Can Someone Explain What Documentary Wedding Photography Is?

Yes, I got you! The beauty of a documentary approach on a wedding day is that the focus is on observation of emotions and interactions already happening rather than creating emotions and interactions.

Whether you’re planning a multi-day celebration with close family and friends or an intimate ceremony in nature, capturing the quieter split-second-in-time moments is what makes documentary wedding photography so special.

 
 

Documentary Wedding Photography: The Importance of Capturing Quiet Moments

Wedding days are often known for traditionally big moments — the first kiss, the vows, and the celebratory dances. But I have found it’s the quiet, subtle moments — the ones that aren’t scripted or rehearsed — that often carry the most meaning and tell the story of a day.

My intention is to observe and capture genuine emotion and happenings on your day. Especially for couples who are looking to enjoy an intimate, non-traditional celebration, these not-so-obvious moments — a handshake between grandmothers meeting for the first time, a loving gesture, or a moment in time that speaks to a story — these are where the essence of a wedding day lies.

 
 
 

How I Capture the Quiet Moments Without Disrupting Your Day

You might feel a little nervous about being photographed—especially if you’re not fond of being the center of attention. That’s completely normal! With a documentary approach rather than forcing anything, you get to enjoy the flow of the day, and be present without distraction. And while you’re doing that, I’ll be documenting all the beauty.

Now, there are those formal portraits that can be SO important, too. While they are a bit less in the moment, I still capture these with a very laid-back approach. I encourage you and your people to remember the reason for being in the very spot you’re in and soak in that rather than for the sole purpose of looking at a camera and smiling.

The portraits you’ll look at, year after year, bringing you back to the feeling of your wedding day.

 
 
 

Photography as Recordkeeping: A Keepsake For Generations To Look Back On

Photographs are records — something you can look back on and say, “That was us, in that moment, in all of our joy and imperfection.” Documentary photography is for the couples who don’t want your photos to feel like a contrived version of your day, but instead a reflection of the day as it was.

From images of grandparents and children in the same space on a wedding day, to the way a parent looks at their child as they hold their now husband or wife’s hand, to the moment the fact that a couple is married hits them — these are the moments that matter. On a wedding day, they are happening all around!

 
 
 
 

The Power of Observation On a Wedding Day

As a photographer, my role is to document your wedding day as it is and the story that unfolds naturally. The beauty of this approach is that it doesn’t take you out of your wedding day or away from your people. You can stay present and immersed in the day without being interrupted. This means no forced smiles, no stiff poses—just natural moments that feel true to you.

 
 
 

Documentary wedding photography is about observing and preserving the moments that will likely pass by unnoticed in the hustle of the day but remind you exactly what the day was all about.

If you’re creating a wedding that feels true to who you are and want photos that reflect your story, I would love to hear about what you have planned!

 

Thank you for being here!

I’m Sienna, the owner and photographer of Sienna Renee Photography. Based out of Maine, I approach wedding days and families with a documentary eye. I value genuine connection and getting to know you and your people to capture you as you are.

 
 
Intimate Weddings, WeddingsSienna CloughSienna Renee PhotographySienna Renee Photography, Maine Photographer, Maine Weddings, Maine Intimate Weddings, Intimate Weddings, Documentary Photographer, Documentary Wedding PhotographyComment