Documentary Wedding Photographer

A group of bridesmaids reacting to the bride as photographed by documentary wedding photographer Mark Wallis
A bride's veil is blown into the air at Asylum wedding venue as photographed by documentary wedding photographer Mark Wallis
A newly married couple are showered with champagne at their Huntsham Court wedding as captured by documentary wedding photographer Mark Wallis

What is a documentary wedding photographer?

Your wedding is a day that you spend a long time planning so carefully. It’s filled with excitement, suspense, emotion, drama and fun. It can also pass you by incredibly fast, gone in a flash. I believe that a great documentary wedding photographer should focus on creating a timeless record. One that enables you to relive these fleeting moments forever.

Known as documentary wedding photography, reportage or sometimes wedding photojournalism, my approach simply means that I tell the real story of your whole wedding day through my images. There is no contrived posing, prompting or intervention. I’m not interested in dragging you away from the wedding party for a photoshoot. You have the rest of your lives to pose for portraits!

Your wedding is a once in a lifetime experience to be enjoyed to the full with your family and friends.

NOT your wedding photographer.

What to expect from my documentary style wedding photography

As a documentary wedding photographer, I want to spend as much time as possible with you on the big day. I don’t hide in the shadows, and can often be found making conversation with your guests, or offering advice on various elements of the wedding day. I arrive a couple of hours before the wedding ceremony to capture the preparations and build-up. Then I move on to the ceremony venue where the guests are gathering. With the permission of the officiant or registrar I shoot discreetly throughout your ceremony, and afterwards as you greet all of your friends and family. I take a short break whilst everyone eats, then I’m back for the speeches. Next comes your first dance, followed by the evening party. I’ll be around long enough to capture plenty of shots of your wedding guests throwing some shapes and then I will disappear into the night.

A singing waiter performs on the dance floor as captured by documentary wedding photographer Mark Wallis
A black and white image of a bride having make-up applied as shot by reportage wedding photographer Mark Wallis
A groom is carried aloft on a chair by male wedding guests at a Hackney Town Hall wedding

What happens after the wedding day?

When I sit down at the computer I will remove duplicate images, unflattering expressions, etc. Finally I perform colour corrections and some black and white conversions. This usually leaves you with a set of at least 400 fully-finished images for a ‘Whole Day’ wedding coverage. You’ll receive all of these images in an online gallery that you can share with family and friends. From the gallery you can download high-resolution files that you can use for social media or to produce your own prints. You’ll also receive a slideshow of my favourite 100 or so images set to music.

If that all sounds perfect for your day, and you would like to book me as your documentary wedding photographer, find out more about what is included on my wedding photography prices page.

Say hello!

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