Photography by Asia Wright Photo | Venue Fig House LA //

Documentary-style wedding photography—also known as photojournalism, candids, etc—is the art of capturing your wedding day as it naturally unfolds. Think: unscripted moments, real emotion, and candid scenes that tell a story. No stiff poses or forced smiles—just the magic of the day as it happens. 

It’s one of the most popular and beloved photography styles today—and for good reason. But here’s something many couples don’t realize: 

Documentary-style photography works beautifully for weddings—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Let’s talk about why this style is so effective for weddings—and why it doesn’t always translate the same way for engagement sessions. 

Why Documentary-Style Works So Well at Weddings 

Weddings are living, breathing events. They’re full of movement, conversation, energy, and emotion—all of which give a photographer something real to document. 

1. People and Energy Are Everywhere 

From tearful toasts to champagne-fueled dance floors, there are constantly meaningful moments happening organically at a wedding. As a photographer, I’m quietly observing and anticipating—capturing emotion as it unfolds. 

2. The Stakes and Emotions Are High 

It’s not just another day. Weddings are full of anticipation, nerves, joy, and connection. That emotional energy naturally creates cinematic moments worth capturing. 

3. There’s Always a Story to Tell 

Whether it’s your grandmother clasping your hands before the ceremony or your flower girl twirling before walking down the aisle, weddings are full of spontaneous, heartwarming visuals that can’t be planned—but deserve to be remembered. 

In short: there’s no shortage of action to document. That’s why documentary-style wedding photography is so powerful—it turns your day into an emotional time capsule. 

But Here’s Where It Gets Misunderstood: Engagement Sessions 

Many couples assume their engagement photos will be entirely candid too. But in practice, engagement sessions are a very different experience—and here’s why. 

1. It’s Just the Three of Us 

Unlike your wedding day, your engagement session doesn’t have the same level of external interaction. There are no speeches, no guests, no tears from your parents. It’s just the two of you and me. 

That’s a beautiful thing—but it also means the documentary-style doesn’t naturally happen in the same way. 

2. You’re Not Doing Anything (Yet) 

Weddings have a built-in narrative: getting ready, walking down the aisle, dancing, cutting the cake. Engagement sessions are more open-ended. Without a structured event, direction becomes essential. 

3. Posing Creates Comfort 

Many couples worry about looking too posed, or maybe an artsy photo isn’t exactly their vibe. But in truth, thoughtful direction doesn’t make a moment less real—it makes you feel more confident. My approach to posing is always gentle, editorial, and intuitive. I guide you into natural movement and emotion—not stiff, awkward smiles. 

And guess what? The best candid moments happen in between poses. The laugh after a twirl, the way you brush a hair out of your partner’s face—that’s what I’ll capture. But without any guidance at all, you’d likely feel unsure or uncomfortable, and that’s not a feeling I want in your photos. 

How I Balance Candid and Curated 

At every shoot—whether it’s your wedding day or your engagement session—I blend a documentary mindset with an editorial eye. 

• On your wedding day, my method is hybrid – I am a quiet observer, capturing emotion and energy as it unfolds, but when it is time for couples portraits, family photos, the moments that most couple DO want direction on, I’m ready.  

• During engagement sessions, I provide gentle direction that brings out natural movement and connection—so even your posed moments feel cinematic and real. I’m also incredibly in tune to body language so if you seem uncomfortable, we’ll move onto something else. 

This balance is what makes your gallery feel both elevated and emotional. 

In Conclusion: Let the Moment Guide the Method 

Documentary-style photography shines when there’s something to document. And your wedding day is full of those unrepeatable, magical moments. But for engagement sessions, some light direction is what brings out the best version of you. Both approaches are valid—and both are part of how I tell your story authentically and beautifully. 

If you’re looking for a photographer who knows how to read the room and the light—and who can artfully blend real emotion with cinematic composition—you’re in the right place. 

Let’s create something timeless, together. 

xo

Your Favorite Los Angeles Wedding Photographer
📍 Based in Los Angeles, New York, and destinations worldwide.