Documentary wedding photographer in Edinburgh, Scotland

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When planning your wedding, the choice of a photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. There’s a big decision to make in terms of choosing a photographer whose editing style is one you love. When you look at their portfolio, do the images have a bright and colourful or moody and desaturated vibe? Looking at a portfolio helps make sure your edits look the way you love, but beyond that there’s the question of approach, which can be a lot less obvious. The main two approaches are ‘editorial’ and ‘documentary’. It can be overwhelming to decide which approach best suits your day. I would describe my approach to a wedding day as documentary-style photography. But what does this actually mean, and why might it be the perfect choice for your wedding in Scotland?

As an Edinburgh wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic, unscripted moments that tell the story of your day. Documentary wedding photography focuses on candid moments as they naturally unfold allowing your wedding photos to feel genuine and timeless. I feel strongly that, first and foremost, I want my couples to have fun and to love every moment of their weddings.

Misconceptions About Documentary Wedding Photography

There are a few common misconceptions about this style of photography. Here are a few myths I frequently hear from brides and grooms, and the truths behind them:

1. “Documentary wedding photography means no portraits at all.”
While the primary focus is on candid moments, as a Scotland wedding photographer, I understand that many couples still want classic portraits and group shots with their loved ones. In fact, the bride & groom portrait session is one of my absolute favourite parts of the day. Documentary photography doesn’t exclude these; it simply means the majority of the day is captured in a more organic and unobtrusive way. I’d always recommend that couples plan in at least 20 minutes away from the drinks reception for designated bridal portraits. While these are technically posed portraits around the venue and I do take more of an editorial approach with some gentle directions to ensure the result is as romantic as possible, I also make this time very relaxed and include as much natural movement as possible so your photos don’t look stiff and uncomfortable. Lots of beautiful moments are captured during the portrait time and it’s a lovely chance for you two to take a moment away from all the guests and the craziness to spend a moment with just each other and enjoy being married!

2. “We can just get a friend to snap some candids.”
Another misconception is that documentary photography is simply taking random photos without thought or creativity. But really it requires a sharp eye, storytelling skills, and the ability to anticipate moments before they happen. As an Edinburgh wedding photographer with years of experience, I have nuanced insight into how wedding day timelines generally flow and I can anticipate when an important moment is going to happen. The goal is to create a cohesive narrative that reflects the essence of your wedding day—from the laughter during the speeches to the stolen glances during the first dance. Your professional documentary photography will be able to capture those.

3. “It won’t capture all the important details.”
Couples often worry that this approach will overlook all the unique and special items you’ve designed into your wedding day like the bouquet, the rings, or the reception table decor. However, these details are still very much part of the story. There’s time set aside in the timeline usually at the very start of the bride prep and then during the drinks reception before all the guests arrive to take their seats for dinner. I make sure to document them in a natural context, so they’re not just static objects but part of the larger narrative of your day. Everything is about storytelling, even in a documentary style day.

4. “A documentary-style photography won’t be helpful in planning the day.”

The reason I adopt a documentary approach on the wedding day is so that my couples can enjoy the big day itself with as little interruptions as possible. However, I’m still completely involved in the planning of the photography before the wedding, sending couples a questionnaire and creating a photo timeline so I know exactly what’s happening and when. I’m also fully available for questions in the months leading up to the wedding. I take on a limited number of clients each year to ensure every couple gets a luxury client experience. That includes lots of help in the lead-up to the wedding day.

Documentary Wedding Photography in Scotland

Scotland offers the perfect backdrop for documentary wedding photography. From the cobbled streets of Edinburgh to the breathtaking landscapes of Glencoe, every location has its own charm and character. As an experienced Scotland wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of documenting weddings in some of the country’s most stunning settings. Whether you’re tying the knot in a historic castle, a rustic barn, or an intimate city venue, the beauty of your day deserves to be captured authentically.

If you’re planning your wedding and love the idea of refined, romantic and colourful photography that tells your unique story, I’d love to hear from you.