When it comes to wedding photography, more and more couples are choosing “documentary-style photography” — and it’s easy to see why. Instead of stiff poses and staged smiles, as a documentary wedding photographer, I like to focus on the REAL STUFF: raw emotion, honest interactions, and the quiet, powerful moments you might not even notice as they’re happening.
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement in Bar Harbor, a small backyard wedding in the Maine countryside, or a cozy coastal ceremony in Kennebunkport, this style captures your day exactly as it unfolds — beautifully, authentically, and without interruption.
So, what is “Documentary Wedding Photography”?
Also known as photojournalistic wedding photography, documentary photography is about storytelling, and I have been a storyteller my whole life. Rather than directing or staging moments, I want to literally blend into the background, allowing events to unfold naturally while quietly capturing them.
This approach focuses on:
- Candid interactions between you and your guests
- Real emotions — laughter, happy tears, quiet nerves, spontaneous snorting joy
- The “in-between” moments: hand squeezes, glances, hugs
- Natural light and movement over perfect poses
It’s perfect for couples who want their wedding photos to feel like a true reflection of the day, not a performance. Your wedding day after-all is about two humans in love!!!
Why Couples Are Choosing a Documentary Approach
Couples today are looking for something more meaningful than a highlight reel. They want authentic wedding photography that:
- Tells their story honestly – like I said before, you are human! Humans are messy and emotional and unpolished, I want photos to feel that way too.
- Captures fleeting, emotional moments
- Doesn’t interrupt the natural flow of the day
- Reflects the full experience — not just the styled details
With documentary photography, you’re free to be wholly present.
What to Look for in a Documentary Wedding Photographer
Not all photographers who shoot “candid” photos specialize in documentary storytelling. Here’s what to keep an eye out for when making your decision:
1. A Portfolio Full of Storytelling, Not Just Portraits
Scroll through a few full galleries — not just the Instagram highlights (p.s. I like some of my favorite galleries on my website for this exact reason)!! Do the images flow like a story? Can you feel the emotions? A strong documentary portfolio will have:
- Movement, emotion, and unexpected moments
- Less posing, more connection
- Variety in light, setting, and subject
2. An Observational Approach (Not Overly Involved)
A great documentary photographer knows when to step back. They’ll:
- Blend in with the crowd
- Capture moments without directing them
- Be present but unobtrusive
3. Experience With Real Wedding Timelines
Weddings can be unpredictable. Your photographer should be:
- Comfortable adapting to changing plans and light
- Skilled at anticipating moments before they happen
- Calm and professional under pressure
4. Strong Technical Skills (Especially in Low Light or Movement)
Documentary photography means your photographer often works without perfect lighting or time to adjust settings. Look for:
- Sharp, well-composed images in varied lighting
- Clean edits that retain natural color and mood
- Confidence with both indoor and outdoor shooting
5. A Natural Editing Style
To keep the focus on your real moments, documentary photographers typically use a clean, timeless editing style — avoiding over-processed filters or trendy looks. I call this “true-to-color” with my editing!
Why Hire a Documentary Wedding Photographer in Maine?
Maine is full of naturally stunning locations — from rocky coastlines and lighthouses to forests and mountains. But the beauty of a Maine wedding isn’t just in the scenery — it’s in the quiet, emotional moments that unfold in these unforgettable places.
As a Maine wedding photographer, I bring not only storytelling experience but also knowledge of:
- How natural light behaves in local venues
- Seasonal weather shifts (yes, even fog can be beautiful!)
- My favorite photo locations
If you’re planning a wedding in Maine or New England (or beyond) and value candid, emotional storytelling over stiff poses, I’d love to be your “MAINE” gal, so let’s chat! As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I’m here to help you relive your day — not just how it looked, but how it felt.
