What Is Documentary Photography (and Why It Might Be Exactly What You’re Looking For)

Let’s be honest. “Documentary photography” sounds like something you’d find in a university syllabus next to a packet of dry roasted peanuts and an existential crisis.

But it’s actually far more interesting (and far less dusty). If you’ve ever looked at a photo and felt the moment — not the hair, not the dress, not the perfect lighting — but the truth of it — then you’ve probably encountered documentary photography.

And if you haven’t, well… you’re about to.

So What Is Documentary Photography?

In the simplest terms?It’s photography that tells a real story, without interfering or staging or yelling “SAY CHEESE” until someone cries. (Usually me.)

It’s about capturing things as they actually happen — the chaos, the calm, the tenderness, the tantrums. The everyday. The epic. The in-between bits no one usually notices because they’re too busy trying to get everyone to stand still and smile.

Spoiler: I don’t do “stand still and smile.” I do “be exactly who you are, and I’ll be over here, quietly documenting the magic.”

But Doesn’t Everyone Want Nice Photos?

Of course. But "nice" is subjective. And so is life. I have three kids — if someone tells me they can get all three looking in the same direction at the same time without bribery or snacks, I will assume they are either a wizard or a liar.

Documentary photography doesn’t chase perfection.It embraces honesty.It celebrates the connection — not the coordinated outfits. (Though I will absolutely admire your outfit choices if you’ve made them. No judgement. I wore mismatched socks all through lockdown.)

Why Documentary Style Works for Weddings

Weddings are beautiful, joyful, wildly unpredictable things. Someone always forgets something. Someone always cries (in a good way). And someone will almost definitely spill red wine on something pale.

My job?I’m not here to direct your day like a bossy choreographer. I’m here to observe it — to catch the nervous squeeze of your mum’s hand, the quiet moment before you walk down the aisle, the snort-laugh your best friend tries to hide during the speeches.

That’s where the heart lives.And that’s what you’ll want to remember.

And for Families?

It’s the same idea — just with more snacks, more interruptions, and occasionally someone weeing on the floor (sometimes a toddler, sometimes a puppy, once… a very old cat).

Real family life is hilarious, hard, messy and brilliant. Documentary family photography lets you keep that — the way your daughter always hugs you around your waist, the gap in your son’s teeth, the mad dash through the garden when it starts to rain. This is your life, as it is now. It won’t always be this way. And that’s kind of the point.

What It’s Not

Just so we’re clear — documentary photography is:

• ❌ Not posed

• ❌ Not perfectly lit all the time

• ❌ Not about looking flawless

It is:

• ✅ Natural

• ✅ Honest

• ✅ Full of feeling

And let’s be real: If you want pristine, posed, magazine-style perfection… I’m probably not your photographer. But if you want something that actually feels like you, we’ll get along just fine.

In Summary (Because I'm a Mum and I Like Bullet Points)

• Documentary photography = real life, captured beautifully.

• No posing, no pressure, no performative smiles.

• Weddings, families, kids, chaos, calm — I shoot it all, as it unfolds.

• You just live it. I’ll photograph it.

If this sounds like your cup of tea (or glass of wine — no judgement), you can get in touch here or have a nosey around my portfolio to see what this looks like in real life.

I’d love to tell your story — just the way it is.