WHAT IS DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

Updated: July 2025

Let’s dive into what I believe defines wedding photojournalism—also known as reportage wedding photography.

For me, the most powerful wedding images are candid moments that authentically tell the story of the day. I’ve always approached weddings with the mindset of a photojournalist, though it took me nearly seven years to find couples who shared that same vision. Over the years, I’ve drawn inspiration from press and street photographers, as well as influential artists. I still remember the impact of discovering photographers like Jeff Ascough and George Trifunovic around 2006—true pioneers in applying a photojournalistic eye to weddings.

Shooting weddings isn’t for every photographer. In fact, I once spoke with a seasoned photojournalist who admitted he felt uneasy after photographing just a few weddings. He even said he struggled with not being able to control the flow of the day—which speaks volumes about how unique and challenging this genre can be.

It’s no surprise—wedding photography is high-stakes. There’s a lot on the line with every event, and the pressure can lead to burnout or costly mistakes.

That said, it is possible to photograph a wedding without trying to control a single thing. In fact, that’s exactly how I work. I don’t direct the couple or stage moments. The only exceptions are the group shots and couple portraits, which I aim to wrap up in about 15 and 10 minutes, respectively. This hands-off approach keeps me constantly on my toes. I’m essentially shooting for myself—observing, reacting, and using light, geometry, and spontaneous composition to tell the couple’s story. It’s a thrilling, ever-evolving process that never feels routine or forced.

Authentic wedding photojournalism is all about documenting events as they naturally unfold—without directing, staging, or influencing the moment.

Traditionally, photojournalism refers to still photography used in news reporting, though it can also extend to video in broadcast journalism. What sets it apart from other genres like documentary, street, or celebrity photography is its commitment to a strict ethical code—prioritizing honesty, impartiality, and storytelling grounded in truth.

Wedding photojournalism follows that same philosophy. It’s a compelling approach where the photographer observes rather than orchestrates. Rather than staging shots or posing subjects, the photojournalist uses instinct, timing, and a sharp eye to capture genuine moments as they happen. These unscripted fragments—seemingly small—combine to create a rich, layered narrative that reflects the true essence of the day.

A skilled wedding photojournalist doesn’t direct or pose—they observe, anticipate, and react in real time to capture authentic moments as they happen. While there are varying interpretations of wedding photojournalism, its purest form avoids set-up shots altogether. The result is a collection of genuine, candid images that reflect the true spirit of the day.

Wedding photography comes in many styles, and it’s important for couples to understand these differences when choosing a photographer. Some describe themselves as photojournalists, focusing on natural, unposed storytelling throughout the day with minimal interference.

Others take a more traditional approach, involving direction, shot lists, and carefully posed images—often with the couple looking directly at the camera. These can produce beautiful, polished photos, but the experience and outcome are quite different from the spontaneous nature of photojournalism.

While it can sometimes be difficult to tell a staged photo from a candid one just by looking, the underlying approach makes all the difference. True wedding photojournalism is defined not by how the photo looks, but by how it was created—honestly, quietly, and without direction.

For a wedding story to feel authentic, the day has to unfold naturally. The moment I begin directing the couple or bride, I’m no longer documenting—I’m altering the narrative.

I bring the same mindset and skills used by news photojournalists to the wedding day. Rather than setting up scenes or arranging the dress and shoes for a “perfect shot,” I rely on observation—quietly capturing moments as they happen, without interference.

The resulting photographs are often understated yet layered, revealing powerful, unscripted moments. I avoid using flash, as it feels disruptive and artificial. Instead, I work with natural light, allowing it to wrap around the scene and create a sense of depth—almost a three-dimensional quality. For me, it’s about capturing moments that are honest, emotional, and dignified.

Over time, I’ve noticed that couples drawn to this style—especially brides—tend to be confident, present, and more focused on experiencing the day than performing for the camera. They want their story told truthfully, without fanfare or forced images.

So how can you tell if someone is truly a wedding photojournalist? Ask them how they capture moments. Do they intervene or recreate scenes—like asking for a wide shot of the bride’s mother lacing up the dress? Or do they let the moment happen and quietly document it? The answer can tell you a lot.

It’s important to ask the right questions when choosing a wedding photographer—especially if you’re looking for a documentary or photojournalistic approach. Over the years, many photographers have marketed themselves as wedding photojournalists, yet their portfolios are filled with staged moments and styled decor shots. The truth is, not everyone who uses the term “wedding photojournalism” fully understands its principles or ethics.

Like any craft, photography takes years of practice to master. Whether formally trained or self-taught, a great photographer must be technically skilled and have a strong eye for composition, timing, and storytelling.

One of the best places to find a vetted, experienced wedding photojournalist is through David Robert’s Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA)—a professional organization I’m proud to be a member of.

Interested in learning more about my documentary approach to wedding photography? Feel free to reach out by email or phone. I’d love to connect.