When planning your wedding, choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Your wedding photos will be the lasting memories of your day—a collection of emotions, laughter, and genuine moments.
If you’re drawn to documentary-style wedding photography, you’re likely looking for a photographer who captures your wedding in an authentic, storytelling way rather than overly posed or staged shots.
But how do you choose the right one?
What is Documentary-Style Wedding Photography?
Documentary wedding photography, also known as wedding photojournalism, focuses on capturing the day as it naturally unfolds. Rather than setting up shots or giving constant direction, a documentary-style photographer blends into the background and captures real, unscripted moments.
This means:
Emotional, candid moments rather than stiff poses
Authenticity over perfection—you won’t be forced into awkward or unnatural setups
A true representation of your wedding day, not just a highlight reel of posed portraits
But don’t worry—most documentary-style photographers (myself included) still capture posed family and couple portraits as part of the day.
There is a world where you can find a photographer that can "do it all", what I mean by that is that there are a handful of photographers that know how to approach each day in a way that is specific to that event rather than in a box of "Traditional" or "Documentary"
For example:
Getting Ready = documentary approach mixed with portraiture
Cocktail hour = documentary / candid approach
Portraits = Editorial or Candid (or both) approach
Family Photos = Candid or a little more traditional
Decor = Product photographer / commercial photographer
Reception = Candid / Street / Party Photography
Why Choose a Documentary-Style Photographer?
Brides and grooms who choose this style often:
Feel awkward posing and want their photographer to capture them naturally.
Want to enjoy their wedding day without constantly being pulled aside for staged shots.
Prefer a timeless, editorial feel rather than heavily filtered or trendy photography styles.
Love storytelling and want their wedding album to feel like a visual narrative of the day.
As one bride put it:
I realized I didn’t want to spend my wedding day setting up perfect shots when I could be spending time with the people I love. Documentary photography lets you actually experience the day.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer
With so many photographers out there, how do you find the one who truly fits your vision? Here’s what to look for:
1. Review Full Galleries
A photographer’s Instagram or website portfolio will only show their best 10-20 shots. To truly understand their style, ask to see full galleries.
This will help you determine:
How they capture different parts of the day (getting ready, ceremony, reception, dance floor)
If their candid moments feel natural rather than staged
How they handle indoor vs. outdoor lighting
Pro Tip: If your wedding is in a dimly lit venue, make sure the photographer has experience working with low-light conditions without using excessive flash, unless you specifically like that style.
2. Understand Their Approach
Not all “documentary” photographers work the same way. Some are completely hands-off, while others gently guide you through the day. Ask:
How much direction do you give during the day?
Do you still take some formal family/couple portraits?
How do you handle unpredictable moments, like weather changes or timeline delays?
A good documentary photographer will make sure you feel at ease while still capturing must-have shots like family portraits and first looks.
3. Make Sure You Connect With Their Personality
Your photographer will be with you for hours on one of the most important days of your life—so you should actually enjoy their presence!
Schedule a call or in-person meeting to get a feel for their personality. Are they:
Calm and collected?
Easygoing and fun?
Attentive to your vision?
One couple shared:
We loved our photographer because they were so non-intrusive but still made us feel taken care of. We vibed well from the first meeting, and that made all the difference!
4. Consider a Second Shooter
Because documentary-style photography is all about capturing moments as they happen, having a second shooter can be a game-changer.
A second photographer can capture guest reactions, cocktail hour candids, and multiple angles of big moments.
If your wedding is large, a second shooter ensures you don’t miss a thing. Many couples wish they had booked a second shooter after the fact—so it’s worth considering!
5. Budget for the Right Photographer
High-end documentary wedding photographers charge $40,000+ for wedding coverage. This is because the work is an art form, requiring years of experience and a refined approach. That being said, you don’t need to spend five figures to get stunning candid wedding photos.
There are talented documentary photographers at various price points, so be sure to:
Set a realistic budget but prioritize photography (your photos last forever!).
Ask about custom packages if a full day isn’t in your budget.
Understand the experience you’re paying for—the best photographers offer more than just photos; they help guide and support you through the day.
Is a Documentary-Style Photographer Right for You?
If you want wedding photos that feel real, emotional, and timeless, documentary wedding photography is the way to go.
You’ll love this style if:
You value authenticity over perfection.
You don’t want your wedding to feel like a day-long photoshoot.
You love photos that tell a story, not just staged portraits.
At All The Feels, I specialize in documentary-style wedding photography that captures your love story exactly as it unfolds—natural, raw, and beautifully unscripted.
Want photos that feel like YOU? Let’s connect and chat about your wedding vision!
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