How Math Makes Your Wedding Gallery Next Level
In the 14 years that we’ve been shooting weddings together, we’ve refined our approach and always work from a basic equation: Documentary + Candid + Classic = Timeless.
Ironically, we’ve found that following that same equation for every wedding is precisely what makes each wedding unique and authentic.
To the average couple searching for wedding photographers, those words all mean the same thing… or nothing at all.
Let’s unpack each style so you can be confident in what you want in your wedding gallery and effectively search for your perfect wedding photographer.
Documentary
The defining factor of a documentary image is that we didn’t do anything – like posing or directing – to shape the moment in the image.
The lighting is true-to-life, the composition is unaltered, we haven’t interrupted the moment at all. Likely, the subjects don’t even realize we’re capturing the moment.
We mentally separate our documentary coverage into 3 categories: Big Feelings, Interactions or Details.
Big Feelings
Our Big Feelings documentary images are a result of looking beyond the main event to see how it’s affecting other people. These moments are spontaneous, reactive, and give you Big Feelings by taking you back to a special moment you experienced and then adding someone else’s perspective to it.
Dive into Big Feelings documentary images here.
Interactions
These are captures of your spontaneous interactions throughout the day, uninfluenced by us. They range from core memory moments (like listening to your groom say his vows) to silly dance floor fun.
Details
Social media and wedding magazines love detail shots. You don’t need me to make a case for how fun they are here.
But beyond the obvious details are usually some fun, hidden gems that round out this part of your wedding coverage and we’re always on a hunt for them!
The wedding-week to-do list on your kitchen counter
Your dog in the middle of the glam squad action
Fall leaves on the steps of the church
These tiny details are part of what transports you back to your wedding day.
Getting Candid
Candid images are different than documentary in that there’s some direction or prompt given to the subjects to generate a reaction. We guide you to a particular spot so the light is just right. Or we tell you to turn a bit so you’re in a flattering position. Then we make a mildly off-color joke. Now you’re laughing, leaning into each other, glancing off to the side – those are candid moments.
And they are GOLD. Because you recognize people in candid images!
You love a candid shot of your fiancé laughing because you recognize him when he’s mid-laugh, you see him that way every day.
You love a candid shot of your college friends groovin’ on the dance floor because you recognize the girls who have danced through so much together.
How convenient that these images also just happen to look polished and put together because the people and setting had just the right amount of direction and manipulation! This is why candid portraits are everyone’s runaway favorite!
Dive into Candid Portraits Here
Classic Wedding Images
From cars to fashion, classic means high quality and broad appeal. In wedding photography, it means smiling directly at the camera (often while surrounded by relatives of varied distance, as determined by someone’s mother.)
I promise, you need some classic family wedding images.
Their purpose is limited.
They don’t give Big Feelings, and you won’t recognize yourself or family members in a deep or personal way.
BUT… It’s a moment frozen with all the faces and details lined up, carefully lit and ready to be pored over by future generations.
For couple’s portraits, keeping classic in the equation is simple. Any prompt we use for a candid portrait is easily transitioned to classic by turning both faces to the camera and moving hands to a less snuggly, more formal position. Despite everyone’s love for the candid and documentary shots…these are actually the ones I most often see printed and framed. So we don’t slack on these.
Documentary + Candid + Classic = Timeless
It all adds up to a timeless collection of wedding images.
But what the hell does “timeless” mean?!
Those Big Feelings captures mean you can look back on your wedding day when you’re a young parent and connect in a new way with your Flower Girl. Or as a seasoned parent, the shot of your parents walking you down the aisle will hit different. That’s Timeless.
In 30 years you’ll look back on those candid portraits and think how different your husband looks, but you’ll still recognize the smile. That’s Timeless.
And someday, someone much younger than you is going to lean into one of those classic family group portraits and inspect every detail of your wedding dress. They’re going to search faces for features they inherited. That’s Timeless.
The parts of every wedding day differ and the weight of our different styles shifts with each. But they always equal a timeless wedding gallery.
See more here:
Documentary Coverage: The Big Feelings
Candid Coverage: Portraits with Connection
Coming Soon – Documentary Coverage: Interactions
Coming Soon – Candid Coverage: Party People
Coming Soon – Classic Coverage: Look Deeply Into My Camera
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Maggie Medema Photography provides wedding photography in St. Louis and most of Missouri, Southern Illinois and the Starved Rock and Illinois Valley areas of Northern Illinois. Services are provided exclusively by Maggie and Zac and availability is limited.