Kansas City Documentary Wedding Photographer: Capturing Authentic Love Stories
There are a lot of incredibly talented photographers in Kansas City, and each of them have developed a unique style coming from their unique vision of the world. I have a documentary approach to weddings. What does that mean exactly? How do I differ from other wedding photographers?
In this article, I’ll explain what documentary wedding photography is, the advantages it offers, and how my style perfectly aligns with this genre.
(For illustration purposes of what documentary photography is in the context of a wedding, all the supporting pictures are purposefully from the same event)
What is Documentary Wedding Photography?
Documentary wedding photography, also called journalistic or candid, is a style that focuses on capturing real moments in an unobtrusive manner in order to tell the story of what happened, catch your personality, and the special interactions with your loved ones.
Imagine a photojournalist from National Geographic coming to your wedding. He would spend a lot of time immersing himself in your life to capture the essence of your relationship, your personality, and your connection with your loved ones. He would constantly look to create impactful images that can be read on multiple levels. His images are beautiful because of the emotions that they are capable of making any viewer feel.
On the other side of the spectrum, imagine a photographer creating images of your wedding intended to be published in a fashion magazine like ELLE. To create his amazing photographs, the photographer is spending a lot of time setting the stage, with every detail being perfect, and meticulously posing you in the scene. Each picture takes a lot of time to create.
There is no right or wrong here, just different approaches and results. Traditional wedding photography often involves well orchestrated scenes, while documentary photography is more about storytelling and catching the instant. It aims to preserve the genuine emotions and spontaneous interactions that make each wedding unique.
This style embraces the chaos and beauty of a wedding day, highlighting the connections between people, the atmosphere of the venue, and the little details that may go unnoticed. From the joyful laughter of guests, to the quiet moments shared between the couple, documentary photography seeks to create a narrative that reflects the true essence of the day.
The Advantages of Documentary Wedding Photography
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Authenticity: One of the greatest advantages of documentary wedding photography is its authenticity. Couples can look back on their wedding photos and feel transported back to the emotions and experiences of the day. This authenticity allows for a deeper connection to the images, preserving not just the events, but the feelings surrounding them.
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Unobtrusive Approach: In order to do his photographs, a documentary photographer needs to tell a story. It is the raw material of his creativity. He is capturing real moments without interrupting the flow of the day. Couples and their guests can enjoy the celebration without feeling like they are constantly posing for the camera.
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Comprehensive Storytelling: A documentary approach allows for a more comprehensive storytelling experience. Rather than just focusing on the couple, the photographer captures the entire spectrum of the wedding day—from the nervous anticipation before the ceremony to the joyous celebrations at the reception. This results in a rich tapestry of images that truly reflect the day as it was lived.
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Natural Interactions: With a focus on candid moments, documentary photography captures natural interactions among family and friends. These images convey genuine emotions, from laughter to tears, creating a visual narrative that celebrates the relationships that matter most.
My Style and Philosophy
I have to admit, my dyslexia puts me at a bit of a “handicap” when reading, and more often than not, a picture was all I was looking at to understand an article, a book, or a magazine. My unconscious memory is filled with images from documentary magazines, newspapers, and “Bande Dessinee” (the French version of comics or Manga) that are here to support the writing that I was not reading. So from the day I started photography, I was always attracted to catching a special moment, from a unique angle, so it was able to communicate my message. For me, photography is all about being able to put myself in the proper positions to capture those moments that will probably not come back again. I guess the flip side of my handicap makes me compensate with creating images that are worth a 1000 words.
In order to create a good environment so I can make great images, I need to create a comfortable and fun environment for my couples and their guests, allowing them to be themselves without feeling the pressure of my fairly large lenses. I am interacting, breaking the ice, smiling or joking. That allows me to be trusted so I can enter people's bubbles and be forgotten. I am not a spooky paparazzi or spy taking pictures from the corner of the room, I am right here next to you, in the middle of the action, more like a guest. I do this naturally and love the human connection my camera gives me. This approach not only leads to more authentic images but also helps to foster genuine connections throughout the wedding day.
Before each wedding, I take the time to get to know the couple, understanding their story, personalities, and what matters most to them. This insight informs me of my approach on the wedding day, guiding me to focus on moments that are significant to the couple and their loved ones.
Reviews
Etienne is the perfect mix of fun and professionalism. He was very personable and took the time to get to know us. He was flexible and went above and beyond our expectations. Our family and guests loved him too! He was so fun to watch in action and many times we didn't even know he was there, but he captured some beautiful photos for us. We highly recommend him to document your day with his artistic style and stunning professionalism.
Tamieka
Conclusion
Documentary wedding photography offers a refreshing and authentic way to capture the magic of a wedding day. With a focus on real moments, unobtrusive storytelling, and the genuine emotions that unfold, this style perfectly aligns with my philosophy as a wedding photographer.
If you’re looking for a photographer who will document your wedding day with creativity, empathy, and a commitment to authenticity, I would love to work with you. Together, we can create a visual narrative that celebrates your love story in the most genuine way possible.