What It Actually Means to Have a Modern Day Documentary Wedding Photographer (And Why I’m Not Just a Fly on the Wall)
There’s a common misconception about documentary-style wedding photography that I think deserves a little honest unpacking: that we just fade into the background, silently snapping away like some emotional ninja in the corner. And while I do love capturing the raw, unfiltered, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments of a wedding day—that’s only part of the story.
The truth is, being a strictly documentary photographer just isn’t realistic for the rhythm of a full wedding day. Some moments call for quiet observation. Others need direction. Some need a little hype. And some require a calm, confident presence to help anchor the energy and keep things moving.
That’s why I shoot with a hybrid approach—blending documentary storytelling with guided portraiture, editorial composition, and hands-on support when it matters most. It’s less about choosing one style, and more about reading the moment and showing up with the right tools, instincts, and energy.
If you’re looking for a photographer who can adapt—someone who can honor the realness of your day without ever leaving you feeling unsure of what to do next—then you might’ve just found your person.
Let’s pull back the curtain a little.
The Myth of “Unposed Everything”
You want candid. You want real. You don’t want to feel like you’re in a never-ending photoshoot. I hear that from couples all the time—and I’m right there with you. But here’s the thing: the most effortlessly editorial images you see in my portfolio? The ones that feel like a breath of fresh air? They weren’t accidents. They were built on trust, direction, timing, and my ability to read the moment in real time.
There’s a whole dance to it. I guide when you need guidance. I hype you up when you’re feeling nervous. I know exactly when to step in—and more importantly, when to step out.
So yes, your photos will feel relaxed. And no, you don’t need to know what to do with your hands. That’s my job.
Portraits, Pinterest Dreams, and Making the Magic Happen
Almost every couple I work with sends me a few inspiration images—photos they’ve saved on Pinterest, screenshots from my Instagram, shots they can’t stop thinking about. And I love that. I love seeing what you're drawn to. It helps me understand your vision and tailor how I show up on your wedding day.
But those dreamy portraits? They don’t just happen. They take a little planning, a lot of timing, and someone who’s confident enough to give direction without making it feel like a production.
Whether it’s a quiet, slow moment between the two of you during golden hour or something more playful and bold, I help guide the energy in a way that feels completely natural to you—while also making sure your gallery delivers everything you hoped for and more.
Family Photos Without the Chaos (Yes, It’s a Real Thing)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: family photos can get stressful, fast. People wander off. Someone’s always missing. And suddenly, you’re ten minutes behind and your stress is rising because this isn’t what you pictured.
This is where having a photographer who knows how to lead matters.
I go into family portraits with a game plan. We pre-plan the combinations ahead of time, I bring the list, and I take charge in a way that’s both calming and efficient. No yelling, no chaos, and no endless standing around. You’ll be back to the party before you know it—with a gallery of beautiful, smiling faces you’ll actually want to frame.
Wedding Parties and Wrangling the Personalities
Wedding parties are full of personality—sometimes, a lot of it. I’ve worked with crews that are camera-shy, party-hard, deeply emotional, wildly sarcastic, and everything in between.
And that’s the thing about photographing large groups of people you love: you need someone who can hold space and take charge at the same time. Someone who can be firm with timing but still fun. Someone who knows how to read the vibe, adapt quickly, and bring out everyone’s best energy—without making anyone feel stiff or forced.
It’s part psychology, part logistics, and 100% necessary if you want your timeline to stay intact and your photos to reflect the joy of the moment.
Prompted, Not Posed: How I Capture Real Wedding Moments
I’m not here for stiff poses or boring prompts that make you feel like someone you’re not. That’s just not my thing. Instead, I guide you through moments that feel easy and true to you. Think of it less like posing and more like gentle prompting—little nudges that bring out your natural connection, the way you tease each other, the way you hold hands when no one’s looking. I tailor everything to feel like your rhythm, not a Pinterest script. The result? Photos that reflect who you are, how you love, and how you made your day entirely yours—without ever feeling like a performance.
A Spicy Take on Photo + Video Teams
Alright. Let’s get into one of my favorite hot takes.
If you’re hiring a documentary-style wedding photographer, you really want to make sure your videographer is aligned with that approach too. Here’s why: your wedding day should feel like your day—not a movie set.
When a videographer comes in with a shot list longer than the ceremony itself, scripting every interaction, re-doing moments for the camera, and controlling the pace of your day—it creates friction. Not only between the two of us creatively, but in your actual experience. And that’s a no from me.
I love collaborating with videographers who share the same values I do: who know when to let a moment breathe, who trust in the natural rhythm of the day, and who can tell a story without controlling it. If your goal is to feel fully presentand still walk away with imagery that feels cinematic and honest, then this harmony matters more than most couples realize.
So, Who Am I Right For?
Let’s talk about you for a second.
You’re not just planning a wedding—you’re crafting an experience. Something meaningful. Something beautiful. Something that reflects you two in every way. You care about the details but not at the expense of presence. You want your day to feel felt, not just seen.
You might be getting married in the city you call home, or you might be hopping a plane to say “I do” at a villa in Tuscany, a winery in California, or a quiet clifftop in Big Sur. And wherever that is—I’ll be there, camera in hand, heart fully in it.
You value intention. Storytelling. Energy. You want someone who sees the in-between moments and knows how to nail the portrait where you look and feel like the best version of yourselves.
And if that’s you? We’ll get along so well.
Let’s Tell the Story That Only You Can Tell
I’m not here to make your wedding look like everyone else’s. I’m here to document what it actually felt like—with honesty, heart, and just the right amount of direction to make sure it all comes together effortlessly.
So if you’ve made it this far and you’re nodding along, imagining yourself in these moments, let’s talk. I’d be honored to document your day, wherever it takes us.
Your story deserves to be told—and I’d love to help you tell it!
