What Is A Documentary Wedding Photographer?
A documentary wedding photographer uses similar techniques and approaches that a photojournalist uses when reporting a story. They photograph unscripted moments of a wedding day, creating a collection of photographs from a wedding that tells the day's story.
If you're researching wedding photography styles, in this article, I'll cover the topics such as the benefits of documentary wedding photography, how to find the right photographer for your needs and the history of documentary wedding photography.
Benefits of Documentary Style Wedding Photography
Documentary wedding photography benefits couples looking for more authentic and candid photos of their wedding day. Here are a few key benefits of this approach:
Experience The Day: Weddings have become a checklist of must-have photos and hours of portraits. Photographers who document a wedding day are in the background. They allow you to experience your wedding day instead of stressing out over “must-have photos”.
Natural and relaxed: Documentary wedding photography is generally more comfortable and natural than traditional photography. It allows couples to be themselves and not worry about posing.
A different perspective: Couples can see their wedding day as it happened with genuine photos instead of just seeing the traditional posed shots.
Timeless: Documentary wedding photography has a timeless quality to it. These candid images capture genuine emotions and moments that will be meaningful and memorable in the future. There are no trendy wedding pose taken on the wedding day.
Wedding Photo Editing - Documentary-style wedding photographers have a natural and authentic editing style when they edit wedding photos. This editing style will show what the day looked like. Current editing filters and over-editing trends will not be seen in the photos of a documentary wedding photographer.
Tips For Finding a Documentary Wedding Photographer
Research local photographers:
Start with a simple google search researching local photographers specializing in documentary wedding photography. Look for photographers with a strong portfolio of candid, spontaneous images that capture a wedding day's genuine emotion and moments. There are also sites like www.WPJA.com that act as a directory for couples looking for this style of wedding photography.
Read reviews and ask for referrals: Read reviews from past clients on places like google review. Ask your wedding planner or wedding venue if they know any photographers specializing in wedding documentary photography.
Talk with potential photographers: Contact and schedule consultations to discuss how they approach the day and get a sense of their shooting style and approach. Have a list of questions for the photographer before you call them. If they mention needing 1-hour photo wedding portraits, that is a red flag. Ten maybe fifteen minutes during golden hour for some laid back portraits is what most of my wedding couples are spending for their wedding portraits.
Make a decision: After talking with a few photographers, compare your options and choose the photographer who you feel is the best fit for the style of wedding photography you want.
By following these steps, you should be able to hire a talented and skilled documentary-style photographer who can help document your wedding.
The History of Documentary Wedding Photography
Documentary wedding photography is a modern approach rooted in traditional photojournalism. This style of photography emerged in the early 20th century as a way to capture real-life events and stories through photography. It was popularized by photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa, who used cameras to document significant events and everyday life candidly and spontaneously.
In recent years, documentary wedding photography has gained popularity in the wedding industry. Documentary wedding photography seeks to photograph the day as it happened. This approach differs from traditional wedding photography, which often involves more posed and staged shots.
While documentary wedding photography is relatively modern, it has roots in a long tradition of photojournalism. This approach allows couples to experience their wedding day without spending hours taking awkward posed photos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Documentary Wedding Photography
1. What is documentary wedding photography style, and why is it popular?
Documentary wedding photography, also known as photojournalism or reportage wedding photography, is a style that aims to capture the natural and candid moments of a wedding day without interference from the photographer. This approach has gained popularity because it allows couples to relive their special day through authentic and genuine images rather than posed and staged photographs.
Focuses on candid, natural moments
Minimal interference from the photographer
Authentic and genuine images to remember the special day
2. How does documentary wedding photography differ from traditional wedding photography?
While traditional wedding photography typically involves more posed and formal shots, documentary wedding photography focuses on capturing the wedding day's story as it unfolds. Documentary photographers seek to capture the emotion, atmosphere, and unique moments of the day, whereas traditional photographers may prioritize group shots and portraits.
