For many Kiwi couples, choosing a wedding photographer can be an interesting task. With so many photographers, each with their own style and levels of expertise, it’s hard to know where to begin. One style that stands out lately is documentary wedding photography—a photojournalistic approach that authentically tells the story of your wedding day.
Some may think “documentary style” means random candid shots, but that’s far from the truth. This approach requires a keen eye, patience, and the ability to create a narrative from the day’s events. It’s about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, capturing moments as they unfold without interference.
Imagine the bride and groom going in for a kiss, with bridesmaids about to walk in front of them. Timing it just right to capture this layered candid moment is what documentary photography is all about.
What Is Documentary Wedding Photography?
True documentary wedding photography isn’t just “unposed posing.” It’s about being present and focused on capturing real moments, weaving them into a cohesive story—your wedding day story.
As a documentary wedding photography provider, we want your photos to reflect all the beautiful moments of the day: your maid of honour holding your train, a stolen kiss with your spouse, your grandma’s pride as she sees you in your dress, and the hug you give your parents during the tea ceremony. See? That’s so much more than just candid shots. These are the memories that matter, not just posed shots of you looking into the sunset with a fake smile that everybody can spot from a mile away.
Why Choose a Documentary Wedding Photographer?
Perhaps you’ve seen many wedding photos featuring model brides in flower crowns, but that’s not your style. You want to look good, but also like yourself. You want photographs that truly capture the essence of your day, free from superficial trends or excessive photo-editing.
Documentary wedding photography captures the essence of humanity—emotions, relationships, humour, hugs, and tears. It turns normal events into amazing stories to share with your descendants.
Why Documentary Wedding Photography Matters
When you, your children, or future grandchildren look at your wedding photos, will they see static poses or authentic, candid moments that tell them who you really were? Your great-great-grandchildren (if you will have any), who wouldn’t exist without you, will appreciate a genuine window into your life. Give them an authentic keepsake that connects your life to theirs.
Let’s imagine some documentary examples:
- Candid Confession: Picture this: At Sarah and Mark’s wedding in Auckland, just before the ceremony, Sarah’s dad pulled her aside for a heartfelt father-daughter moment. With tears in his eyes, he whispered words of wisdom and love, expressing his pride and unconditional support. It was a raw and tender moment that captured the essence of their bond.
- Unexpected Serenade: Imagine this scene at Lucy and Ben’s wedding in Wellington: During the reception, Ben surprised Lucy by serenading her with a heartfelt rendition of their favorite song. As he sang, guests joined in, creating a magical atmosphere filled with love and spontaneity. It was a beautiful testament to their connection and the joy of celebrating love with friends and family.
- Joyful Reunion: Let’s envision Charlotte and Liam’s wedding in Christchurch: As the couple exchanged vows, Liam’s childhood best friend, who had been traveling the world for years, suddenly appeared at the back of the church. The look of surprise and joy on Liam’s face as he spotted his friend was priceless, capturing the excitement of unexpected reunions and the bond of lifelong friendship.
- Cherished Memories: Close your eyes and imagine Mia and Alex’s wedding in Tauranga: During the reception, Mia’s grandmother took her aside and shared stories from her own wedding day many years ago. With laughter and tears, they reminisced about the past and celebrated the future, creating a beautiful moment of intergenerational connection and love.
- Spontaneous Dance Party: Let’s transport ourselves to Hannah and Jake’s wedding in Nelson: As the sun set and the dance floor heated up, guests spontaneously broke into a lively conga line, weaving through the venue with laughter and excitement. Caught up in the moment, Hannah and Jake joined in, dancing hand in hand as their friends and family cheered them on. It was a joyful celebration of love and community, captured forever in the candid snapshots of the day.
In these imaginary scenarios, we can see how documentary wedding photography captures the authentic moments and emotions that make each wedding day truly special.
So, Should You Choose a Documentary Wedding Photographer?
Yes, you should choose a wedding photographer shooting in the documentary style. This type of wedding photography is about more than just taking pictures. It’s about telling a story—your story—in the most authentic and heartfelt way possible. So when you look back on your wedding day, you’ll remember it as it truly happened, not just how it was photographed. Choose documentary photography for your wedding that will stand the test of time and be cherished for generations to come.
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