When it comes to your wedding day, you want every moment captured in a way that feels genuine and true to you. Enter documentary-style wedding photography, a storytelling approach that turns your big day into a visual narrative, capturing every laugh, tear, and spontaneous dance move. At Shannon Leopold Photography, based in the heart of Boone, NC, we specialize in this unique style, offering you a collection of images that are as authentic as your love story.
Shannon Leopold is a traveling documentary wedding photographer based in Boone, North Carolina. She offers intimate, honest, and nostalgic photography that captures real life love stories in an unexpected way. See her portfolio, services, or contact her.
What Is Documentary-Style Wedding Photography?
Documentary-style wedding photography, sometimes referred to as reportage or photojournalistic wedding photography, is all about capturing candid moments as they naturally unfold. Unlike traditional posed wedding photos, this style focuses on real interactions and genuine emotions, allowing the story of your day to be told organically.
- No forced smiles: You won’t have to worry about awkward poses or stiff smiles.
- Real emotions: The joy, the tears, the laughter – all captured as they happen.
- A story in pictures: From getting ready in the morning to the last dance, every part of your day is documented.
The result? A collection of images that not only shows how your wedding looked but also how it felt.
Why Choose Documentary-Style Photography for Your Wedding?
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, and documentary-style photography ensures that nothing is missed. Here’s why so many couples are choosing this approach:
Authenticity Is Key
In an age where authenticity is more valued than ever, documentary-style photography resonates deeply. You’re not just getting photos; you’re getting memories that are true to who you are as a couple. This style allows for a level of intimacy and honesty that’s hard to achieve with traditional, posed photography.
Less Stress, More Fun
Let’s face it: wedding days can be stressful. But with a documentary approach, you can focus on enjoying your day rather than worrying about the next photo op. Since the goal is to capture real moments, you can relax and be yourself, knowing that your photographer is there to document the magic as it happens.
Timeless Memories
While trends in wedding photography come and go, the timelessness of documentary-style photography is undeniable. These photos won’t look dated in a few years because they capture genuine emotions and real moments. They’re not about following the latest trend; they’re about preserving memories.
How to Work with Your Photographer to Get the Best Results
To get the most out of documentary-style wedding photography, communication with your photographer is key. Here’s how you can work together to create the perfect photo narrative of your day:
- Discuss your vision: Share what’s most important to you. Whether it’s capturing the tear in your mom’s eye during the ceremony or the wild dance party at the reception, make sure your photographer knows what matters to you.
- Plan ahead: While documentary-style photography is all about capturing moments as they happen, a little planning can go a long way. Work with your photographer to create a timeline that allows for spontaneity while ensuring all the important moments are covered.
- Trust your photographer: The beauty of this style is its unpredictability. Trust your photographer to capture the day as it unfolds, even if it means stepping back and letting moments happen without intervention.
Common Misconceptions About Documentary-Style Photography
There are a few myths surrounding documentary-style wedding photography that are worth debunking:
“It’s All Candid, So We Don’t Need Any Posed Shots”
While the focus is on candid moments, most photographers will still include some posed shots, especially for family portraits. These are often planned into the day’s schedule so that you can have a mix of candid and traditional photos.
“It’s Not as Artistic as Traditional Photography”
On the contrary, documentary-style photography can be incredibly artistic. By using creative compositions, natural lighting, and an eye for detail, photographers can create stunning images that are both artistic and authentic.
“We Won’t Have Any Control Over the Photos”
While documentary-style photography is more hands-off, your input is still valuable. You can guide your photographer by sharing your preferences, favorite spots at the venue, and specific moments you want to be captured.
The Shannon Leopold Photography Approach
At Shannon Leopold Photography, we believe in capturing the true essence of your wedding day. Our approach is both unobtrusive and supportive, ensuring that you feel comfortable and at ease while we document your special day. We’re there to capture the big moments, like your first kiss as a married couple, and the small ones, like your grandmother’s smile as she watches you dance.
We pride ourselves on being more than just photographers; we’re your allies on this emotional journey. Whether it’s helping you stay calm before the ceremony or getting your bridal party to loosen up for those perfect candid shots, we’re here to make your day as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Ready to Capture Your Wedding Story?
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who will capture the heart and soul of your day, look no further than Shannon Leopold Photography. We’re based in Boone, NC, but love traveling to wherever your love story takes us. Let’s connect and start planning how we can document your wedding in the most authentic, beautiful way possible.
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