DOCUMENTARY OR EDITORIAL? CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE FOR YOUr wedding
A GLIMPSE INTO A SMALL WEDDING IN ROME, MIXING BOTH STYLES
When choosing a wedding photographer, one of the things that should be considered is the style of the photographer. The main approaches to wedding photography are documentary and editorial. While they may seem different - in fact, they are different - their combination can produce a breathtaking balance of authenticity and aestethic.
WHAT IS DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY?
Documentary photography has the goal of capturing the truth the way it is, mostly using available light. The photographer becomes an observer, does not interfere in the moment, waits for it to unfolds in front of his/her camera and he/she is ready to capture it when this happens. Documentary photography is about preserving real moments & emotions. I have pursued this approach - 100 % documentary - for around ten years. It’s been the best training of my life and has given me the confidence in photographing in ANY light, and any location. I truly love this approach.
WHAT IS EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHY?
In this case, the photographer decides the setting / background of your photos, gives instructions to the couple, guides them in posing to ensure the subject look their best and feel confident in front of the camera. The aim is create those memories with a strong aestethic, using available light but also manipulating it if necessary or if he/she wants to create and experiment something different. Editorial photography is inspired by fashion photography.
Both styles have their own beauty and purpose, and each one offers something unique to the couple’s experience. Of course, during a wedding / ceremony there are many moments that can’t be posed or staged: in my opinion, a good knowledge of documentary photography is a must for any wedding photographer, even if you lean towards a more Editorial style.
My current approach now is mixing the two of them: i truly believe in blending the spontaneity of documentary photography with the artistry of editorial style, to ensure that every image, whether candid or curated, reflects the truth and emotions of the day, with the perfect set/light, the perfect mix for both photo albums and the single images you’ll print big and hang on your walls - these one, in my experience, are the editorial ones.
One last thing: the time i dedicate to editorial and documentary is discussed with you before your wedding: if you think that you only want 100% documentary, it’s your choice, if you want to dedicate more time in taking editorial style portraits, that’s what we’ll do. What about you, which style do you like the most?