editorial-vs-documentary-wedding-photography

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But how do you capture the essence of it all in photographs? When it comes to wedding photography styles, two distinct approaches stand out: editorial and documentary. Choosing the right one depends on the aesthetic you crave and the story you want your photos to tell.

Unveiling the Frame: Editorial vs. Documentary Wedding Photography

Introduction to choosing between editorial and documentary photographers

for couples

Find Your Dream Style: A Guide to Editorial vs. Documentary Wedding Photography

Think magazine spreads meets modern art. Editorial wedding photography prioritizes creating visually stunning images with a touch of artistic direction. The photographer acts as your creative guide, crafting compositions that are both beautiful and unique.

Editorial Elegance: A Curated Fairytale

Fashion-forward flair: Expect dramatic lighting, creative angles, and a focus on details like your attire and floral arrangements. Think flowing gowns captured in windblown perfection or dramatic backlighting that highlights the intricate beadwork on your dress.

Posed perfection: The photographer will gently guide you into flattering positions to capture timeless elegance. This doesn't mean stiff, awkward poses, but rather subtle direction to ensure you look your best and the composition is balanced.

Storytelling with a twist: While emotions are still captured, the emphasis lies on crafting visually striking photographs. The photographer might use leading lines, foreground elements, and strategic placement to create a sense of depth and drama in the frame.

If you want to get specific shots, or have a vision for your sunset portraits, let your photographer and planner know so that we can shift things and plan for this. It is okay to shift getting ready earlier in the day if you're dreaming of some really great portraits of each of you, or if you want to have extra time during the first look to get photos in a fun car, or with a unique backdrop that we set up. All of this is possible with proper planning and communication.

Key features of Editorial Wedding Photography:

Prioritize a polished, magazine-worthy aesthetic.
Feel comfortable with some posing and direction.
Value artistic expression alongside capturing candid moments. Editorial photography allows you to have both stunning, artfully crafted portraits and genuine moments sprinkled throughout the album.

Ideal for couples who:

Documentary wedding photography takes a fly-on-the-wall approach, capturing the day's authentic emotions and spontaneous interactions. The photographer blends seamlessly into the background, allowing the natural flow of events to unfold.

DOCUMENTARY MAGIC: RAW AND UNFILTERED

Candid captures: Expect unposed, real-life moments that reflect the raw joy and connection of your day. This could be anything from a tearful embrace between parents and their child to the unrestrained laughter shared between friends during the reception.
Storytelling through moments: The focus is on capturing the essence of the day as it happens, with less emphasis on artistic composition. The photographer might capture wider shots to showcase the atmosphere of the venue or zoom in on fleeting expressions to document the range of emotions throughout the day.
Photojournalistic style: The photographer acts as an unobtrusive observer, documenting the story of your wedding through a series of candid shots. Imagine a photo series that captures the nervous anticipation of the groom waiting at the altar, the pure joy on your face as you walk down the aisle, and the unbridled energy on the dance floor.

Hallmarks of Documentary Wedding Photography:

PERFECT FOR COUPLES WHO:

notes on documentary photography

Crave a more natural and authentic feel to their photos.
Feel comfortable with candid photography. Not everyone loves being the center of attention, and documentary photography ensures you can relax and enjoy your day without feeling constantly directed.
Want to relive the emotions and energy of the day through unposed moments. Documentary photos transport you back to the sights, sounds, and most importantly, the feelings of your wedding day.

The best style for you depends on your personal preferences. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Crave a curated look with a touch of artistic direction and don't mind some posing? Choose editorial.
Prioritize capturing the raw emotions and real-life moments in a more photojournalistic style? Go documentary.

Remember, some photographers offer a blend of both styles. Don't hesitate to discuss your vision so that they know what you want. My signature style is a blend of both documentary and editorial. There are times through the day that I lean editorial, like portraits and some getting ready, where as the candid moments of the day, I will allow the documentary side take over. We can talk more to determine if this approach will suit your unique wedding.

The Final Frame: Choosing Your Style

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER FOR EDITORIAL SHOTS

get the shots

To get those magazine-worthy wedding shots, you need to work closely with your photographer. It’s not just about posing. It’s also about planning. Give your photographer a list of must-have photos before the big day. Be clear about which moments you deem essential. Let them scout your venue to find the perfect spots for these shots. Light plays a huge role in photography. Discuss the lighting situation with your photographer. They’ll know the best times for outdoor shots and how to use indoor lighting to your advantage. Be open to their suggestions, even if it means adjusting your schedule. Trust is key. Your photographer knows how to capture the beauty and emotion of your wedding. Give them the space to do their job, and you’ll get those dreamy editorial shots that will make your wedding album truly special.