FAQs
What is documentary photography, and why is it important?
A documentary moment is one that happens naturally. I view weddings as rites of passage, not photo shoots, which means I’m there to recognize beauty rather than manufacture it. The result? You get to actually enjoy your wedding. The word “documentary” and “candid” get thrown around a lot. More often now portrait photographers use it to mean images with motion blur, excessive grain, and on-camera flash (even when there’s plenty of natural light).
There’s only one test I have to determine if a photo is documentary. If the photographer wasn’t there would the moment still have happened? If the answer is “yes”, then that is a documentary photograph.
It’s important because there is no direction a photographer can make that can “improve” the inherent existence and interaction of you and your loved ones. The truth matters, because you matter.
I hate being photographed. What can you do for me?
Let me guess. You can’t wait to celebrate with your friends and family but have a complicated relationship with being the center of attention. I hear some version of this from 95% of the couples I work with. Add in photography and the feelings get more complicated. I have the same camera-shyness. For me it took root back in those awkward middle school years. Oof.
Here’s the good news: unless a photojournalist has shadowed you before, you haven’t experienced photography like this. I act as your "embed" for the day. You’ll notice me for the first few minutes while I meet your crew, but I quickly fade into the background as the day gains momentum. When you show up as your true self without anyone telling you to "smile”, I can then capture your actual joy in a way no one else ever has.
I’m on board with the documentary approach, but what about Family portraits?
Your family and couple portraits carry just as much weight as the documentary moments. However, most of my couples prefer to keep formal posing to an absolute minimum. We typically need only 15–30 minutes for family groups and 15 minutes for couple portraits.
During this window, I shift gears. I take the lead and provide clear direction to keep things moving smoothly and efficiently. While portraiture is inherently "unnatural," I move beyond stiff posing to find your genuine expressions. Even in these brief formal moments, I bring a documentary sensibility to ensure your portraits feel like you.
Does my wedding need a second photographer?
Probably not. My process relies on blending in to honor the true purpose of your wedding. Think of me like the hum of a refrigerator: you know I’m there, but eventually, you stop paying attention.
I prioritize quality over quantity—I’m not there to capture everything, but to capture the right things in a way that elicits real memories. With over 400 weddings under my belt, fewer than 20 couples have ever needed a second photographer. In an industry where "second shooters" are often students or amateurs, it’s important to remember that two photographers doesn’t mean twice the quality. I’m happy to discuss if your specific logistics might be the exception.
I rarely use flash before the dancing starts, as I believe natural light is what makes a space unique. I’ll often choose a darker, moodier, or motion-blurred frame over an artificially lit one to preserve the actual feel of the room. I only bring out the flash if it’s the only way to effectively capture the substance of a moment. I never use it to mimic a trendy style.
Do you use a flash?
How Many Photographers have Trusted you to shoot their weddings?
More than 27.