Hiring Vendors to Execute Your Style
WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT ABOUT WORKING WITH A DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHER VERSUS A TRADITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ON THE WEDDING DAY? I would venture to say that the documentary style lends itself to a more relaxed timeline. We are there to document what happens, whenever it happens. This is due to the fact that all parties involved are not as concerned with the extra element of going to take additional posed photographs. When considering your timeline for the day, we typically need less time for posed shots as it’s not our focus. This usually results in more time for you to spend with your friends and family. YOU PROBABLY SHOOT IN THE SAME AREA A LOT, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE SETTING REPETITION AND MAKE EACH COUPLES’ PHOTOS UNIQUE? Really, every wedding is different from a documentary perspective. No two couples are the same, and no two weddings are the same. I will admit that it is exciting and fun to shoot in new locations, but shooting in a building we are familiar with also has its advantages. We will know the strong points and shortcomings of the locations (photographically speaking) due to the fact that we are accustomed to the space. Its great to be able to anticipate what the couple might do, have the appropriate equipment (because we know the intricacies of the room) and get a great wide environmental shot. On the other hand, we also like to shoot from a distance with only the subject in focus allowing the background to fade away - we do this to emphasize and focus in on the couple and their emotion… but simultaneously, it can also minimize the importance of their surroundings.
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A candid interview with Anna & Spencer Photography, self-described documentary photographers who believe that a less obstrusive approach to capturing weddings lends itself to photos with greater emotion and freedom on the day of. We happen to agree. WHAT IS A DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHER? A documentary wedding photographer is someone who is less obtrusive, and strives to document the wedding day as it truly happens. This means minimal posing, and candids throughout the day. Basically, it comes down to this - for us, we want our clients to remember the moment, not us photographing the moment. WHAT'S THE THE ADVANTAGE OF GOING THIS ROUTE VERSUS A TRADITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE? I wouldn’t call it an advantage as much as how you want to spend the time on your wedding day. When we think of traditional photography style, we typically think of extensive portraits/posing of everyone involved in the wedding. This can normally take at least an hour if not two or three. On the contrary, the documentary style would focus far less on this - if any group portraits are taken, it’s typically fast and simply for posterity - maybe 30 minutes at most. So, it really does come down to how you want to spend your time. Do you want to spend it taking portraits, or would you rather be interacting with your friends & family? (Quick clarification - we should note, both options are absolutely fine. Each person has an idea of what they want, and they should take that into consideration when considering what photographic style they choose for their wedding day.)
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE PRESSURE OF IMMORTALIZING SUCH AN IMPORTANT DAY? Yes, there is a responsibility you have as a wedding photographer, but I think “pressure“ isn't something that we really encounter. As professionals, we know how to adapt to quickly changing situations. This is something we love to do, and the people who hire us have hired us specifically for our style and story-telling skills. So, there’s no real pressure - due to our experience, we’re ready to photograph the day as it unfolds. ARE DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHERS MORE EXPENSIVE? Not necessarily. I know that sounds like a copout answer, but really, it is more about the photography studio as a whole rather than about a specific style. A photographer who has more experience, is established, and has more extensive equipment can command a higher rate that someone just starting out. As for similarly established businesses, a studio can structure its pricing in so many different ways. I would suggest looking at the pricing in terms of coverage (amount of time) and products (prints, albums, and other items). This way, it might be easier to compare different studios. One may have “packages”, one may have an “a la carte” structure, and one may rely on print sales after the event. In the end, go with who you really connect with - this is one decision you won’t regret. WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU LOVING RIGHT NOW? Fusion Video. That is, the combination of video and photography to create a new meaningful experience. For us, we typically offer these types of videos with engagement sessions. It gives us a chance to interview a couple separately (the bride & groom apart) and then later weave their story together. The result is a video that is entirely meaningful, and it’s something they can keep and show to future generations.
Anna and Spencer Photography • www.annaandspencer.com www.OCCASIONSONLINE.com