Does a Documentary Wedding Photographer Shoot the Details?
Wedding Photography Details: Why They Matter More Than You Think
The Question: “Do you take pictures of the details?”
The Answer: Yes (resounding).
All the small, thoughtful details and touches are an integral part of your wedding day story.
While my main focus is always on capturing people — the love, energy, and emotions that fill your day — wedding details play an important supporting role in preserving the memories of your celebration. Let’s dive into why detail shots are so important and how they contribute to the art of storytelling in wedding photography.
People First But Details Matter
When you look back at your wedding photos, the ones that will hit you hardest emotionally are the moments you shared with your loved ones. I devote about 90% of my photography to documenting the people who make your day so special. After all, without your friends and family, a wedding is just a party.
But here’s the thing — details tell their own story.
From the mles of bunting sewn by your mum to the cake your aunt baked or the vodka jelly shots made by your best friends, these details are a physical manifestation of the love and effort poured into your day. They’re not just decorations; they’re symbols of the relationships and memories that shaped who you are as a couple.
Why Details Deserve Attention:
They’re part of the narrative. Wedding Photography is about telling the full story of your day, and details are like punctuation marks in that story. From carefully arranged flowers to personalised place cards, every detail contributes to the overall atmosphere and emotional tone of your celebration.
They’re easy to forget. No matter how mindful you are, your wedding day will feel like a whirlwind. The Emotions, excitement and sheer pace of events can make it hard to remember everything. Trust me, as someone who photographs weddings regularly, there are just so many tiny details that you’d have to have a photographic memory to remember them all.
They’re a Big Investment. Let’s be honest; weddings aren’t cheap. Flowers, cakes, and venue decor can represent a significant portion of your budget. These are elements you’ve carefully selected to create a beautiful experience for you and your guests. Capturing these details ensures they’re remembered and appreciated long after the day is over. This is even more true if a loved one has invested time in creating those details for you.
My Approach to Photographing Wedding Details
While my heart lies in documentary wedding photography, I use the same mindset when capturing details or people. My experience photographing houses and flats has given me some great insights into how to compose and work with static objects and details, allowing me to weave the details into the overall wedding story naturally.
Unlike fine art wedding photographers, I don’t emphasise details shots on my website or Instagram feed because, for me, they are the supporting cast, rather than the main event. That said, if you like the idea of seeing your details in their natural setting from your day, you’ve come to the right place.
Details Go Beyond Decor
When I talk about details, I don’t just mean flowers and cakes. Details can also be:
Your handwritten vows
Your wedding dress detailing
A vintage pocket watch your grandfather wore
The way I find your wedding rings before the ceremony
The mess (I love mess!) around you and your bridespeople as you get ready
These seemingly small elements come together to paint a vivid picture of your wedding day, helping you remember not just the big moments but the subtle, meaningful ones, too.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Be Grateful for Details Shots
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime vents, filled with love, joy, and all the other emotions. It’s also filled with meaningful details that you might not even notice in the moment. That’s why capturing those details is so important.
Not only will they help you relive the atmosphere of the day, but they’ll also serve as a reminder of the care and effort put into making your celebration unforgettable.
If you’re searching for the perfect wedding photographer, hceck out my guide on how to choose the right one for you. Let’s make sure every detail of your day is beautifully preserved.
