Documentary wedding photographer or editorial style

What is the difference between a documentary wedding photographer and an editorial approach?

Nowadays there are plenty of photographers to choose from. The amount can be exhausting and the styles confusing. All the portfolios seem to look alike after a while but the terms used to describe them differ. Today I want to explain to you the difference between a documentary wedding photographer and an editorial style photographer. To cut it short: the difference lies in their approach to capturing the wedding day.

A documentary wedding photographer captures the events of the day in a natural and unobtrusive manner. They act as a fly on the wall, capturing moments as they unfold without directing or intervening. This style results in authentic images that capture the true emotions and atmosphere of the day. A documentary wedding photographer focuses on capturing real moments, such as the looks of love between the couple, tears of joy from family members, and spontaneous interactions among guests.

On the other hand, an editorial style wedding photographer leans more towards directing scenes to create an artistic and stylized look. They will position and instruct the couple to adopt certain poses and may also work with lighting and backgrounds to achieve a particular aesthetic. This style often results in beautiful, polished images that look like they came straight out of a magazine.

So, the main difference between a documentary wedding photographer and an editorial style wedding photographer is the level of involvement and direction they have during the shoot. A documentary wedding photographer focuses on capturing real, spontaneous moments, while an editorial style wedding photographer places more emphasis on creating stylized and polished images.

When choosing a wedding photographer, it’s important to consider which style best fits your vision for the day and your personal preferences. Whether you prefer spontaneous moments or stylized photos, there is a wedding photographer who perfectly fits your unique style and needs.

In my wedding coverage, I always try to incorporate a mix of the characteristics described above. During the photo shoot with the couple, it can be nice to have some “editorial” photos for variety. At least, that’s what I think. What do you think?

Are you still having doubts? Let’s chat and see how I can help you.