The unspoken uniqueness of documentary photography in weddin
“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.” – Dorothea Lange
What is does "documentary" mean in wedding photography?
Documentary wedding photography captures candid moments without photographer-led staging or posing. It aims to tell the story of the day as it unfolds, focusing on genuine emotions and interactions, rather than poses or directives. When you choose a documentary photographer, your day gets to unfold just as you plan it, while you are a present participant. You don't have to worry about managing the photographer, or whether you look "just right" (We promise, you look GREAT!) This style of photography values authenticity over perfection, creating a visual narrative that preserves the natural essence of the wedding day.
The distinct look of documentary photography
Documentary photographers have a unique approach. It focuses on capturing candid moments and real emotions as they happen, rather than requiring the photographer to take charge of a wedding day. Rather than making changes or controling outcomes while making photographs, the photographer watches carefully and tells a story through unposed and spontaneous images. This provides a genuine and authentic perspective of the wedding day. Documentary photography is a distinctive style, and it seeks to create a narrative that emphasizes the raw and candid nature of the moments captured, allowing the viewer to experience the emotions and atmosphere of the event as if they were right there. You know that photo of your best friend or partner where they're laughing, and every time you look at it, it's almost as if you can hear their laugher ringing out from the image? Yea. Well, that's exactly what we're talking about here.
Why choose a documentary photographer for your wedding?
On your wedding day, you probably want to be able to relax and enjoy time with your loved ones. After all, you didn't orchestrate such a beautiful day just for yourself; you did it to be able to have quality time with the ones you loved. Otherwise, you might have just eloped (and we're just fine with that, too). But more involved days deserve documentary wedding photography because it captures genuine moments and emotions, creating a narrative of your special day. Unlike traditional posed photos, documentary photography provides a natural and unscripted look for your wedding images, allowing you to relive the real emotions and interactions that occurred. With this style, you can see the authentic beauty of your wedding day without artificial setups or forced smiles.
The impact of authentic storytelling
If you think back on your life, you can probably vividly remember a moment in time that stands out to you for being special in some way. If you think of this specific day, you might close your eyes and remember how the air smelled, the weather, the sounds, and the people who were there. The story of the day played out in such a way that it was imprinted on your mind in a way you could never forget. You are able to remember what it felt like to be there. Authentic storytelling in photographs taken using a documentary approach can take you back to a place in time, by documenting real emotions and candid moments as they happen, portraying the true essence of your wedding day. By focusing on genuine interactions and unscripted experiences, these images create a powerful narrative that truly tells the story of your wedding day, in all of it's glory, just as it happened. Through authentic storytelling, documentary wedding photography goes beyond mere visuals, etching everlasting memories that resonate with the heart.
Documentary photography vs. traditional wedding photography
At Squier Studios, we specialize in documentary photography. This means we focus on capturing candid moments that unfold naturally throughout the wedding day, focusing on real emotions and genuine interactions. It's important to us that you are able to be present in each moment of your wedding day, instead of being told how to pose, where to look, and where and how to stand or sit. We aim to tell a story and preserve the authenticity and integrity of the event itself. In contrast, traditional wedding photography involves posed shots and staged compositions, often with more emphasis on formal poses and traditional wedding moments. Documentary photography seeks to capture the raw, unscripted moments that make each wedding unique, while traditional photography focuses on creating polished and timeless images through careful staging and composition. In short, we want to capture more than what your day looks like; rather, we want to focus on how it felt to be there.
How to know if Squier Studios is the right documentary photographer for your wedding
When you look at our portfolio, you may notice that you don't see a lot of the types of photos that other photographers love to show off. You might notice how our portfolio showcases more candid moments and storytelling rather than posed shots. We will gladly supply you with recommendations from past clients who have chosen our documentary wedding photography approach. While it's true that each photographer has a unique style, it's important that you choose one whose work resonates with you. We'd love to meet with you to discuss your vision and ensure we understand your expectations.
How Squier Studios achieves natural and unposed wedding photographs
To capture natural and unposed wedding photos, photographers focus on candid moments and genuine emotions.
We will build rapport with the couple beforehand to create a comfortable atmosphere during the wedding day.
We observe and anticipate moments that are unfolding naturally, such as a heartfelt hug or a spontaneous laugh.
We always encourage the couple to ignore the camera and just be themselves to capture authentic emotions.
We use a documentary approach by being unobtrusive and letting the events of the day unfold naturally.
We seek out unique perspectives and angles to add depth and storytelling to the photographs, while also flattering our clients.
By following these tips, we achieve natural and unposed wedding photographs that truly capture the essence of the special day.
Preserving memories through documentary wedding photography
Documentary wedding photography focuses on capturing candid moments and genuine emotions, preserving memories in a natural and storytelling way. We aim to be unobtrusive, capturing the events as they naturally unfold without staging or directing. This style allows for authentic moments to be frozen in time, creating a collection of images that reflect the true essence of the wedding day. After your wedding, we will help you remember your day by making unique, expertly crafted wall art for the walls of your home, handmade albums, and a wide variety of other options to help guarantee that your wedding day will live on for generations to come.
