Selecting an artist to document one of the most important days of your life is no easy task, and I truly believe this is one of the most crucial decisions you can make to ensure your most precious memories are captured in an artistic way.
For me Documentary Wedding Photography, contrary to all the misuses of the term, is about an unobtrusive, natural approach to wedding photography which seeks to avoid directing how the day unfolds, lets the couple and guests enjoy themselves and often leaves people wondering if there was even a photographer at the wedding.
Ultimately it is about creating a beautiful, elegant and completely timeless set of emotive images that fully tell the story of your wedding day.
For a Documentary Wedding Photography, natural light or existing light is used to create images. That is, 95% of the time no flashes are used to create images, only available light is used to create moody timeless images. This is a approach that recreates the ambience and intimacy of your wedding day. At the end of the day, I am there to tell a story and this results in natural emotive images that allow the couple to relive some of their most special memories.
Photography is my passion. I feel most alive when I am observing and documenting life as it unfolds in all its glory. My goal as a Documentary Wedding Photographer is to capture beautiful moments, the connection between people, the joy and triumphs, and also the struggles and sorrow. It is an honest look into your life and for me ‘truth is beautiful’. Mutual respect for my subjects are paramount and yet is respect always sticking with posed photographs? Posed photographs are often not the most memorable, its the spontaneous moments that invigorate and make us shimmer with joy and its these moments that are remembered over time.
When I first introduced this style of wedding photography to the South African market, several challenges were faced in trying to communicate just what I meant by a Documentary approach. Some couples assumed that the shots were set up, priests used to direct the proceedings even after communicating that they don’t have to. It has been an amazing journey so far and there are still some challenges to overcome but I believe that couples love this new approach to wedding photography.
One of the most satisfying aspects of Documentary Wedding Photography is the appreciation and surprise couples get when they look at their wedding images. Most often I am documenting couples that don’t like being in front of the camera and showing them images that they love is the best feeling in the world. “A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart, and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it” – Irving Penn
Moments present itself all the time and being ready to capture that fleeting memory in an artistic and honest way is what makes Documentary Wedding Photography so special. I believe photographers are here to preserve the moments that otherwise would have been forgotten.
People are the true art, I merely witness what is unfolding and capture an honest story.
Love and Blessings
Kavo R
