In today’s world, wedding photography often focuses on creating a picture-perfect image. However, my approach is different—I believe in documenting the genuine, organic connections that unfold naturally at weddings. This documentary-style wedding photography approach not only enhances the storytelling of the day but also captures the true essence of the relationships being celebrated. Let’s dive into the art of documenting intentional connections at weddings! 

The Evolution of Wedding Photography

Historically, wedding photography was a luxury, not a necessity. Couples might have had a few moments captured, but the focus was always on getting one large family picture to remember all the faces, and then otherwise photographing the experience—the coming together of families, the celebration, the joy. Today, the emphasis on photos has shifted dramatically, sometimes overshadowing the very reason for the wedding itself.

Establishing my documentary-style wedding photography approach aims to bring back that authenticity of those early days. I focus on capturing the intentional connections and further, the genuine interactions between the couple and the guests. Through these photos, I want to create images that tell the story about your unforgettable wedding with less focus on staged and posed moments. This is, the art of documenting intentional connections at weddings.

Capturing Genuine Moments

Weddings are unique in that they create a space where people feel safe to express their emotions. This is truly what makes my job so special. When I look around and see the couple and guests surrounded by loved ones, letting their guard down and opening the space up for moments of vulnerability, joy and connection is the art itself. Rarely do we see people feeling so relaxed and connected like this in other settings, so I find a lot of reward in my job as a wedding photographer by catching these little moments in time. 

For example, I recently photographed a wedding where I was in the getting-ready room with the bride, her mother, and a few friends. The friends stepped out, leaving just the bride and her mother sharing an intimate moment in front of me. The bride pointed out special details in her attire, like jewelry and family heirlooms, while her mother, overcome with emotion, began to cry. She hugged her daughter tightly, expressing how proud she was and how much she loved her. I silently captured photos of the exchange without interrupting them. I didn’t want to ruin the moment but rather catch it in action so they could remember it exactly as it happened anytime they came across these photos in the future. Unscripted moments, filled with raw emotion cannot be staged or replicated.

The Importance of Being Present

One of the biggest concerns I hear from clients is the fear of being too focused on the photos during their wedding, to the point where they aren’t fully present at the moment. It’s easy now to plan a wedding based off lavish photos from Pinterest or wedding magazines, and sometimes along the way, it’s possible to lose sight of the purpose of a wedding and become more attached to how it will look later on in pictures. My goal is to alleviate this concern entirely. I believe that the best photos come from couples who are fully engaged in their day, surrounded by loved ones, and not thinking about the camera at all.

To achieve this, I often take a fly on the wall approach during a wedding. I stay in the background, allowing events to unfold naturally, and I capture them as they happen. This approach not only puts my clients at ease but also results in images that are authentic. Check out this article from Brides, Tips for Staying Present on Your Wedding Day.

The Intentional Approach

Taking an intentional approach shifts back to the experience itself. I believe it is important to be in the now, and not feel overly curated or interrupted. In order to strike a perfect balance, I work closely with each couple to get to know them personally and hear their priorities when it comes to wedding photos. By having these crucial conversations weeks or months before the wedding, we build trust and ensure our visions are fully aligned.

By documenting intentional connections, I’m able to create a visual narrative that not only tells the story of the day but also preserves the emotions, relationships, and memories that made it special to begin with. When you look back at your wedding photos, I want you to see not just a pretty picture but a moment in time—a moment that reminds you of how you felt, the love you shared, and the people who were there to celebrate with you. The goal is to feel completely transported back to that moment, as the photo, brimming with life and emotion, reignites the memory all over again.

This is the art of documenting intentional connections at weddings. It is at the heart of everything I do as a wedding photographer. This approach will elevate and enhance the wedding experience and leave you with photos that evoke all the small and big moments from your day. 

FAQ:

What is documentary-style wedding photography?

Documentary-style wedding photography focuses on capturing real moments as they happen, without staging or posing, allowing for a more authentic and natural representation of the day.

Why is this style important?

It emphasizes the genuine connections and emotions that make a wedding day special, rather than focusing solely on creating a picture-perfect image.

What kinds of moments do you capture?

I focus on capturing the real emotions and interactions between people, such as the joy of reunion, spontaneous laughter, or heartfelt moments between family members.

How to ensure these moments are captured?

By being present, observant, and knowing when to step back, I allow these moments to unfold naturally without interference.

How do you help clients stay present during their wedding day?

By taking an unobtrusive approach, I encourage couples to focus on their experience rather than the photos, allowing me to capture more genuine moments.

What can clients expect from this approach?

Clients can expect a collection of photos that reflect the true essence of their day, filled with real, unposed moments of connection and emotion.

Why is it important to focus on the experience rather than the photos?

Focusing on the experience allows the photos to naturally reflect the joy, love, and connection of the day, resulting in images that are both beautiful and meaningful.

What is the end result of this approach?

The result is a collection of photos that truly tell the story of your wedding, capturing the real emotions and connections that made the day special.