Yes, You Can Have Both: Editorial & Documentary Wedding Photography

One of the questions I hear most often from couples (and see hotly debated online) is whether you have to choose either editorial or documentary wedding photography. The idea that you can’t have both is, to me, a myth.

I do NOT believe these styles cancel each other out. In fact, when they’re done thoughtfully, they complement each other beautifully and create a complete, nuanced story of your day.

What Do These Terms Really Mean?

Before we go further, let’s clarify what we’re talking about.

Documentary photography is all about observation. It means anticipating moments and capturing them as they unfold, without interference or direction. These are the unscripted glances, the laughter that bubbles over, the way your partner squeezes your hand when no one is watching. I call it my fly-on-the-wall approach, and my introverted nature really loves it.

Editorial photography leans more into intention and artistry. Think: refined compositions, elegant portraits, and attention to the details that elevate an image from “nice photo” to “frame-worthy.” In editorial work, I may guide you into beautiful light or give gentle direction to help you look and feel your best. For me, it can also be working with the architecture of your venue. Big fan of corners and lines and arches!

Both approaches are absolutely valuable. And both can absolutely exist together. But let’s get a little more specific, shall we?

Why You Don’t Have to Choose

Some photographers prefer to lean heavily into one style. That’s wonderful! There is no one right way to document a wedding. But here’s why I like to blend both:

  • Weddings Are Multifaceted.

    Your wedding is a living, breathing day full of emotion and design, spontaneity and structure. It makes sense that your photography should reflect all of that.

  • Different Moments Call for Different Approaches.
    When you’re reading your vows, I’ll be quietly documenting the tears, the reactions, the connection. When it’s time for portraits, I’ll step in with gentle guidance to create polished images you’ll treasure for generations.

  • You Deserve a Balance.
    You should feel free to be fully in the moment without worrying about how you look, while also knowing that when you do want a little direction, you’ll have it.

  • And quite frankly, it’s fun!

How It Looks in Practice

In my work, the blending happens naturally. During getting ready, the ceremony, cocktail hour, and most part of the day, I hang back to document the candid energy of the space, you, and your guests. During your portraits, I guide you into flattering positions that still feel authentic. I may pull you or a stylish guest for a posed photo, but I like to let things flow!

The result is a gallery that feels like you!

Final Thoughts

If you’re torn between styles, know that you don’t have to compromise. You can have the elegance and punch of editorial images and the honesty and storytelling of documentary. The key is working with a photographer who understands how to move fluidly between both approaches and, most importantly, how to make you feel comfortable every step of the way.

Reach out here, and let’s talk about how we can create something that feels effortless, elevated, and entirely yours!

