Our Documentary Working Style | FAQs for your photographer

As I reflect on my journey as a wedding photographer, I can’t help but be reminded of my own experiences in this lifetime and how they’ve shaped the way we choose to capture the most intimate moments of our couples’ wedding days. The TLDR (too long, didn’t read) is that we take a hands off documentary approach, stepping in during formal portraits with posing prompts and curating moments throughout your day that you’ll cherish forever.

You’re the center of attention, not me.

From a young age, I was never one to seek the limelight. Public speaking was my kryptonite, and the mere thought of standing in front of a crowd filled me with dread. It was during my high school years that I was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight as a Daffodil Princess Nominee. (I still don’t know who nominated me). I vividly remember the nerves that consumed me as I delivered my speech, my voice trembling with each word. It was a moment of sheer vulnerability, one that I swore I’d never repeat.

Fast forward to today, and my aversion to being the center of attention still holds true. When it comes to my work as a documentary wedding photographer, I’ve adopted a more understated approach, preferring to blend into the background rather than steal the show. This disposition has earned me the endearing moniker of the “wedding photographer ninja” from past clients.

In contrast to my introverted nature, Jake embodies the essence of charisma and charm. As the youngest in his family, he’s no stranger to commanding attention and making people laugh. He’s the typical class clown, able to effortlessly engage with others and put them at ease. It’s one of the many reasons I love him and his antics prove again and again to be a valuable asset to our team.

Our dynamic as a duo is a perfect balance of yin and yang. While I focus on candid documentation of the excitement and buzz in the bridal suite from the shadows, Jake immerses himself in the lively energy of the groom’s quarters, documenting the camaraderie and excitement that permeate the air.

Our Documentary Style on the Day of Your Wedding

One of the most memorable aspects of our work is the opportunity to witness the myriad emotions that unfold throughout the day. From the nervous excitement of the bride as she slips into her gown to the laughter and tears shared between loved ones during the ceremony, each moment serves as a chapter in the love story we have the privilege of telling.

The day of your wedding we’ll start by arriving while you’re getting ready with your friends in the bridal suite. We’ll take your dress, jewelry, florals, shoes, invitation and any other heirloom items you’d like photographed, into another area where we can work quickly and carefully away from early guests and onlookers who might be around. Before you know it, we’ll be back in the bride and groom suites, to capture those moments you’re sharing while getting ready for your big day.

We will give light direction during the prep moments, attempting to keep things as natural as possible. These small instructions may include moving your group towards the window light while your mom or sister zips your gown, having the best man adjust your groom’s tie, or your mom adjust your veil. The majority of this time will be candid moments between you and your loved ones.

As the day progresses, we seamlessly transition from observers to orchestrators (and back various times), guiding couples through the intricacies of posing for portraits and coordinating group shots with family and friends. It’s during these moments that we strive to strike a delicate balance between providing direction and allowing the magic of the day to unfold organically. We tend to look at things from a director’s standpoint, focusing on basic poses and giving simple directions to make the moments and connection between the two of you, shine.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our job as documentary wedding photographers, is the opportunity to capture candid moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether it’s the fleeting glance exchanged between newlyweds or the spontaneous dance moves on the dance floor, these are the moments that truly encapsulate the essence of the day.

Photojournalistic Storytelling

As the sun sets and the festivities draw to a close, we take a step back and marvel at the story we’ve had the honor of documenting. It’s a story filled with love, laughter, and countless moments of pure joy – a story that we’re humbled to have played a part in telling.

In the end, our role as documentary wedding photographers extends far beyond simply taking pictures. We are storytellers, weaving together the threads of each couple’s unique journey into a narrative that will be cherished for years to come. And for that, we are eternally grateful.