Why hire a documentary photographer for your wedding?

A wedding is a pain in the boot to plan and will pass by in a whirlwind. Some couples wake up wondering what just happened. Between entertaining guests, hurrying to meet a wedding timeline, weaving in and out of tables trying to say hi to everyone, and trying to stay close to your partner – there isn’t much room to catch your breath. Why add to the stress? Do you even really want a traditional wedding photographer approach that puts photos before moments? Someone carting you around, staging awkward scenes that do not fit your family dynamic, getting ready photos taken in perfect lighting, hours after everybody’s been dressed already? Or do you prefer a documentary creative photographer with experience working in a storytelling style? Someone who can take photos in any lighting and prioritizes emotions rather than aiming to curate a submission to a cookie-cutter bridal mag?

Would you like to be present and checked in on your wedding day with photos that reflect how the day unfolded? Unsurprisingly, many couples just like you are now deciding that they lean toward candid photographs prioritizing unscripted moments.

In this blog post, featuring a St. Augustine Treasury and Oldest House documentary wedding, we'll explore the reasons why hiring a documentary wedding photographer will elevate your experience and you will have a treasured timeless collection of genuine, heartfelt memories that only increases in value over time.

Authenticity and Emotion:

Documentary wedding photographers (like me!) train our intuitive muscles to know exactly where to be throughout the day to capture the authentic emotions and candid moments that happen naturally on your wedding day. We focus on documenting the raw joy, tears of happiness, laughter, and heartfelt connections between you, your partner, and your people. By capturing these genuine moments, your wedding photos will reflect the true story of your big day, making you weep and transporting you back to your wedding like an old-timey family album.

Storytelling:

Documentary wedding photographers are skilled storytellers who weave a narrative through their photographs. I have spent the last three years perfecting and becoming an expert in telling a story through my captures. There are TONS of skills that are INTEGRAL to taking pictures in a photo journalistic manner. We study angles, placement, depth, color theory, and point of view. We go beyond capturing individual images and strive to document the entire day in a cohesive and compelling manner. From getting ready moments to the ceremony, reception, and everything in between, we capture the nuances, details, and interactions that tell the story full of feeling and depth. Each stage of the day becomes a chapter in the narrative, creating a romance flick/love story worthy of the big screen.

Unobtrusive and Natural Approach:

One of the greatest advantages of hiring a documentary wedding photographer is our ability to blend into the background. We can be like photo ninjas, capturing candid moments without interrupting or overly directing the flow of events. This allows you and your guests to be fully present and enjoy the day without feeling constantly posed or staged. The result is a collection of photographs that authentically reflect the atmosphere and ambiance of your wedding. BONUS: Actually attend your own cocktail hour with my help and a freedom-based timeline approach!

Capturing the Unexpected:

We are chameleons blending in, flies on the wall, when need be, and ninjas when it’s go-time! We specialize in capturing unexpected, fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. Some examples of authentic, timeless moments: stolen glances, a spontaneous burst of laughter, or a heartfelt embrace. By entrusting your wedding photography to a documentary-style professional, you invite us to make sure nothing worth preserving goes uncaptured. We are never too busy photographing worthless fluff. :)

Timeless Memories:

Let’s get you those truly timeless photos that transcend trends and styles. Let’s focus on emotions and connections rather than on fleeting fads. When you look back at your wedding album years from now, you'll be transported back to the emotions, laughter, and love shared on your special day. Words that describe the style of a true documentary wedding photographer: timeless, unscripted, unposed, raw, authentic, true, film-stills, emotional, romantic, intimate, and candid. If you are looking for someone whose work embodies those principles, look no further. Let’s get this conversation started!