I often wonder if clients fully understand what documentary photography is all about. It’s one of the most requested styles but also one of the most misunderstood. In a nutshell, documentary photography is hands-off. As your wedding photographer, I’m pretty much a ghost—no directing, no staged group shots, no romantic portraits unless they naturally unfold. Documentary wedding photography is all about true candid moments. I’m in the background, silently capturing real emotions as they happen.

This means no posing, no direction—just authentic, unposed moments. So, if you’re expecting traditional group photos, that’s not what you’ll get with this style. As wedding photographer Mike Cassara puts it, “You hired a fly on the wall.”

While documentary photography is stunning, it’s important that clients really understand and love this style. For the record, I lean more editorial—luxurious, posed, Pinterest-worthy, “Vogue”-like shots. Documentary photography is part of what I do, but it’s not my main focus. Still, it’s always one of my favorite aspects of the day, and you’ll definitely see some beautiful candid moments in your gallery.

If you’re drawn to both documentary and editorial styles, I highly recommend adding a second shooter who specializes in candid, unposed moments. I work with someone who excels in this style, so if you’re interested, just let me know. This way, you get a perfect mix of candid shots, editorial poses, and traditional photos—capturing every moment from every angle.

At the end of the day, knowing what kind of photography you’re looking for and communicating it clearly with your photographer is key. Don’t just “leave it up to them.” The more you express your vision, the happier you’ll be with the results.

Examples of true documentary below: