Bride and groom wedding photos at south farm

SO WHAT IS THE ONE QUESTION??

It’s not
“How much do you cost?”
“What’s your editing style?”
“Are you editorial or documentary?”
“How many photos will I get?”
“How late will you stay?”

The real question is
“How did you get those photos?”

Because how a photographer gets the images in their portfolio tells you everything about what your day will actually feel like.

You’ll instantly know if you like someones portfolio, that’s instinctive. Their editing style? You’ll either love it or you wont.

But the approach behind those images… that’s where the truth is. 
Will they create moments, or wait for the real ones?

 

WHY THIS MATTERS

It’s so important to ask yourself: “How much direction do I actually want on my wedding day?”
Is getting the perfect Pinterest photo more important than letting a genuine moment unfold?
Your photographer won’t be the only one taking photos, either. Guests will ask for posed shots, and even suppliers sometimes bring their own cameras or lights to get content for the ’gram. It can feel like a lot.
And if you’re someone who values real, unposed moments, all that staging can actually detract from your day.

On the flip side, if you want a gallery full of carefully crafted, editorial-style images and you book someone like me—who works in a very hands-off, documentary way—you might end up disappointed.
Knowing what you truly want helps you choose a photographer who can give you a wedding day (and gallery) you’ll actually love.
IF YOU LIKE THE SOUND OF MY APPROACH, GET IN TOUCH
Children playing
Alpaca's getting romantic at a wedding at coltsfoot country retreat
Alpaca's getting romantic at a wedding at coltsfoot country retreat

IS IT THE RIGHT APPROACH FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY??

Choosing a documentary wedding photographer isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. This style works best for couples who value authenticity over perfection, who enjoy real, unscripted moments, and who don’t want to spend their day posing endlessly. If you like the idea of looking back on your wedding gallery and remembering how the day felt—the laughter, the excitement, and the little unexpected moments—then this style could be a good fit. I aim to capture as much of the day as I can, focusing on genuine interactions, spontaneous reactions, and the atmosphere of your wedding. It’s also ideal for couples who want to feel relaxed and present. You won’t be pulled away for long blocks of staged shots or made to “perform” for the camera. Instead, you can enjoy your day naturally, while I quietly document the moments that unfold around you. This approach isn’t about creating perfect, magazine-style images. It’s about storytelling, honesty, and capturing your day in a way that reflects the real energy and character of your wedding.

I MIGHT NOT BE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU IF…..

If you prefer every shot perfectly posed, carefully styled, or following the latest Pinterest trends, then this style might not be right for you. Documentary wedding photography isn’t for every couple, and that’s perfectly fine. My approach suits couples who want to enjoy the day naturally, without spending hours posing or performing for the camera. Some photographers take a hands-on approach, directing “plandid” moments, orchestrating laughs, or repeating interactions to get the perfect ‘candid’ image. Many focus on lots of group shots or staged moments that can look very similar from one wedding to the next.
What makes my approach different is that I capture your wedding as it actually happens. I focus on the little interactions, the unexpected humour, and the fleeting moments that are unique to your day. The result is a gallery that feels authentic and tells the story of your wedding in a way that’s entirely yours.
If you’d rather have images that reflect the real energy and personality of your day, this documentary style could be a perfect fit. But if highly orchestrated shots or long posed sessions are important to you, it’s worth finding a photographer whose style matches that approach.

A couple kiss
A young wedding guest plays with a bubble

BUT WHAT ABOUT COUPLE PHOTOS AND GROUP SHOTS?

You may love all the photos you see in my portfolio and want this documentary approach for most of your day, but be thinking, “Will I get any couple photos or group shots?”

Well, I don’t follow a hard and fast rule of being a documentary wedding photographer for 100% of your day—it’s more like 95%. Understanding each couple’s feelings about group photos and portraits is really important to me, so I make a point to talk to you about this beforehand. Every couple is different, and your approach to this part of the day should reflect that.

Some couples want just five minutes of couple photos, others might want 15. Some aren’t fussed about shots just before sunset, while others love the idea of a little walk during that time. Although my website may not have lots of couple portraits featured, that’s not because I don’t value them or can’t do them well. It’s because I want you to book me for my documentary style—the real, authentic moments that make up 95% of your gallery.

Curious about the other 5%? Click here to see my approach to couple portraits. 

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Erica captured so many great memories, without us even noticing her right in front of us on the day! 

THIS MEANT HER DOCUMENTRAY STYLE REALLY CAME TO LIFE.