I have been seeing a lot of posts on Facebook recently from couples saying they are looking for an “editorial/documentary wedding photographer”. It is a very common request, but the truth is, these are actually two very different styles!
If you are currently planning your wedding and feeling a bit confused by all the industry jargon, I completely understand. I am writing this post to clear up the differences between the two, explain how my own style fits in, and help you decide which approach is the perfect match for your big day.
Let me start by saying there is absolutely no right or wrong answer here. Everyone is completely different, and the style you choose should simply come down to how you want your day to feel and what kind of memories you want to look back on.
What is Editorial Wedding Photography?
The term “editorial” actually comes from the magazine world. If you look at high-end fashion magazines, the images are meticulously crafted, and that is exactly the vibe an editorial wedding photographer brings to your day.
This style is much more posed and directed. While an editorial photographer will still capture some candid moments throughout the day, their primary focus, especially around portraits and key moments, is to position you in a very specific way.
They will often bring in additional artificial lighting, set up their equipment around you, and make you feel a bit like a model on a professional photoshoot. The results are incredibly striking and glamorous, but the experience itself is a little less natural and requires you to spend more time actively posing.
What is Documentary Wedding Photography?
On the completely opposite end of the spectrum is documentary wedding photography, which is sometimes called candid, reportage or photojournalism.
This style is all about capturing the day exactly as it naturally unfolds. A documentary photographer blends into the background, focusing on real emotions, genuine laughter, and unscripted moments. The goal is to tell the true, honest story of your wedding day without interfering or turning it into a staged photoshoot.
My Approach: The Relaxed Documentary Style
If you have been looking through my wedding photography website you will know that I am very much a documentary-style photographer. My primary focus is always on capturing authentic, candid moments, making sure you feel as relaxed and natural as possible on your wedding day.
However, being a documentary photographer does not mean I just hide in the bushes and refuse to give you any help! I completely understand that most couples are not used to being in front of a professional camera, and it is totally normal to feel a little shy or unsure of what to do with your hands.
Because of this, we do still offer some light direction. We just do it in a very subtle, natural way. During your couples portraits, we might simply say, “Can you look over there for me?” or ask the bride to look at the camera while the groom looks out at the view. We also just get you to go on a walk together for natural shots. This ensures you still get beautifully composed, frame-worthy portraits without ever feeling stiff or heavily posed.
The Crossover
It is also worth noting that the lines between these two styles are not always a strict brick wall. There is often a little bit of crossover.
For example, a highly posed editorial photographer will often bring a second shooter along with them. While the main photographer is setting up the lighting and posing the couple, the second shooter acts as the candid photographer, capturing natural photos of the guests enjoying the reception.
Similarly, many documentary photographers, myself included, will still happily take the traditional, posed family group shots. It is all about finding the right balance for your specific needs.
The Final Verdict
So, which one should you choose?
If you want your wedding to feel like a high-fashion magazine spread and you do not mind spending time posing for the camera, an editorial photographer is a fantastic choice. If you want to spend your day actually celebrating with your guests, feeling completely relaxed while your photographer captures the real, unfiltered joy of the day, then a documentary photographer is the way to go.
My best advice is to look closely at different photographers’ portfolios, make sure their style truly aligns with your vision, and have a chat with them to see if your personalities click. But most importantly of all, whichever style you choose, make sure you focus on simply having fun on your wedding day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between editorial and documentary wedding photography?
Editorial wedding photography is highly posed, meticulously crafted, and directed, much like a fashion magazine shoot. Documentary wedding photography (also known as reportage) is the exact opposite; it focuses on capturing natural, unscripted moments and real emotions as the day naturally unfolds, without the photographer interfering.
Will a documentary wedding photographer help us pose if we feel awkward?
Yes! While the main focus is on candid moments, a “relaxed documentary” photographer will still offer light, subtle direction during your couples portraits. They might suggest where to stand or look so you get beautifully composed photos without ever feeling stiff or heavily posed.
Do documentary photographers still take traditional family group photos?
Absolutely. Even though their primary style is candid and unscripted, most documentary photographers are still more than happy to take traditional, posed family group shots during the day.
