What is Documentary Wedding Photography?

I often hear 'I love the way you take pictures so naturally and how everyone seems so at ease. What do you call that style?'. I call it Documentary Wedding Photography.

Documentary photography is a broad church. It typically refers to a candid and natural approach to making photographs that has observation, rather than staging, at its heart. As a genre of photography It has its root in social documentary work where projects would have a narrative or subject focus and the photographer would present what is happening in the world around them. After studying documentary photography at the University of Arts London, my eyes were opened to the world of great photographers that use the documentary approach to tell important stories. They still inspire me today in my wedding and personal photography.

Wedding car at Netherbyres House, Scottish Wedding Venue

My approach is all about having my eye's open and telling the story of your wedding day beyond just the photographs of the newly married couple. This could be the natural light glistening on the drinks at the reception, the twinkle in your Aunties eye as she chats with the handsome gentleman in the tweed suit or the spontaneous laughter of your guests as tales of you as an awkward teenager are recounted in the speeches. My job is to capture all of these moments and look for more as they unfold. If you want to see more of what I am describing my Portfolio is a highlight reel of exactly what I am talking about.

Detail of bridal veil at a Scottish wedding

All of that said, there is of course some direction required at times to make the most of the special moments, and in particular the environment you are in. This is normally where I am thinking about light, background and a narrative. With my years of experience of shooting hundreds of weddings at so many wonderful Scottish wedding venues, I shall keep you on track for the couples shoot and other key moments that require a little planning.

Sunset wedding photographs at Netherbyres House, Scottish Wedding Venue

Outside of weddings I also shoot documentary and editorial work (you can see that here) that focuses on narratives and tells stories that the editors and commissioners want to portray. I love working this way and it is what makes my job the most amazing job in the world. If you feel the same that a wedding day should be about natural candid moments and the stories that unfold then I'd love to hear from you