Documentary wedding photography skips the traditional poses and instead frames the couple’s wedding day as it unfolds. But, while documentary images capture emotion, the style gives the photographer less control over the final result, making factors like composition and timing key. This week, we are featuring five photographers who captured stunning documentary wedding photography. Find inspiration in these shots by Kristian Leven, Steven Vinces, Chelsea Cannar, Kate Godfrey, and Diana Elizabeth and Carlos Moreno.

Kristian Leven, Kristian Leven Photography

Noticing the details and anticipating the action was what helped Kristian Leven of Kristian Leven Photography capture this documentary-style shot of the wedding toasts. The photographer explained that he noticed how the maid of honor was perfectly centered on the floral arrangement during her speech. He positioned himself at the end of the table then waited for the guests to raise their glasses, further drawing the eye in to the maid of honor. He captured the shot with the Fujifilm X-T3 and a Fujifilm 56mm lens.

“Be quick to react,” Leven advises. “Guests can quickly change their demeanor when they feel photographed, and the best natural pictures happen when people are comfortable and being normal, rather than ‘acting normal.’ Have your camera down initially, and quickly fire some frames off when the right moment presents itself.”

Steven Vinces, SAGE Studios Photography

One of the things that Steven Vinces of SAGE Studios Photography loves about weddings is the environment they create for both children and adults to simply play. When he spotted these three guests all dressed up in similar attire, but ‘playing’ in entirely different ways, he was inspired to capture a black-and-white shot of the moment. He used a Canon 5D Mark III and a Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II lens for this photograph.

“Shoot more than you think you need,” Vinces says. “Those moments won’t happen in the same way ever again, and even the time spent looking at the back of your camera might hold a missed opportunity. Better to keep your camera up and ready, and sort it all out later in the culling process. Beyond the practical advice of shooting more, you’ll learn to develop a sensitivity to moments. If you can’t be present and mindful of the happenings around you, you will find yourself lacking in things to shoot. Develop empathy. You may think you have seen something similar before, but your subjects are experiencing something unique to them, and you don’t know how the moment will unfold. Shoot first, ask questions later.”

[Read: Candid Wedding Photos in the Moments in Between: Love in a Puddle]

Chelsea Cannar, Chelsea Cannar Photography

The decision to focus on the audience rather than the couple highlights the emotions of the guests and the packed ceremony attendance in this shot by Chelsea Cannar of Chelsea Cannar Photography. The photographer says she was inspired by how full the room was and the rich colors on the walls. This shot portrays the feeling of how full the room was. She captured the shot with the Sony a7R III and a Sony 50mm f1.2 lens.

Cannar says, “Hone your ability to anticipate what will happen next in almost any given situation; documentary photography is primarily about your people-watching skills and ability to recognize patterns in human behavior without interrupting that natural flow. When you anticipate these moments, you can compose with clarity instead of taking reactionary images.” 

Kate Godfrey, Kate Godfrey Photo

As the couple laughed while photographing each other with Polaroid cameras, Kate Godfrey of Kate Godfrey Photo knew it would be a great memory for the newlyweds. As the two giggled together, she captured their interactions, using a Godox V1 as direct flash to give the final images a feel not unlike the instant film they were busy playing with at the time. She also used a Sony A7 IV with a Sigma 24-70mm Art lens.

“The best way to get into the right headspace for documentary photography is to look around you,” she says. “Take time to slow down, stay quiet and observe. Once you begin watching how people move and interact, you’ll see little moments happening that make for great photographs. And let go of perfection. As a documentary-style wedding photographer, you’re there to capture it as it is, in all its coordinated chaos. Practice finding art in mundane places and messy spaces. Real life is beautiful, and it is art.” 

[Read: Polaroid Wedding Moments: After the Champagne Tower]

Diana Elizabeth and Carlos Moreno, Enfoque 21 Fotografía

Husband-and-wife photography duo Diana Elizabeth and Carlos Moreno of Enfoque 21 Fotografía found inspiration in the energy of this couple and their guests. The photographers captured this shot during the wedding day toasts as the newlyweds reacted to their friends’ kind words. They used a Canon EOS R6 and a 35mm lens.

“Never put down your camera; there’s always something happening around you—something that won’t happen again,” the photographers say. “Stay connected to your surroundings. These moments can’t be staged—they’re fleeting. The only thing you can do is observe and capture them as they unfold.” 

[Read: The Newlyweds’ Kiss: 3 Tips for Capturing Candid Wedding Photos]

Dig into our Photos of the Day Archives for even more timeless photos, eye-catching portraits and wedding photos. Submit your wedding, editorial, documentary and other interesting imagery (up to five images at a time) to: [email protected].

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