount, Virginia!
