Documentary Wedding Photographer - Ireland & Northern Ireland
This Modern Love is a documentary wedding photographer based in Northern Ireland and photographing all over Ireland.
What is documentary wedding photography?
Documentary wedding photography has its roots in photojournalism and street photography, rather than traditional wedding imagery.
It’s an approach influenced by photographers who observed life as it unfolded. We look to the masters such as Garry Winogrand, Diane Arbus, Mark Steinmetz and Larry Fink. Their work isn’t about directing scenes or creating perfection, but about going with the flow of moments and developing a way of seeing: fleeting expressions, human connection, humour, tenderness and honesty.
In the context of a wedding, documentary photography means photographing what actually happens. It’s about responding to moments rather than setting things up. It allows space for emotion, imperfection and individuality whilst aiming for images where you also look your very best.
Rather than building the day around photographs, the photographs are built around the day. Pretty much any plans you have for your wedding are good with us. We’ll never ask you to change the flow of your day because we need to take a set photograph.
What does documentary photography look like at my wedding?
On a wedding day, real documentary photography will look and feel fairly invisible.
We don’t ask you to repeat moments, pause conversations or perform for the camera.
Instead, we’ll photograph your wedding as it unfolds, the quiet moments as well as the loud ones.
This often includes natural interactions between family and friends, unguarded laughter and emotion, the atmosphere of the room as well as little moments you may not even realise were happening at the time.
We do shoot portraits of course but we prefer to keep these relaxed, quick and minimal, with very little interruption to the flow of the day. The couples portraits usually look like this: “Lets go for a walk around the venue for five or ten minutes and then we’ll get you back to your party.”
The result is a body of work that will feel honest, personal and reflective of how the day felt. And all without missing your own party.
What it doesn’t prioritise
Documentary wedding photography isn’t the right fit for everyone - and that’s important to say.
If your priority is a wedding day with a lot of formal portraits or styled setups, a more traditional or editorial approach may suit you better.
I usually don’t work from shot lists as it’s not very compatible with going with the flow of a day.
Take its as read though, that I’ll cover all the important moments of the day and all the shots you would naturally expect.
It’s also important to say that we’re are not artiste divas! If your uncle pulls over for a shot with all the cousins, we’ll make it happen. I absolutely want you to tell me if your granny is only coming for the ceremony and that’s the window to capture her, or your best friend made the cake and you’d love plenty of photos of them with it. This kind of direction is really helpful.
What about portraits and family photos?
A common misconception is that documentary photography means no portraits at all. Occasionally couples ask for no portaits, and we’re happy to oblige. But usually, we spent five or ten minutes taking photos of just the two of you. Practically all of the photos we show here have been made quickly and easily with no fuss. (Longer is great too, but we don’t get those requests too often!).
We focus on natural interactions between you, rather than asking you to pose in a certain way. Some couples are quiet, others love messing, everybody’s unique personality and dynamics naturally come through in the photographs. You don’t even have to try.
The most common worry people share with us before their wedding is that they are shy in front of the camera or hate having their photo taken. Sometimes people feel they are not photogenic. In our 15 years photographing weddings in Ireland, we can assure you these worries are really typical. Most of the people in the photos on this site felt exactly the same way before the day, Most of the same people told us afterwards how relaxed they found our approach and what a relief it was. We’ve got you.
We also shoot simple family and bridal party photographs at every wedding. These are often the future heirlooms, they end up on walls, and are a great record of the day. These can also be done in a simple, relaxed way - clearly, quickly and without turning into a production.
Why couples choose a documentary approach
Many couples choose documentary wedding photography because:
It removes pressure from your day.
It allows you to be yourselves.
It creates photographs that feel timeless rather than trend-led.
It captures moments you didn’t notice, but are glad to have.
Weddings are supposed to be amazing craic, not an intense photoshoot!
Years later, documentary images often become more powerful because they feel more real.
Photographing weddings across Ireland and NI
This Modern Love is based near Belfast and photographs weddings across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Each wedding is approached with the same intent and care - to document the day honestly, with sensitivity, and without hassle.
If this approach feels a good fit with how you want your wedding remembered, keep exploring our work here, and we’d love you to get in touch with us to find out more.
Contact us here
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