My Shift Towards Documentary Style Wedding Photography

Your wedding is a personal story, not a performance. My shift towards real, story-driven wedding moments.

The Spark

So I’m sure you’re asking, what exactly sparked this shift to a documentary style wedding photography approach? It was a few things. I was burnt out from feeling like things had to look perfect all the time. I craved more honestly in my client’s images. I hated the idea that each wedding could just be a copy & paste of the previous ones.

Let’s be honest. No wedding is perfect, but there is beauty in the imperfect. And as much as we want to remember the ‘perfect’ moments, we laugh and reminisce over the things that made it imperfect. Because that is what makes it yours.

For me, that idea was cemented when I looked back through old family photos. Yes the studio shots of everyone were nice to have. But what I really connected to, enjoyed, laughed at, cried over, were the unplanned photos. The ones of family members chatting, of my sister’s and I being silly, of moments captured as we were living in it. Not something staged for the camera.

Which got me thinking, why should a wedding day, a huge moment in your life, be photographed any different?

So what this means for you…

I’ll still be with you, seeking real moments. Embracing the imperfect while still guiding you through posing when needed.

I want you to be present with the people you want to spend time with.

I won’t force you to plan moments that don’t resonate with you just for the sake of a photo. I won’t expect you to perform a certain way or pull you away from where you want to be for the sake of a few photos.

What you can expect…

While my approach has always been rooted in trust, even more so now. I work to get to know you beyond just wedding logistics and design. It’s so important to me to have conversations ahead of your wedding day. Understanding details like who is important to you, how you prefer to spend certain moments, and the intention behind certain decisions. All to better understand your unique story.

Rather than stiff posing, I’ll guide you with gentle direction. Guiding you on where to stand for lighting. Brining out your naturals selves during portrait time through guided prompts. While also stepping back when real moments unfold, such as cocktail hour when you’re greeting guests.

While I want to lean into documentary style photography, I also recognize the importance of certain ‘must haves’ like wedding party and family photos. We’ll build your timeline in a way that allows for the “must-have shots” such as these, while also allowing time for you to relax and breath in to moments.

Rather than rushing from one must-have to the next. My goal is for you to enjoy being in the moment. Though yes the day goes by quickly, you can also have time to enjoy these moments before they are gone.

If you’re looking for something that feels like you and not like a copy and paste of a wedding you saw on Instagram, you’re in the right place. Putting people and stories at the heart of it all.

Looking for weddings in Maryland? Check out Tracie & Nick’s Historic Inns of Annapolis Wedding.

If you are a couple reading this, I’d love to chat about your Baltimore wedding day or engagement session! Please feel free to reach out. Now booking for 2026 weddings.

Nicole Simensky Photography is a digital and film wedding photographer in Baltimore, MD. Blending authenticity, elegance, and storytelling to capture your unique wedding day.  Nicole Simensky Photography serves Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC, and Central PA.