A photographer’s guide to documentary wedding photography

Why documentary wedding photography matters:

Choosing real instead of perfect.

When you look back at your wedding photography years from now, what will you want to see in them? Stiff and formal shots, detail photos with no people around, magazine photos where every hair is perfectly coiffed? Maybe not. What if we wanted to see moms hugging daughters and sons laughing with their fathers, grandparents sharing a toast with the happy couple, friends and family gathered around the dance floor with not a single care in sight, and the couple just living in the moment?

That’s what documentary photography is. A hands-off approach to wedding days where the focus is on you and what makes you truly happy. Because at the end of the day, you want photos that feel like you.

The heart of documentary style:

It’s about people. It’s always been about people.

At the heart of all of this, it isn’t about me or the camera or the gear or social media or any of it. It’s about you and remembering how it felt. The best (and only, in my opinion) way to do that is to commit to capturing genuine and unscripted moments throughout the day. Unlike traditional wedding photography which choreographs everything it possibly can, I believe it’s my job to unravel the narrative of the day as it organically unfolds.

The curated flat lay of your jewelry won’t matter but you’ll care about remembering the photo of your mom helping you clasp a bracelet she gave you. The photo of your place setting won’t matter but you’ll care about remembering the faces of the people who sit around those tables. The orchestrated first look won’t matter, but you’ll want to remember how it felt when you were finally alone on your wedding day for the first time.

It’s all about those things that are important to you — the jewelry, the place settings, the first look — but photographed in a way that isn’t detached from you. You made every choice for your wedding with intentionality and every person there was hand-picked by you for a reason. It’s only right that you and the ones you love remain a part of those photographs. People are what matters.

Getting to know one another:

Your photographer is the one vendor (and person, honestly) who will be beside you both on your wedding day from beginning to end. It’s so important that we get each other, you know? I can only photograph you if I know you: your story, the things you like, the music you love, why you made the decorating choices you did, the things you love about each other, everything you want to tell me!

When I know more than surface details about you, I can help bring out the real you in portraits and capture during moments where you’ll really feel seen. The essence of those photos lies in my ability to become an unobtrusive observer, blending into the background while keenly anticipating the unscripted nuances you’ve described to me.

Candid moments over posed shots in wedding portraits:

The allure of candid moments in wedding photography lies in their unparalleled ability to encapsulate a couple’s love story. Unlike overly posed photos where smiles may be forced and emotions staged, candid moments are unscripted and genuine, capturing the raw beauty of real-life connections.

The value of candid shots goes beyond just the aesthetics; it’s about the story. Each candid moment is a piece of the story, a fragment of the day’s emotional landscape frozen in time. Whether it’s the fleeting glances exchanged during vows, shared laughter between newlyweds, or the unguarded expressions of family and friends, these are the snapshots you’ll care most about in the years to come.

Candid photography carries an authenticity that resonates deeply with both the couple and their loved ones. They reflect the uniqueness of the individuals involved and showcase their personalities, quirks, and unfiltered emotions. More than that, though, is that when you’re revisiting your wedding photos in the future, you’ll be transported back to the genuine emotions and shared laughter that made their day unforgettable. Unposed photos speak a universal language that transcends staged perfection and reveals the beauty that lies in the imperfect, unplanned, and authentically human.

It’s through these moments that the true magic of a wedding day is preserved — a magic that unfolds in the spontaneity of shared glances, laughter, and genuine expressions of love.

Observational approach in wedding photography:

Documentary wedding photography is all about letting the emotions flow and allowing everyone to be themselves without interruption. Instead of saying, When I take a step back and becomes a fly on the wall, you and your guests can just be in the moment and enjoy the celebration without feeling directed or staged.

Being hands-off means I can immerse myself in the experience, capturing candid moments without being in the way. It’s not about the camera at all, really; it’s about the celebration and the connections and the emotions. You’ll end up with a collection of photos that feel natural, unposed, and genuinely timeless —- a true reflection of your one-of-a-kind celebration.

Capturing details and atmosphere on wedding days:

Capturing the atmosphere of a wedding, rather than solely focusing on individual details, adds a layer of depth and emotion to your photography. It transforms the photos into an immersive experience, allowing you to relive the ambiance, emotions, and intricate moments that made your day so special.

Consider the difference between photographing just your jewelry and capturing the moment when your loved one delicately clasps your necklace or helps you post your earrings. The latter not only showcases the details of the accessories you chose, but it also embeds those pieces with a personal and intimate moment. The human connection is what makes all the difference. Imagine flipping through your photo album and not just seeing your cake but feeling that same anticipation you had when you cut the first slice together. It’s about more than documenting; it’s about capturing the emotions, the laughter, and the genuine connections that characterize each passing moment.

Flexibility and adaptability of a wedding photographer:

Weddings are dynamic and filled with unexpected moments. Having a photographer who can navigate the ebb and flow of the day promises that every precious moment is given the time it deserves.

A documentary approach to wedding photography thrives on unobtrusive observation, and an adaptable photographer (like me!) can shift gears when the moment calls. This allows me to capture candid moment without disrupting the natural flow of events and ensuring that you get all the time you need for moments that matter most.

Take a first look, for example. I will never step in to say, “Alright, hope you guys had fun, the ten minutes is up!” I’ll wait for your cue to tell me when you’re ready to part again and give you the space that you need to take time for yourselves. I can be in the distance if you still want photos, or I have no problem understanding that a wedding is emotional and you might want some time alone for a bit. If a moment is important to you, let’s give it the emphasis it deserves.

The unpredictable nature of weddings demands a photographer who can adjust to changing circumstances.s Whether it’s sudden weather shifts, delays, or impromptu moments of spontaneity, I’m equipped to pivot with you. I see unpredictability as an opportunity to get creative and capture a unique photo. Adapting on the fly is my forte, turning challenges into chances to tell a richer story.

Building trust and connection between you and your photographer:

Connecting with people is at the core of my documentary approach. I understand that making subjects feel at ease is key to capturing genuine emotion. Building that rapport allows me to be a trusted presence, resulting in photos that authentically reflect the personalities and emotions of the day.

Building trust starts from the very first conversation. It’s all about creating an environment where you feel comfortable being yourselves and allowing me to be present for it. You don’t have to be anyone you’re not — with me, I want you to feel as true to yourselves as you can.

Connecting with you on a personal level is crucial to me. It’s not just about being a photographer on the sidelines, it’s about becoming a part of their celebration from a distance. This connection goes beyond the camera — it’s more about understanding your personality, anticipating your reaction, and being attuned to the nuances that make your relationship unique. I’ll be able to photograph you the best I can when I truly feel like I know you.

Timelessness and emotional results of documentary wedding photography:

Emotion is the heartbeat of any wedding and capturing it truthfully is my ultimate goal. Whether it’s the joyous laughter, happy tears, or quiet moments of reflection, I’ll be here for what is real.

It isn’t my job to craft those emotions. It’s simply my job to pay attention.

In a world where trends come and go, timeless photos become cherished keepsakes that tell a story beyond the surface. It’s about capturing the essence of your connection and the importance of the people you’ve invited to such a meaningful day. My hope is that I can craft artwork that transcends the trendy and becomes heirlooms for years to come.

When you’re ready to say yes to a new kind a wedding photography, I can’t wait to meet you.

Always cheering for you,

Tessa N. Brediger-Lambert