Camera-shy and nervous about your wedding photos? I gotchu. As a Knoxville wedding photographer, I hear it all the time!! You think you’re gonna be awkward AF in front of the camera because you don’t know what to do. But take it from me: you don’t have to know anything to look like a star, because that’s literally my job. My approach to taking your wedding portraits, through documentary-style wedding photography, will get all the best candids from your day (that actually feel real), plus some editorial shots that you’ll look AMAZING in. All you have to do? Show up and be your authentic self, like the damn queen you are!!
What is Documentary-Style Wedding Photography Anyway?
If you’re on Pinterest or Instagram, like ever, I’m sure you’ve heard of documentary-style wedding photography. But… What is it??
Documentary-style wedding photography is a style that captures your day how it was actually lived. Not the awkward posed prom-looking pics. Not the stuffy, overdone moments. The real ones, like your big smile walking down the aisle. The tear you wiped away while saying your vows. You dancing your ass off at the reception!! Because those are the moments that MATTER.
This approach to wedding photography is all about your photographer (HEYYY) knowing when to just observe and get candids, and when to step in and guide you for your model moments. Because documentary doesn’t mean zero posed, editorial shots. It just means that I’m not stealing you away from your day all day long. You spent a LONG time planning this, and you deserve to live in it and celebrate!!!
Why Documentary-Style Wedding Photography is Perfect for the Camera-Shy Couple
So if you’re that couple that feels nervous to be in front of the camera, documentary-style wedding photography is the ONE for you!! You never have to worry about where to put your hands or how your smile looks, because I’m the one finding all the little moments to capture. Your only job is living in your day and staying present.
I’m not that photographer who stands quietly in the corner and waits for you to figure it out. I’ll talk you through everything, keep the energy moving, and make sure there’s never a moment where you’re standing there thinking, “WTF do I do now?!”
Something I tell my clients on calls ALL the time? Your day shouldn’t feel like a photoshoot. And with me as your Knoxville wedding photographer, it won’t. Because I make the process of being photographed feel natural, relaxed, comfortable, and actually FUN as hell. I know when to step back and capture the moment, and I know when to step in to gently curate the moment to make you two look like models. And honestly, that’s something you NEED on your wedding day, so that you don’t ever have to worry about what’s being documented and what isn’t. I’ve got it covered, and you get to just breathe, babe!!
Abbie Ann and Andrew’s Wedding Day Captured Through Candids
Abbie Ann and Andrew have my HEART. These two are self-proclaimed awkward in front of the camera, but look at these pictures and tell me they don’t look like actual models!! They were nervous about the photo aspect of the day leading up to it, but I did everything in my power to give them ease. And the result? These gorgeous pictures where it’s literally impossible to tell that they didn’t have experience in front of the camera, and them forgetting that the camera was even THERE half of the time.
Their day was captured heavily through documentary-style wedding photography, and it was so fun. They actually lived their day; not just let it pass them by, trying to curate the most Insta-worthy moment!! And their gallery is so full of love, emotion, and genuine excitement. You deserve a gallery that feels like that, too, queen!!!
Why Choosing Good Vendors is Important for Documentary-Style Wedding Photography
I can’t close this without saying that the planning that goes into your day heavily affects how your pictures turn out. When you trust your vendors, you stay present. And when you stay present, documentary-style wedding photography works the way it’s supposed to!! No getting caught up focusing on the small things (like where the flowers are or if you’re two minutes behind on your timeline). Just peace, relaxation, and a hella good time.
If you need recommendations for that, I’ve GOTCHUUU. This vendor list was an actual dream team, and I can’t give them enough praise!!
Venue: The Press Room
Cake: All Mixed Up Cakes
Dress: Lillian Ruth Bride
Hair: MN Hair Artistry
Makeup: Lux and Lumi Co.
Florals: Lisa Foster
My Approach as a Knoxville Wedding Photographer
As a Knoxville wedding photographer, I truly believe that a good attitude and living in the moment is the best recipe to get those good AF wedding photos without even trying. That’s why my main goal is to create a relaxed, fun experience where you can just be!
If you’re someone who values candid, storytelling photos, you actually have to LIVE those moments, not fake them. My best advice is to let loose, have a glass of champagne (or four), get on the dance floor, and just ENJOY the day. Great photos will come from that!!
If that sounds like your dream day, we’re gonna be a great fit. You can reach out about booking me here; I seriously cannot WAIT to meet you!!
Wanna see some more weddings that felt this way? I’ve gotchu.
Unique Wedding Ideas From a Renaissance Wedding at Ancient Lore Village
5 Colorful Wedding Ideas from a Funky Day at Maple Grove Estate
A Wedding at The Loyston Full of Fun, Elegance, and Intentionality
