“Documentary-style” is a phrase that gets tossed around a lot in wedding photography, but what does it actually mean?
For me, it means I’m there to see your world through an observational lens. I’m not there to orchestrate the day. I don’t want to move you into better light if you’re having a great time where you are…or ask your mom to pretend to button your dress… or pause a moment just to redo it “for the camera.” I’m there to see what’s already happening and tell the story of it.
Presence over perfection.
What Is Documentary Wedding Photography?
A lot of people hear “documentary” and think it just means candid photos. To me, documentary wedding photography means observing instead of directing. It’s a commitment to photographing your day as it actually happens, not a curated version of it.
I’m not here to put my idea of perfection on the day, because it’s my belief that your people, the energy, and the moments that arise naturally are already worth documenting as they are.
What Documentary Wedding Photography Isn’t
Not just candid
Documentary-style photography is often confused with “just taking candids,” but it’s more than that. It’s not about waiting for something cute to happen and snapping it, it’s about stepping back so those moments can happen, without interference.
Not hands-off, but not controlling
That doesn’t mean I’m passive. I’m present and aware–just not directing. I’m probably not going to tell you where to stand for much of the day and definitely not asking you to recreate a first look. If you have a hair tie on your wrist or a stray necklace clasp during portraits, I’ve got your back. But I won’t sacrifice your experience for the sake of a shot.
Not a photo shoot
Some styles lean into directing and art direction all day long. That’s not me. I won’t clean up your getting-ready space or move people into “better light” during a meaningful exchange. I trust the story as it unfolds, and use my experience to compose the photographs intentionally.
What it looks like on a wedding day
Each part of the day invites a slightly different rhythm, but the mindset stays the same: I’m there to document what’s really happening.
During getting ready, I’m more of a fly on the wall. Whether the energy is calm or high vibes, I let the tone of the space lead the way. I’m not going to rearrange furniture or interrupt moments–I’m there to observe, not direct.
During the ceremony, I’m intentional about where I stand. I want you and your guests focused on the moment, not on me. I’ll be nearby, quietly documenting, without being a distraction.
During the reception, I shift a bit. I love to talk to friends, family, and other guests, ask if they want a photo, and be a little more embedded in the celebration. If your people feel comfortable around me, they’ll feel comfortable in front of the camera too.
Some of my favorite moments have come from this approach:
Ashlyn and Jake exchanging a look while their witnesses signed the marriage certificate.
Hallie and Max’s grandma walking up to kiss and congratulate them during dinner.
Emotions running high for Lisa and Dallas during their ceremony.
Kristin and Nush showing off the bling.
Calista wiping away tears during a toast from her maid of honor.
These weren’t staged. They weren’t on a shot list. They were just real.
Why it matters
I believe the best photos come from presence, not performance.
My couples want their day to feel like them. And I want their gallery to reflect that–not a version of the day that was overly styled or directed. I’m not there to decide what your wedding should look like, I’m there to honor what it actually was.
One of my favorite pieces of feedback I’ve received:
“It makes me so happy to go over all of our wedding photos and remember the day exactly as it happened. Not just standing and smiling photos but the warmth and everyone’s hugs and the tears of happiness that fell down people’s faces. She does an amazing job at capturing those moments that make you the happiest. And she does it so quickly that you don’t even notice.”
Is this style right for you?
If you’re more interested in preserving what actually happened than recreating a Pinterest board, this might be your vibe.
If you want a full shot list and don’t want a single hair out of place–I love that for you, but I may not be the right fit. (And truly, that’s a good thing! You deserve someone who matches your vision.)
But if you care more about meaning than magazine perfection…if you want to look back and feel the day again…I’d love to talk.
Let’s document your day, your way
Your wedding day will be full of moments you can’t plan. The ones that catch you by surprise. The ones you’ll hold onto forever.
Your photos should feel like you. If that resonates, I’d love to connect.
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