Is documentary wedding photographer a trend?

Documentary photography has its roots in the early 20th century when photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, widely considered the father of modern photojournalism, began focusing on capturing candid moments.

Cartier-Bresson’s concept of the “decisive moment” emphasized the importance of waiting for the exact instant when all elements in a frame come together to tell a compelling story. This philosophy heavily influenced generations of photographers and became a cornerstone of documentary photography.

When I began as a photographer, many years back when studying design at Sheridan college, it was the old masters works that caught my attention and eventually drew me away from design and typography and into the world of photography.

During the 1930s and 1940s, the style gained further prominence through projects by the Farm Security Administration (FSA) in the United States. Photographers like Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans documented the lives of ordinary people during the Great Depression, using photography to tell powerful, honest stories. Their work demonstrated how images could evoke deep emotion and preserve history, laying the groundwork for documentary approaches in other fields, including weddings.

Unlike traditional styles, documentary wedding photography isn’t about staged poses or trends—it’s a mindset. At its core, this approach is about observation and authenticity. The photographer’s role is to blend seamlessly into the event, capturing the natural flow of the day without directing it. This means every image reflects what truly happened, not a pre-designed narrative.

This mindset is ideal for couples who want their wedding photos to feel honest and timeless. While trends in photography come and go, documentary photography focuses on real moments, making the images enduring and meaningful. The intimate and intentional nature of this approach ensures the focus is on the couple, their loved ones, and the emotions that define the day.

For couples nervous about being photographed, this style is especially freeing.

Without the pressure of striking poses, they can relax and enjoy their day while the photographer captures the candid, unguarded moments that often turn into the most cherished memories.

Documentary “style” seems to be the 2024/2025 trend but it’s as old as photography itself.