Documentary vs. Editorial Wedding Photography

Dallas Fort Worth Documentary Wedding Photographers

Documentary vs. Editorial Wedding Photography: What Is It & Which Is Right for You?

Hey there! So, you’re deep into planning mode, and now it’s time to figure out how you want your big day captured. We totally get it—this is a huge decision because these photos are the ones you’ll be flipping through for a lifetime (no pressure, right?). As you dive into your research, you’re bound to come across a bunch of buzzwords like editorial, candid, documentary, and photojournalistic. But seriously, what do these words even mean and how do you know whether you would prefer a documentary or editorial wedding photographer to capture your wedding?! As Dallas based documentary wedding photographers, let’s help get those questions answered!

Let’s start by clearing some things up. While these terms have a general industry-wide meaning, every photographer puts their own unique spin on them—because we’re creatives, and that’s just how we roll. Even though there’s a bit of wiggle room, the core of each style is pretty solid. It’s like a spectrum, and sometimes the lines get a little blurred. And let’s be real—navigating life’s spectrum is something we totally vibe with.

So let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand: Documentary vs. Editorial Wedding Photography: What’s Right for You and How the Heck to Know.

Editorial Wedding Photography

Imagine you’re flipping through a glossy fashion magazine—intentionally styled, curated, and posed to create a specific, flawless aesthetic. That’s editorial photography in a nutshell. Platforms like Vogue Weddings and Martha Stewart Weddings are all about that Fine Art/Editorial Wedding vibe. You’ll usually see lighter, brighter colors, with a focus on the design, details, and fashion. The portraits? They’re traditional, polished, and have that “just stepped out of a magazine” look. Think perfect hand placement, flowy hair that’s just right, and an air of refined sophistication.

Now, if you were to dial up the editorial factor just a bit, you’d land on Fine Art Wedding Photography. It’s like editorial photography with an extra splash of curation and refinement. And don’t be surprised if your Fine Art photographer has a film camera (or two) tucked away in their bag for that added touch of artistry.

Documentary Wedding Photography

Now, let’s switch gears. Imagine if National Geographic covered weddings—focused on storytelling and capturing the raw, real emotions of the day. That’s what documentary wedding photography is all about. It’s a hands-off, let-it-happen approach that you’ll find on platforms like ThisIsReportage.com or Fearless Wedding Photographers.

As documentary wedding photographers ourselves, we’re all about telling your unique story without stepping in and shaping it. We’re more like ninja observers, catching the patterns in behavior, anticipating moments before they happen, and letting you live your day openly, honestly, and vulnerably. Our job? To create beautiful work without disrupting the natural flow of your day. The only time we “take off our documentary hats” is during portraits, and even then, we stay as hands-off as possible. We use prompts that bring out genuine emotions, movement, and interactions, so your portraits feel uniquely you—beautiful and high-end, but still real.

So How Do You Know Which Is Right for You?

So, with all that said, how do you know which approach is your perfect fit? Here’s our take: think about how comfortable you and your partner are with the camera. Do you love being posed and directed from start to finish? Or would you rather just live your day with your favorite people, letting the photographers capture everything as it naturally unfolds, raw and unfiltered?

Okay, we might be a little biased here, but we believe that documentary wedding photography is an incredible gift. It lets you and your loved ones relive the emotions and the story of your day for generations to come. But hey, whatever you choose, make sure it fee

And if you do think this just might be what you’re looking for, click that cute little link below to give us a shout.