"Documentary" versus "Posed" Wedding Photography
I tend to see myself as a "documentary" wedding photographer. This means that (in general) my focus is on capturing natural and unposed moments on your wedding day. I find most couples come to me in search of this relaxed and candid style. However, at the same time, I also acknowledge the growing demand for more posed and artistic images, whether it is for a beautiful framed display, or scroll-stopping social media post. These kinds of images are more romantic and ethereal, but can also require a little more planning than a candid photo.
Michael and Ross are a real life couple, but in this instance, were part of a photoshoot organised by Photography Farm. During this photoshoot, I was lucky to work with one of my favourite wedding photographers who specialises in a style of photography a lot more artistic than mine - Esmé Whiteside. Esmé takes a lot of inspiration from the Dutch masters, and her photography can sometimes look more like a seventeenth century oil painting than a twenty-first century wedding!
I enjoyed pushing my photographic boundaries and practising the "posing" element of couples photography. It has given me the confidence and knowledge to be able to photograph with a more artistic style, resulting in more romantic and intimate final product (if the couple demands it). I believe that documentary photography and posed photography do not need to be mutually exclusive. It is possible to photograph in creative and artistic ways, while at the same time retaining an honest and true depiction of the couple and their day.
I couldn't resist trying to capture a couple of candid style shots though! I loved getting Michael and Ross to break into laugher and lose their serious model face for a few seconds! Here's a handful of photos from their session up on Scotland's east coast.
Credits:
Photographer: Elliot Govier
Workshop: Photography Farm
Mentor: Esme Whiteside
Outfits: Jean Jackson Couture
Flowers: Emma Cox
