Sometimes, little moments in everyday life remind me just how well my work as a documentary wedding photographer suits me. Like that Saturday morning, when I was standing in a tiny gym hall at toddler gym with my daughter. For the first ten minutes, parents are allowed to come inside and throw a ball back and forth.

We stand on the side, my daughter and I, tossing the ball. While she walks towards the ball, I scan the room for a moment. When I look back at her, I see her doing the same. We’re both watching, quietly taking it all in.

I smile — our curiosity wins over the ball.
We prefer watching over playing.

And standing there, I’m once again reminded of one of the most important skills I bring to your wedding day as a documentary wedding photographer: observing.

Why observation is key in documentary wedding photography

In documentary wedding photography (also known as candid wedding photography or storytelling wedding photography) observation is everything. My job isn’t to tell you where to stand, how to smile, or when to laugh. My job is to quietly watch, to notice the subtle moments happening all around you. To capture what’s already there, without interrupting or staging it.

I truly believe this is the most important skill for a documentary wedding photographer: To create high-quality wedding stories simply by observing, rather than directing.

Capturing the in-between moments

Weddings are filled with beautiful in-between moments — the small, unplanned moments that happen naturally and often go unnoticed:

• The way your hands find each other without thinking.

• The deep breath you take before walking down the aisle.

• The unspoken glance you share when your eyes meet.

• The tears, the laughter, the tiny gestures only you two understand.

These are the moments I’m always searching for. The real, honest, raw moments that tell your unique love story. The moments you’ll treasure most when you look back at your wedding photos. These in-between moments are exactly what I love most about being a documentary wedding photographer.

Why I choose observation over direction

And no, there’s no better or worse. Observing isn’t better than directing. Directing isn’t better than observing.

Some photographers specialize in posed wedding portraits or fine art wedding photography — and that’s perfect for couples who love that style. But for me, observing is where it all clicks.

It allows me to capture the kind of moments that feel the most honest and true to you.

I believe your wedding day should feel natural, relaxed, and authentic — not like a photoshoot. That’s why I let the moments unfold while I quietly document them as they happen.

What is documentary wedding photography?

Documentary wedding photography (or reportage wedding photography) is all about storytelling. It’s about capturing your wedding day as it truly happens — from the big emotions to the quiet, tender moments. No stiff poses. No forced smiles. Just real moments that reflect who you are.

Many couples who choose documentary wedding photography tell me the same thing afterwards: “We didn’t even notice you were there — and yet you captured everything.”

And that’s exactly the point. My goal is to let you fully experience your wedding day, while I take care of capturing the memories.

Is documentary wedding photography right for you?

If you’re looking for wedding photos that feel natural, emotional and full of real moments, documentary wedding photography might be the perfect fit for you. You won’t have to worry about posing or feeling awkward in front of the camera — you can simply enjoy your day, knowing that the small, meaningful moments are being captured in the background.

Looking for a documentary wedding photographer in the Netherlands?
If you’re looking for a documentary wedding photographer who focuses on storytelling, candid moments and authentic emotions — I’d love to hear your story. Contact me here to check my availability.

Wedding venues featured in this blog post:
Westeweelde – Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Paroisse de l’Oratoire – Geneva, Switzerland
Weeshuis (wshs) – Gouda, the Netherlands
Huize Frankendael – Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Luck in a Cup – Essen, Germany