FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Documentary Wedding Photography

Hi, I’m Tyler Jordan Soucy, a documentary wedding photographer based in Connecticut, who works with couples worldwide. I believe that weddings are meant to be lived, not performed. This journal is where I share some of my quick insights as a documentary photographer, and I hope that you find something useful or inspiring here.

Everything You (PROBABLY) Need to Know About Documentary Wedding Photography

Planning your wedding should be exciting, but it can feel overwhelming— there’s a lot to think about, especially when it comes to something as important as your wedding photos.

To help you navigate some of the most common questions couples have about documentary wedding photography, I’ve put together this FAQ guide.

What Is a Documentary Wedding Photographer?

A documentary wedding photographer focuses on capturing the real moments of your day as they naturally unfold. There’s no directing, no telling people where to stand or how to pose. The goal is to document your wedding authentically, without interrupting or staging moments.

In contrast, traditional wedding photography often involves more posed portraits and a strict shot list that doesn't deviate much from one wedding to another. While that works for some, documentary wedding photography is perfect for couples who want to be fully present and immersed in their wedding day without the pressures of performing.

How Do We Know If a Documentary Wedding Photographer Is Right For Us?

Not every photographer will be the right fit for you, and that’s okay. It’s important to figure out what kind of experience you want to have on your wedding day. Think about how you want the day to unfold, what moments you want to focus on, and how you want your photos to feel.

The key is finding a photography style that aligns with your priorities. If documentary photography speaks to you, make sure you choose someone who’s not only aligned with your ethos but is also dedicated to prioritizing your ability to be fully present.

How do you capture our day without interrupting it?

The beauty of a documentary wedding photographer is that we’re there to observe, not orchestrate. I go with natural flow of your wedding day and focus on capturing the essence of what it felt like.

While I may provide gentle prompts during family photos or portraits, my main goal is to let you experience your wedding day in its purest form, while ensuring that your memories are documented with care and attention to detail.

What if we’re nervous about being in front of the camera?

That’s probably one of the most normal feelings in the world. Aside from models, who have a very specific skill set, we can all feel a little uncomfortable in front of a camera. And being followed by a photographer all day is a strange proposition to begin with! My personal mantra? “Embrace it.” That initial nervousness is often short-lived and fades once you move through it.

Receiving direction and being posed may offer temporary relief, but my goal is to make you feel at ease all day. I want you to trust me behind the camera and, most importantly, trust that you can simply be yourself.

What if something unexpected happens (like bad weather)?

Life is largely unpredictable, but that’s also what makes it beautiful. Documentary photography embraces whatever comes our way.

If it rains, we’ll capture those spontaneous moments when everyone comes together to enact Plan B. If the lighting isn’t perfect, we’ll find creative ways to use it.

Ultimately, it’s not about the weather or perfect conditions—it's about the people you love, the mood, and the moments. They’re all integral parts of telling the story of your wedding day.

Do we need to provide a shot list?

Documentary wedding photographers don’t typically work off of a traditional shot list. That doesn’t mean we won’t take note of your priorities for the day—we’ll make sure to understand what matters most to you and what you want to experience and have captured.

Let’s talk about your wedding in a different way: Imagine it's years from now, and you're looking back at your photos, or showing them to your nieces, nephews or grandchildren—how do you want the images to feel? What emotions stand out from different moments of the day? How are your unique relationships with your friends and family captured?

Documenting those emotions and relationships will always be more important than checking items off a list.

Do you take traditional posed family photos?

Traditional family portraits are important to many couples. If that’s you, I will absolutely capture those classic group shots, but I’ll keep it light and relaxed without an overly posed moments or telling people how to hold each other. This time together with both sides of the family is often the only chance you'll have to be in one place with everyone, and some truly special moments can unfold in the transitions between the formal group photos. My goal isn’t to rush through this part of the day, but to make sure you get back to celebrating with your guests as soon as possible.

How much time do you need for portraits and family photos?

For family formals, I recommend keeping it to immediate family and a few key groupings to make sure the day keeps flowing naturally. We’ll plan ahead and create a list of must-have shots so we don’t miss anything important. Depending on the size of your family, I generally suggest setting aside about 20 minutes.

When it comes to portraits, the timing depends on your priorities and what feels most comfortable to you. I find it’s helpful to figure out if there’s a part of the day that you foresee yourselves wanting to simply step away, go for a walk, or spend some quiet time together.

Do You Take Wedding Party Photos?

My approach to wedding party photos mirrors the rest of your day. It’s less about lining people up for formal poses and more about creating space for natural moments to unfold between you and your closest friends while you and your partner are getting ready. The goal is to focus on what’s most important to both of you and prioritize how you want to feel when looking back at your photos—whether that’s gathering everyone for a big group shot or simply spending time with your wedding party.

Still Have Questions?

If there’s anything else you’re wondering, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you feel confident about your wedding, and that includes making sure your photography is one less thing to stress about.