Our approach to documentary style wedding photos and video

The art of finding photos, not directing them

Our preferred approach to vintage storytelling is documentary style wedding photos and documentary style wedding video. It’s a non-performative version of candid photography that allows couples to just be in the moment and achieve those nostalgic and emotion-filled stills and video. 
However, from a technical perspective, shooting documentary style wedding photos (especially when blended with documentary style wedding video) is an art in itself – and not just another wedding photography trend. The quiet, unplanned nature of allowing photos to find you, rather than directing portraits is something we’ve practiced and perfected in our many years of being a photographer/videographer duo.

So, here’s how we make it happen.

What to expect from documentary style wedding photos & documentary style wedding video

At Redbook Studios, documentary style wedding video and photography is about letting our couples lead. It’s your day, your love story, your family and your closest friends – which means it’s our job to witness each moment through an artistic lens, not orchestrate a performance. By keeping an open mind, planning well ahead of your wedding day and quietly blending into the background, we’re able to capture documentary style wedding photos that naturally reflect your connection and personalities. 
It also allows us to piece together an authentic storyline and ever-so gently prompt you in moments that’ll add richness, interest and depth to your final gallery. However, even in prompting our couples – it comes from a place of helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Because when you’re at ease, you’re able to stay present in your wedding day – and that’s the essence of your authentic love story.

Will documentary style wedding video & photography suit small intimate weddings?

Whether you are planning an intimate 20-person wedding or an extravagant 200-guest celebration, documentary style wedding photos work beautifully. It all comes down to how we mould our storytelling approach to wrap around your timeline, guestlist, venue and expectations. We’ll always focus on the quiet, unscripted moments that’ll end up holding the greatest emotional memory – which leads us into all of before-the-day planning and preparation that goes into capturing nostalgic documentary style wedding photos and videos.

Planning & preparation as a documentary wedding photographer and videographer duo

Multi-format storytelling comes to life with a documentary-style approach. We’ve shaped our planning and preparation down to a fine art, allowing every couple’s story to be an immersive and true-to-life retelling – no matter how many guests are involved, where it takes place or what the timeline looks like.

We scout your location, so your photos and video are full of nostalgic feeling

Before your wedding day, we spend hours location scouting – taking in different backdrop options, learning how we can best use the space and exploring light and composition in a way that’ll let each special moment unfold without us needing to step in. This methodical preparation means we can walk into your wedding day focusing on emotion, unscripted moments and tender exchanges – rather than getting caught up in shadows or the surroundings.

We know when to let the day lead – for the sake of authentic storytelling

To work in a quiet synergy, we always begin the day with shot ideas and a loose vision, however the real magic happens when we let the day lead. Rigidity can mean missed moments and captures that feel forced – so we inevitably follow the energy and rhythm, finding a flow that feels authentic. 

One of the most beautiful moments we’ve ever witnessed wasn’t something we orchestrated. It was an unplanned and entirely unprompted first look between a father and daughter. As he quietly watched her take photos with her sisters, he began to cry. Staying present in your wedding day allows us to capture these unscripted moments that are cherished far beyond formal portraits.

We allow every documentary style wedding video to be influenced by music, mood and sound

Whether it’s Super 8 or digital, we allow music to help frame the documentary style wedding video story and mood. From listening closely to the music couples have chosen during the ceremony, speeches and first dance, through to absorbing the pacing, movement and tone of each wedding day moment – we’re able to transpose all of the unique feeling and emotion into a film that reflects you as a couple. Rather than simply taking footage and trying to squish it into a music box that never quite feels right. 

Our approach to documentary style wedding photos and documentary style wedding video is intentional and adapts to your unique wedding day. We’re always ready for anything – observing and allowing you the freedom to lose yourself in this special part of your love story. If you’d like to explore our 2025/26 Collections, please write to us.