Documentary wedding photography is generally combined with natural and traditional styles, also known as reportage or photo news wedding photography.
This is a more informal approach. Its image is similar to the characteristics of editors you see in magazines. It can bring great results, spontaneous moments or thoughtful thinking. All this will add a complete story to your day.
For me, it’s very interesting to shoot such works. I basically want to take pictures secretly. You can’t see it until you take the picture. Because the photos are spread around me. Pictures should convey the story of special days, including a series of feelings.
As a documentary wedding photographer, I usually use long lens to take photos frankly and mix with other guests. So I can’t see. The shot of a sniper may be a gem, or it may give people a feeling almost like a movie. So when it’s one of the most important events in someone’s life, you should look like a superstar.
Apart from this celebrity status, there is no need to tell the photographer what to do. I often use documentary style. Because it helps to express naturally.
I find that the best time to use this style is for the bride or groom to prepare with friends and family, and it is also another good time when guests start arriving. From pulling children away from the car to repairing button holes or wiping children’s noses, everything is a good opportunity to take pictures.
More importantly, they showed one party at the wedding, which the couple may not see when preparing for the wedding. Documentary film shooting is about time. Generally, the shooting time is less than 1 second, and no affectation is allowed.
It can be changed, or it can be the fun of the last ironing. Capture the expression of each other’s first meeting at the ceremony or the joy after congratulating friends.
Speech is also the main place to obtain interesting images, not only the scene, but also the main place to describe everyone’s character.
If I don’t walk around, but shoot behind the scenes, it will be more conducive to the smooth progress of the event if I block the view of other guests.
The chatting time after dinner and before dinner is the time when people really start to relax. I can take some good documentary style photos. Speech is also a golden time, not only a scene, but also an interesting image to describe everyone’s character.
If I walk around in this precious time and shoot backstage without blocking the sight of other guests, it will be better for the smooth progress of the event. Documentary style photos should take you to a specific time and show the people around you with a high degree of emotion.
This is one of the few opportunities for your family and friends to spend the night together in one place. Unfortunately, the bride and groom can’t see everything. A good wedding documentary should let the newlyweds see many things they may miss. So it is always the winner.
This is why I integrate documentary wedding photos into my daily work practice. If your camera is shy or doesn’t like people telling you what to do, this is a good medium. The fun of documentaries is that you can not even watch the camera.
Photos will truly describe you, not those who are ordered to look at the camera. Even if it means keeping your eyes open in a completely emotional moment, maybe it will take great pictures.
