What is a Documentary Photographer?

A documentary photographer captures real life, environments, and events to tell stories by focusing on authenticity rather than staged scenes. Thus, a documentary-style wedding photography, also known as reportage or wedding photojournalism, focuses on capturing genuine, unposed, and candid moments as they naturally unfold. Photographers act as unobtrusive storytellers, focusing on raw emotions, relationships, and spontaneous reactions without staging or directing, allowing the couple to enjoy their day fully.

Many wedding photographers claim to provide some documentary style images however their focus and expertise is in posing and staged images. This is fine for couples looking for primarily very traditional, posed and highly stylized photographs. However, for couples who are looking to focus on their day, their way and wish to have images taken of their day as it happens, naturally, the best photographer will be one who has extensive experience and expertise specifically in capturing documentary images.

I’ve become an expert in taking documentary photographs by dedicating thousands of hours and taking tens of thousands of pictures every year for many, many years. Since the early 2000’s I’ve spent untold hours walking the streets of cities around the world honing my expertise of anticipating unscripted, special moments as life happens naturally.

What makes me different?

I’m committed to your entire day - When you hire me to document your wedding through still images, I’m there for the entire day, from early morning until the last guest leaves any post-reception “after-party.” You are not forced to choose between 4, 6 or 8 hours…I’m committed to your entire day. My photo documentary begins when your morning begins. I can also be there to document your entire wedding weekend; family pre-wedding get togethers, rehearsal dinner, morning-after family brunch, etc.

“Unbelievable images! Beyond our expectations!”

- Mike and Jay

COMMITTED - You are hiring me, not someone working for me. This is not just a job for me, it’s a passion.
PROFESSIONAL - I’m a business executive turned professional photographer. I spent over 25 years working in “corporate America.” Meeting with top executives from some of the largest companies in the world, a camera traveled with me wherever I went…providing me with decades of practice and experience in capturing candid, “decisive moments” around the globe.
AUTHENTIC - I’m telling the story of your wedding with captivating images. I’ll photograph your day in an unassuming way; low-profile...no directing people, no posing people….you enjoy your day and I’ll record it quietly and discreetly. You will not hear me say, “Look here and smile.” I make my way around and capture moments that you would never have noticed…the best man quietly reviewing his speech, a loved one shedding a tear of joy while watching you visit with an old friend or a child gazing upon your wedding cake wondering if anyone will notice if he sticks his finger in for a little taste!
UNSCRIPTED - If you look back through old photos from years past…the images that you are most likely drawn to, that create emotion and spark memories are not posed shots…they are the candid, raw, unscripted shots. I capture your day as it unfolds, naturally, honestly and real. The “First Look” will not be a fabricated photo session prior to your ceremony…it will be a real, first look as your ceremony begins; as you and your partner first lock eyes on your special day…sharing this forever moment with your guests and loved ones. If specifically requested, we can have a few posed shots…but let’s keep this to an absolute minimum to allow you to enjoy time with your family and guests.
MINIMAL TO NO FLASH - I use two small discreet Leica M rangefinder digital cameras of the highest quality, each with a single prime lens of a different focal length. These low profile set-up works exceptionally well, even in poor lighting conditions. A flash can create a different view of that moment in time than an image taken using the available light. I believe in accurately capturing the mood, setting and environment. A handful of images may be taken with a small flash, but most will not require one.
DISCRETE - You may have guests wondering why you didn’t hire a photographer as they don’t see huge lighting umbrellas and massive zoom lenses over the shoulder of someone directing much of your day. However, they may just start to notice this quiet and unassuming “guest” who just seems to float around with his little cameras taking candid photos of everything and everyone.
CLASSIC IMAGES - Black and White is my preferred final product…it delivers a classic, timeless look that looks as amazing in 40 years as it does today. However, my cameras do capture all images with full “RAW” color files so I’m happy to deliver your images in full color if this is your preference.
EVERY IMAGE - In addition to me delivering to you the best 150-250 images, fully edited, I will also supply you with every shot taken!
FAST TURNAROUND - Within 24 hours, you will have a dozen or so images to enjoy while I work on the rest. Within 2 weeks, you will have the best fully edited, 150 to 250 images delivered to you digitally, in addition to every other image I captured.

“Thank you so much, Oliver! These are great! We so appreciate what you’ve done for us!”

- Guy and Jamie

Photographing a wedding…what does that day look like?

My day can begin with family and friends enjoying breakfast together at an Airbnb; the wedding party meeting for brunch or whatever you decide.
Next, I’ll focus on one partner’s preparation…often the partner who is fine with being ready well in advance. Capturing moments with friends, loved ones, etc.
From there, I travel to where the other partner is preparing for the day; typically documenting the final preparation of any makeup, hair styling along with the fun, touching and loving times with those around you.
On to the ceremony and reception…
Throughout your day, I’ll be circulating around the venue/venues capturing the smiles and laughs of good times, the quiet, more intimate moments of you and your guests.
My day does not end until you are retiring for the night, even if that’s at the conclusion of an “after party” with your closest friends during the wee-hours of the morning.
Optionally, I can also capture family gatherings the day before or the morning after; documenting your entire weekend.
Destination wedding or elopement? Yes, I do those as well…note this in your inquiry to me.

What is the investment?

Investment begins at $4,500 for a full day inclusive of travel of up to 40 miles from Seattle.

What about out of area or “destination” weddings?

I’m available to join you for the day, weekend or longer and discretely document as much of that time as you desire. Some of the best images may very well be time with your friends and family before or after your wedding day.
Contact me to discuss the details and the investment for such services

What are my booking options?

My typical services are for the full day, which means I’m there capturing images as early as you want me (7am, no problem) until your day is truly done…whether that be after you have left your reception or the final “after-hours” party has ended at 3am.
Want me for an entire weekend from Friday afternoon through late Sunday night to capture it all? Of course.
Out of Area or Destination fees are highly dependent upon the “where” and the “how long.”
Contact me so we can discuss.

What about Engagement Parties, Corporate Events, etc.?

I am available for most any event that you want documented.
Contact me with the details so we can discuss.

Facts & Questions