What is 100% documentary style wedding photography?
While most wedding photographers often rightly claim to be ‘candid photographers’, this is only half the picture.
Every wedding photographer is a candid wedding photographer in the sense that the only way to capture the ceremony (for example) is using documentary style photography methods. That means capturing unscripted, candid and real moments as they happen.
But true, real 100% documentary style wedding photography can only be classified as such when the photographer takes this approach for the entire day.
That’s right, real documentary style photography means no requests or disruptions from the photographer on the wedding day.
This is incredibly liberating for both the couple, the guests and the photographer. The couple can spend all of their precious time celebrating and interacting with guests, instead of following instructions.
Real documentary style photography means absolutely nothing is setup, staged, posed or pre-arranged by the photographer. The photographer is there to capture what really happened, not what the photographer contrived.
Note the distinction there between nothing setup by the photographer, versus something setup by the bride and groom. In other words, there is nothing contrived about the couple requesting a to-camera photo from the photographer. That would be a natural request on a wedding day.
Family group photos are also normally part of 100% documentary style photography, for practical reasons. Mainly because it is often rare to have all members of the family dressed up and in the same place together. It just makes sense, and has nothing to do with whether the wedding is 100% documentary style or not.
But all those fashionable, cliche, setup photos are definitely not part of the picture. Unless of course, they are planned or requested by the couple, in which case they suddenly gain meaning.
“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
The Benefits
Less need for preparation, planning and meetings with your photographer.
100% rock-solid guarantee that every moment captured will be a true portrayal of your day. Every photo will have meaning, context and value.
In the fullness of time, 100% documentary style wedding photos increase in relevance and value.
More time for the photographer to capture candid moments or detail photos.
No disruptions or distractions and less adherence to schedules, meaning you can spend all that extra time with your closest family and friends allowing the day to unfold naturally.
Less stress and anxiety caused by having to constantly pose and follow instructions throughout the day.
In my case as a wedding photographer, I charge less for 100% documentary style coverage.
