Candid Moments: The Art of Documentary style photography from a - Perth Wedding Photographer
* Authenticity: The images captured are genuine and unposed, reflecting the real emotions and atmosphere of the day. When couples look back at their wedding photos, they can relive the moments exactly as they happened and they won’t remember the awkward poses they were asked to do.
* Emotional Impact: Candid moments are emotionally charged, and they have the power to evoke strong feelings. Whether it's tears of joy, laughter, or tender moments between loved ones, these images resonate with couples and their families, creating a more profound connection to the memories.
* Storytelling: Documentary wedding photography is a form of visual storytelling. Each image contributes to the narrative of the day, weaving together a comprehensive and emotional account of the wedding. This style allows couples to revisit their wedding day like reading a well-crafted novel or watching a compelling documentary.
* Unobtrusiveness: Documentary photographers aim to blend into the background, allowing the events to unfold naturally. This unobtrusive approach ensures that the couple and their guests can enjoy the day without feeling like they're constantly in front of a camera.
* Timeless Appeal: Candid moments captured in documentary wedding photography are timeless. They transcend trends and fads, making the photographs just as relevant and captivating decades later. These images become cherished family heirlooms.
The Benefits of Documentary Wedding Photography
One of the critical aspects of documentary-style photography is those spontaneous and unplanned instances where people show genuine emotions. These moments can be a tearful hug between a bride and her father, a hearty laugh between friends, or the exchange of loving glances between the newlyweds. Documentary photographers keenly watch these fleeting moments and can anticipate when they will happen.
Documentary wedding photography has always been an element of capturing a wedding day. More recently, it has become a focus when couples discuss how they would like their weddings captured. A good, well-rounded, full-time wedding photographer will have plenty of experience documenting how a wedding unfolds in a true-to-life, natural way. My best advice to couples who want more documentary-style moments captured is to plan for them. Here are my tips to foster better candid moments at your wedding;
The Essence of Documentary Wedding Photography
Weddings are a time of celebration, love, and joy. They are also a time of profound emotions and unforgettable moments. Capturing these moments is the primary role of a wedding photographer. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards documentary-style wedding photography. This approach focuses on capturing candid moments and genuine emotions, allowing couples to relive their special day through authentic images.
Selecting the Right Documentary Wedding Photographer
When choosing a documentary wedding photographer in Perth, there are several factors to consider:
* Portfolio: Review the photographer's portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Look for a diverse range of candid moments and storytelling skills.
* Experience: Experience matters in capturing those fleeting moments. Experienced documentary photographers have a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
* Personality: A good rapport with your photographer is essential. They will be by your side throughout the day, so it's crucial to feel comfortable and relaxed in their presence.
* A good photographer helps guide their couples towards natural moments and interactions. Instead of asking you to pose, they will create a way to get there on your own. They will provide tips to help you look better without ruining the natural moment.
My hot tip to couples looking for a documentary-style, candid photographer is to choose someone who can confidently explain how they will find natural, candid moments. Too many inexperienced photographers who don’t know how to curate and direct beautiful moments hide under the cloak of being a ‘candid photographer’ or a ‘fly on the wall’. There will always be moments at a wedding where the photographer will step in and direct to make people feel comfortable and keep things running smoothly.
Tips for allowing more candid moments to happen at your wedding;
1. When creating the schedule, allow time between events. This helps avoid the need to rush from one step to another. For example, allow more time after the ceremony to mingle with guests. Too often, I see wedding schedules where the couple finishes their ceremony straight into family photos, then bridal party photos, portraits, reception entrance, cake cut, entree and speeches. There is barely time to catch your breath and enjoy time with guests.
2. Do an engagement shoot with your photographer before the wedding. Doing so helps you get comfortable with having your photo taken. Then, on your wedding day, you will be less likely to notice the camera and stiffen up or behave unnaturally when you know the photographer is around.
3. Less time for portraits and more time with family and friends. Portraits are an important part of the day, but we don’t need hours. Two 20-minute blocks are often enough if we are staying on-site. Perhaps 20 minutes before you enter the reception and then another 20 minutes later in the evening at sunset or even in the dark. This breaks things up, and you don’t feel like you’ve been gone for a long time.
4. Allow more time for guests to be standing and moving around. This applies to the reception. Sitting down to a 3-course meal is great, but it means most people won’t leave their seats during the 2-hour service window. Another option is having the entree and main meals close together while speeches happen. Killing two birds with one stone. Then, serve a roaming dessert, doughnut buffet or ice cream cart. The more people move, the more candid moments will happen.