Documentary Wedding Photography in Suffolk

Suffolk Documentary Wedding Photography

During my ten years as a professional wedding photographer I've learnt a lot!

One of those things is that most couples these days want "documentary" wedding photos rather than posed or staged. They want to see their wedding from a guests perspective rather than as a series of unnatural, fake photos created to look good on a photographers Instagram feed.

The next thing I've learnt is that whilst almost all wedding photographers call themselves a "documentary wedding photographer" few actually work in a way that will create true documentary photos.

I've seen wedding photographers at weddings dressed completely in black; they carry 2 big camaras with huge lenses on. They continually try to "arrange" people to get "the best shot".

The ART of documentary wedding photography is to act, and be seen as a privileged guest; to blend in and be unnoticed; to allow people to just be themselves. YET be in the right place at the right time with the right equipment to get a photograph the will mean something to the bride and groom in 10 years time.

Documentary photo of Bridesmaids

As a photographer I can't "create" a documentary wedding photo, I must simply be aware of what's happening, when might an interesting shot happen, what gear will I need. And the time that these shots happen; this time can, in many weddings be quite limited. It's usually prep. then the drinks after the ceremony and later after the meal and speeches. All in all probably only a couple of hours at most; yet here are the real gems; the photos that the couple will look back on in 10 years and be transported back to that moment; an image that sums up their wedding day.

So HOW? How does a photographer get truly "documentary" wedding photos?

There's a lot goes into it but here's a few:-

1) Experience - you need to understand weddings and be able to "read" the people there. Who should you be watching, when and where might something interesting happen.

2) Skill - it's no good having something photo worthy happening to then discover you're camera is set to the wrong settings for this shot. Having 100% faith in your abilities with the camera is essential. I totally cringe when I see a post on Facebook from a photographer asking for advice about an upcoming wedding they've booked. If a photographer needs to post a question on Facebook they shouldn't be photographing a wedding. Simple!

3) Gear - an iPhone isn't going to cut it! Even basic cameras have many more features that allow for better photos. Then there's lenses; don't get me started on lenses!

4) Confidence - having all the above gives you confidence that no matter what you can get the shot which in turn leads to better photos that capture the moment.

That's Documentary Wedding Photography