Emphasis on storytelling and unique moments in documentary photography
Traditional photography focuses on posed and formal shots
Documentary photography captures emotions and atmosphere
3. What are the most important factors to think about when I’m hiring a documentary wedding photographer?
To find the perfect documentary wedding photographer, consider the photographer's portfolio, experience, and communication style. A strong portfolio will showcase their ability to capture the essence of a wedding day. Experience is essential for ensuring they can handle the fast-paced nature of a wedding. A good photographer should have strong communication skills so you feel comfortable and relaxed on your big day.
Evaluate the photographer's portfolio for quality and style
Consider their experience with weddings and fast-paced events
Ensure they have strong communication skills for a comfortable experience
4. How much does a documentary wedding photographer typically cost?
The price of a documentary wedding photographer will range from expensive to inexpensive depending on where the wedding is, how much coverage you’ll need, and how experienced the photographer is. On average, a documentary wedding photographer will cost a couple between $2,000 and $10,000.
5. What should I expect from a documentary wedding photographer on the wedding day?
With a documentary wedding photographer, you can expect them to be present throughout the day, capturing moments as they unfold. They will likely arrive early to document the preparations and stay until the main events of the reception have been captured. Documentary photographers tend to blend into the background, allowing them to capture genuine emotions and interactions without drawing attention to themselves. Discussing your expectations and timeline with your photographer beforehand is essential to ensure a seamless experience.
The photographer will be present throughout the day
They blend into the background to capture genuine moments
Discuss expectations and timeline with the photographer before the wedding day
6. Can I still have posed shots with a documentary wedding photographer?
Absolutely! Although documentary wedding photography primarily focuses on candid moments, most photographers are happy to accommodate a few posed shots upon request. Discussing your preferences with your photographer is essential to balance posed and honest images that suit your tastes.
Documentary photographers can accommodate posed shots.
Communicate your preferences in advance
Find a balance between posed and candid images that suits you
7. How many photos can I expect from a documentary wedding photographer?
The number of photos you receive from a documentary wedding photographer may vary depending on the length of your wedding and the photographer's style. You can expect to receive between 400 and 700 edited images from a full day's coverage. Remember that quality is more important than quantity, and the final selection should tell the story of your wedding day beautifully.
The number of photos varies based on the wedding length and the photographer's style.
Expect to receive between 500 and 1,000 edited images. Focus on quality and storytelling rather than quantity.
8. How long does receiving my wedding photos after the event take?
My turnaround time is around 3-4 weeks after the wedding. Discussing the timeline with your photographer in advance is essential to understand when you can expect your photos. You can expect to receive your edited images within 4 to 12 weeks following the wedding day.
Turnaround time varies based on the photographer's schedule and workload
Expect to receive edited images within 4 to 12 weeks. Discuss the timeline with your photographer beforehand.
9. Do documentary wedding photographers offer albums and prints?
Many documentary wedding photographers offer albums and prints as part of their packages or as an additional service. High-quality, professionally designed albums can be an excellent way to showcase your wedding story, while prints make beautiful keepsakes or gifts for family and friends. Be sure to discuss your preferences with your photographer to determine the best options for your needs.
Albums and prints are often available through documentary wedding photographers.
Professionally designed albums showcase your wedding story
Discuss preferences and options with your photographer
10. What should I do to prepare for my documentary wedding photography session?
To have a good experience with your documentary wedding photographer, it's essential to that your photographer communicate with you how they do their job and educate you about their process. Additionally, encourage your guests to relax and enjoy the day, knowing that the photographer will be unobtrusive and focused on capturing authentic moments.
Provide a timeline
Do not mirco manage your photographer or give a long list of “must have” photos.
Encourage guests to relax and enjoy the day, allowing for authentic moments to be documented.
Examples of Documentary Wedding Photography Style
Conclusion
Documentary wedding photography is an excellent option for couples who want authentic photographic documentation of their wedding. Couples often spend more time celebrating with guests and can relax and be themselves on their wedding day.
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