The term documentary photographer gets thrown around a lot! But what does it actually mean? Have you ever heard the term photo-essay? It is a visual story. Images taken in a way that when put together tell the unique story of an event. A documentary photographer is there to document the events around them as they unfold.

When you consider this in relation to a wedding it means less posed, more candid. Documentary photographers tend to use available light and a little bit of flash rather than lighting a scene. While your photographer might spend some time posing your family and wedding party, the focus is on the moments in between.

Amanda Shackleton - The Hitched Collective

Is this style for you? Good question, if you are looking to spend a couple of hours getting wedding party and couple’s photos, then you may be after a more traditional style of photography. I would recommend looking at a few different styles and seeing what resonates with you. You can always have a coffee and a chat with a photographer to see if your styles and personalities match.

Ms Zigzag says: Candid-style photography or ‘documentary photography’ is such an authentic way to capture your wedding day. While it’s nice to have some posed shots, my favourite pics are the ones where people are just being themselves and are in the moment. 

About The Hitched Collective: The Hitched Collective is a group of photographers based in Melbourne, Australia. Taking a documentary approach to photography, The Hitched Collective will capture not only the main components of your wedding but the details and most importantly, all the emotion and fun of the day.