Documentary-style wedding photo of a groom’s suite in a modern DC hotel room, where a groomsman in a white dress shirt and black suspenders is crouched down tying the shiny black dress shoe of the groom wearing a tailored black tuxedo. The scene incl
Documentary wedding photo of a groom in a classic black tuxedo with a white pocket square and bow tie, dancing with his mother wearing a vibrant emerald green gown with ruffle details. Captured in a dimly lit hotel hallway in Washington DC, with brow
Editorial group portrait of eleven groomsmen dressed in black tuxedos and white boutonnieres, posed along a dramatic modern staircase with glass railings at a Washington DC Grand Hyatt. The backdrop features an architectural wall of vertical wooden s
Black and white documentary wedding photograph of a bride in a sleeveless satin gown with a long flowing veil, holding the skirt of her dress in one hand and a clear umbrella overhead to shield from the rain. She walks up the stairs of a church in Wa
Wedding image of a group of groomsmen in black tuxedos sitting and standing around a church classroom with a green and gray checkered floor, whiteboard, and wall clock. The men laugh, point, and interact naturally before the wedding ceremony in Washi
Black and white documentary wedding portrait of a groom leaning back against a tall window with diamond-pane glass at a historic DC church venue. He is dressed in a tailored black tuxedo with satin lapels, smiling and adjusting his jacket in a candid
Photograph of a historic red brick row house with a green-trimmed roofline and American flag in the window, located on a tree-lined street in Washington DC. The foreground shows motion blur of a black car driving past, along with metered parking spac
Black and white editorial wedding photography of a bride wearing a classic satin ballgown with a long train and veil, walking down the center aisle of a grand church in Washington DC. She is escorted by her father as guests in formal attire stand to
Editorial wedding photo of a groom in a black tuxedo dipping and kissing the bride wearing a white satin gown while exiting a historic stone church with large arched doors and stained glass windows in Washington DC. Guests stand on either side waving
Documentary wedding photograph of a bride and groom walking hand in hand past cheering guests holding white ribbon wands outside a historic church in Washington DC. The bride wears an elegant off-shoulder gown and holds a bouquet of white flowers whi
Black and white detail photo of a black Porsche decorated with a large white satin bow and long “Just Married” ribbon on the trunk. A man’s hand holds a pen signing paperwork on the back of the car. Captured outside a Washington DC wedding venue. Edi
Editorial wedding photography of a black Porsche with white roses tucked into the side mirror and a large white satin bow on the trunk. The car drives away through a city street lined with parked cars and historic architecture in Washington DC. Docum
Artistic wedding photo of a bride and groom silhouetted in front of a large modern painting with a colorful starburst design in a gallery setting. The bride wears a satin gown and veil while the groom is in a black tuxedo. Editorial documentary weddi
Editorial wedding portrait of bride and groom embracing in front of two large framed artworks in a contemporary art gallery. The bride wears a white gown with a long train and veil, and the groom wears a black tuxedo. Captured by Kathleen Baker Photo
Black and white documentary wedding photo of the bride standing with her back to the camera as two bridesmaids adjust her veil in the Museum of Women in the Arts in DC with chandeliers and arched windows. The groom stands nearby holding a bouquet of
Editorial wedding reception photo of a woman in a green gown holding a pink smartphone taking pictures of the reception tables set with white linens, glassware, and gold candelabras in a marble ballroom. Documentary wedding photography by Kathleen Ba
Creative wedding photography of bride and groom kissing on a grand staircase surrounded by bridesmaids holding bouquets in a luxurious ballroom with chandeliers and arched windows. Captured from a creative perspective through a balcony railing. Docum
Documentary wedding photography of bridesmaids in black dresses holding ivory rose bouquets, leaning over an ornate white marble balcony railing in a grand ballroom reception venue with classical architectural details, gold trim, and arched windows i
Creative wedding detail photo of a vintage black rotary phone guestbook display on a round white linen cocktail table. A framed sign reading “Ring Ring Leave a Message” sits behind the phone, alongside votive candles and a guest’s hand holding a suga
Black and white documentary wedding photo showing a large group of guests gathered at the upstairs balcony bar during cocktail hour in a grand ballroom venue. A chandelier and ornate plasterwork are in the background. In the foreground, the bride in
Black and white documentary wedding photograph of bride and groom sitting side by side on white marble stairs in an elegant reception venue with grand chandeliers and classical architecture. The bride wears a satin gown with a large bow detail on the
Documentary wedding detail image of the National Museum of Women in the Arts signage in Washington DC, with a small sparrow perched on the pink granite ledge below the raised metallic letters. Captured by Kathleen Baker Photography, luxury wedding ph
Moody editorial wedding reception photo of red wine being poured into stemmed glasses behind a bar setup with bottles of liquor and sparkling water. A soft-focus framed portrait and ornate arched molding are visible in the background. Captured at a l
A candid black and white photograph taken by Kathleen Baker Photography, a DC and NYC wedding photographer, showing two wedding guests during cocktail hour at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The man in a dark suit holds a beer bottle while
Documentary black and white photo by Kathleen Baker Photography of an emotional mother-son dance at an elegant Washington DC wedding reception. The groom, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, lifts his mother in a flowing satin gown off the marble dance floor
Dynamic documentary wedding reception image by Kathleen Baker Photography capturing groomsmen and guests partying with colorful LED foam sticks on the dance floor. Subtle shutter drag. The scene is filled with movement and laughter as men in white sh
A joyful reception photograph by luxury wedding photographer Kathleen Baker, featuring guests in elegant black and jewel-toned gowns dancing and cheering. Two women in the center, one in a black dress and one in a bright pink satin gown, raise their
Editorial flash photography capturing a playful, raucous wedding moment by Kathleen Baker Photography. A groomsman lies back as friends pour a bottle of Miller High Life beer into his mouth, foam spilling down his shirt. This raw, unscripted scene hi
A detail-rich editorial photo by DC and NYC wedding photographer Kathleen Baker of a late-night snack vignette at a wedding reception. On a white linen-covered table sit a bouquet of white roses, a fine china coffee cup, and McDonald’s cheeseburger a
Documentary wedding reception photo by Kathleen Baker Photography showing guests indulging in late-night fast food. Two women in formal gowns—one in bright blue satin, the other in black with pearls—laugh while eating McDonald’s cheeseburgers and fri
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