Storytelling + documentary photography has impacted the content industry in a big way within the last few years. The content industry has shifted into a more cinematic and candid space. With this style there are more real interactions, raw emotions, and much more natural posing! So you are probably wondering – “How does this style apply to a wedding day?” 

Here is our approach to crushing the delicate balance between being interactive and observant on a wedding day to make a more storytelling driven wedding gallery.

OUR APPROACH REVOLVES AROUND THE EMOTION

Storytelling documentary photography approach as a wedding photographer means you have to be on your toes and constantly seeking to answer: “What is the story here?” This will help you to keep your head on a swivel and your heart open to catch those natural interactions and emotional reactions. 

Capturing the wedding day in a storytelling documentary photography style allows you to let the day unfold as it happens – make the ordinary extraordinary. Mark Deleon did this best when he captured a broken wine glass on a sticky dance floor surrounded by the sweaty toed feet of happy dancers. Imagine seeing this photo as the wedding couple and remembering the moment “Uptown Funk” went so hard, they accidentally elbowed grandma’s wine out of her delicate fingers.

Capture any part the story that can help to bring someone back to the moment. Photographs help as little reminders of the bigger story. These days cannot be repeated, remember you are capturing legacy and timelessness. 

Consider building the story as “lived in.” This is a concept I learned from other photographers on Instagram and it’s simple: Instead of capturing the perfect cake in the corner, untouched and pristine – try including a photo of the half eaten slice forgotten on the messy candle lit table. Both photos share the story of the cake but one shares the powerful story of the cake being enjoyed by the couple or their beloved guests. Your imagery should encourage readers to see beyond the frame. 

Does your photo composition & story inspire the viewer to say: “What’s happening? Who was there? When was this? What happens next?” 

OUR ADVICE FOR CAPTURING MORE CINEMATIC MOMENTS

Storytelling documentary photography approach embraces the role of a photographic ninja—stealthy, observant, and always ready to leap into action. Blend into the background, seal your lips and keep your eyes peeled for those candid expressions of joy, tears of happiness, and the spontaneous dance moves that no one saw coming. It’s the unscripted moments that often tell the most heartfelt stories. Observe & be present.

Capturing the heart-fluttering, tear-jerking, and knee-slapping moments of a wedding is an art form and a practiced skill. It’s all about being at the right place, at the right time, with the right lens and a sprinkle of magic.

CREATE CONNECTION AND TELL THE STORY

Build a connection with the couple and their “key players.” Smile and introduce yourself personally to any family members or anyone in the bridal party.

When people feel comfortable and connected with you, the camera becomes less intrusive and people begin to allow their true selves to shine brighter. Encourage them to be themselves, to laugh, to cry, and to dance like nobody’s watching. Hold space for those who need it. Bring tissues, tide to go pens and be someone’s hero.

Anticipate the needs of those you are capturing – you will be pleasantly surprised by how much more story you can capture when you are energetically involved with the characters & crew. This genuine connection will bring real authenticity to your photos, and the essence of the day.

HAVE FUN CREATING YOUR ART

Storytelling documentary photography approach is still all about FUN! The couple invested in & trusted you for your art and your perspective. Play with angles, lighting, and compositions to create images that are as unique as their love story. Imagine you’re painting with light and shadows, composing a visual symphony that dances off the page. GET FUNKY WITH IT. Be creative, experiment, and let your passion for photography shine through.

BE READY FOR ANYTHING

Storytelling documentary photography approach is always being prepared for the unexpected. Timelines can run behind and often do, and fancy clothing can become stained. Remain optimistic at all times. You cannot control what happens on a wedding day, you can only control how you react to it. 

Be prepared to problem solve & capture the realities of the day. A rain storm can move the ceremony inside, the party bus can get caught in traffic on the way to the church, and a hungry ring bearer can swipe his little fingers through the frosting on the back side of the cake. Again, make the ordinary extraordinary.

Weddings are real, honor them as they are. Have your equipment ready, settings dialed, and an intuitive sense of timing to catch those fleeting moments. Whether it’s the groom’s face the first time he sees his bride, grandparents hands tangled together as they sit & watch the ceremony or the flower girl deciding to nap in a hallway during reception, these are the golden nuggets of the day that should not go unnoticed. If the image & story you see could inspire a smile – capture it.

HONOR THE RHYTHM

Storytelling documentary photography approach remembers that every wedding has its own heartbeat. Tune into this melody, move with it, and anticipate the moments before they happen. Remember – wedding days are not a Pinterest photoshoot; they are cherished memories. Feel the emotion in the air and being ready to document it, turning ephemeral moments into eternal memories.

In essence, being a wedding photographer is like being a wizard of moments, crafting a spellbook of memories that will enchant generations. GENERATIONS. Often we can get caught up in the fact that we are creating for one specific couple. BUT, imagine all of the future generations of humans who will admire your work and learn about their great-great grandparents’ love story by viewing the gallery you create. With these tricks up your sleeve, you’re sure to capture the magic of the day, leaving a trail of happy tears, laughter, and love in your photographic wake.

Happy Creating!

Alex and Britt Hall