Today, I shall attempt to at least jot down, what it is about Bottled Groove Photography’s and its photographer’s unique (I would think!) take on wedding photography in Singapore and what is compelling for clients/couples to book us for this term - documentary style photography. Although we hope we make it on those “Best Wedding Photographer in Singapore” list at times too HAHA.

Definition

So, what is documentary, sometimes labeled as photojournalistic or in Singaporean terms - candid wedding photography? Why is the term bandied around so casually and commonly these days?

In the words of @kevinmullinsphotography , a wedding photographer based in the UK that I admire since the day I decided to become a full-time wedding photographer - documentary wedding photography, also known as photojournalistic wedding photography, is “a style of wedding photography that aims to capture candid and natural moments throughout the wedding day. The photographer takes a hands-off approach, capturing events without posing or directing the subjects.”

Another favourite of mine, UK-based wedding photography team @yorkplacestudios mentions this “… as documentary wedding photographers our main focus is on capturing real, candid moments throughout every part of the wedding day without posing or directing you in any way. The job of a documentary wedding photographer is to move our own feet, not yours to create interesting compositions. That way you can stay in the moment and just relax and enjoy your day without worrying what your photographers are up to!”

The form focuses on:
1) Candid moments
2) Storytelling
3) Minimal interference

I would like to add to the list, observational skills is a must.

On the surface, it seems that Bottled Groove’s philosophy stems from this. However, I got to admit that on most days, this is extremely difficult. Especially so, on the minimal interference part. It is because of how Asian weddings are, with their intricate cultures, and generally how Asian people are, being reserved and shy on most days. Truth is, the wedding photographers at Bottled Groove did not start out this way but somewhat evolved after years of photographing weddings in Singapore. We slowly realised that we did not want to produce cookie-cutter, templated weddings for each couple that come our way (same for our pre weddings too!).

Photographed by Eugene, taken at Vineyard, Hort Park

Photographed by Eugene, taken at Siri House Dempsey

Somehow, within the years of photographing, I have seemingly found a sweet spot / a right balance.

TLDR? Observe - a lot, before bringing up your camera. Being there within a scene, without being overly obtrusive. Getting folks comfortable, without making them do things that they normally would not. Being a friend for the couple on their most stressful of days, so that they feel at ease with me hovering around them. And probably, controversially - your choice of gear.

If you have time, let me break this down into a couple of parts on the true essence of our approach.

The Approach Throughout the Day

We try not to over script moments. What sets your wedding day apart from your friend’s or the portfolio album you have just viewed online is that your wedding day is made up of you, the couple, and your unique personality, alongside the many dynamic parts that make up the wedding day. A many moments outside of key events that involve your family, friends, and even the venue you have chosen

Let’s start at the very beginning of the day - the getting ready.

Photographed by Eugene, taken at bride’s home

When you are at the bride’s (or groom’s in some instances), the most important thing is to make sure that you are not intruding into the personal comfort zone of the bride/groom. The bride probably has not enough sleep, and the last thing she needs is someone waving a huge camera around her with loud shutter sounds early in the morning.

Photographed by Eugene, taken at Fullerton Hotel

Photographed by Eugene, taken at Hotel Fort Canning

Note in the image above that the couple’s helpers are figuring out how to probably put on a bow tie for the groom. With good observation and being alert to the scene, we should be able to tell a story through a single image such as this.

There are also small details that you will be able to capture, not with just a close up, but a wide photograph of the surroundings and the people involved within the scene itself. Sometimes, it could be family members just being around the bride/groom, just having a laugh. This itself, is a moment to be captured if possible.

Photographed by Eugene, taken at Monti Singapore

The Lull (in-between moments)

I have heard this so many times - “There is nothing to photograph/film”. Again, observation is key to having plenty of moments that transpire during the lull periods of the day. There is always something and we are always observing (and that sometimes makes us look like we’re just lazing around LOL - which usually leads us to being called away by a family member to take group photos hahahaha)

Here are some of the moments that seemingly look like there is ‘nothing’ happening.

Breaking down the photos:

1) Sometimes, a child may not understand the grandeur of a wedding and the importance of the celebration. While the adults are having fun with their selfies, the child is innocently just reading her book, early in the morning no less.

2) As the family prepares for lunch, the father of the bride, like many of us, have to deal with the heat and humidity in sunny Singapore.

3) Bride chilling before her march-in at Church.

4) Brothers of the bride having fun before the dinner reception begins at Min Jiang, Dempsey.

5) Selfie moment between groom’s sister and bride, while the groom looking (or trying to look) dapper.

6) Bridal party helping out with the set up and decor at Min Jiang, Dempsey.

7) A happy, ‘arrowing’ of the bride’s brother for the car door opening service for the groom.

Transitioning

I love moments outside of key moments - especially during transition. Transition meaning getting from point to point. Could be between homes and to venue.

Most times, one may be tempted to just photograph the transitioning couple close-up, with their full expression looking glorious in perfect light. Again, observation is key to whether you will be able to spot the stories that happen during that moment of transition. Or sometimes, if the groom is just tying his shoe lace - a little, but important aspect of the day to ensure he doesn’t trip up on one of his biggest days of his life.

Church Service

I also love church matrimonies/sessions because of the amount of people gathered at one point. Some will call it utter chaos, but for us, there are plenty of stories to be told. There is just so many moments unfolding and all it takes is a keen eye, or two!

Photographed by Eugene, taken at Aldersgate Methodist Church

In the example above, the couple was about to march-in. Knowing that I have ample of literal runway to photograph them marching in much later, I took the opportunity to photograph a wide photo of the couple prior march-in alongside the ‘cry/quiet’ room to showcase the seemingly contrast/juxtaposition of relaxing yet importantly tense situation.

More story-telling, authentic images from churches below:

Most times, one may again be tempted to shoot wide open (meaning shooting at the aperture that produces the most bokeh) and having extreme close-ups of the subject. For us, we feel that it is important to balance between shooting with a purpose such as the above images, hence giving more context to the situation, as well as isolating the subject when you shoot wide open. Yes, we do isolation / bokeh photos too, but with a curated balance.

Telling Stories visually

I have mentioned a few times in this article already, about stories and moments that happen potentially throughout your wedding day that sets your wedding day apart. Here are some photographs I took, just to retell how hot and humid the wedding day was.

Or the fact that your guests are truly enjoying the day, with or without you, the couple lol.

Or the fact that children will either have a ball of a time on the wedding day, or just be utterly bored.

Or just the couple, spending time with their loved ones and not making the celebration just about them.

Details

When we have limited time within the day, we tend to emphasise more of the story-telling moments that happen, rather than spend an hour or so photographing a flat-lay, a ring, signages or a shoe. We are always thankful for our couples that come to us, knowing they prefer good stories and moments, compared to the time taken photographing a flat-lay. The bonus is, if and when we do get the opportunity to photograph them within our approach.

Key Moments

When we have captured the ‘must-photograph’ photos from key moments such as wedding speeches, champagne toast and the solemnisation ceremony, we tend to veer away from the traditional. Again, via observing, we will be able to focus on the many powerful emotions that happen during a wedding day.

Does gear brand matter?

I will try to keep this relatively short in order not to piss off brand camps. But coming from the DSLR days on Nikon, before switching to Fujifilm’s mirrorless APS-C systems, and then using the Full-Frame Sony Mirrorless systems (A7IV no less) for a year in 2022, I have plenty of thoughts about this gear war.

All I can say is, Fujifilm allows me to bring up my camera way faster than any other brands because of its conducive size, thus allowing me to capture way more moments. And also, it is less intrusive than a larger camera body (and quieter) especially when you are getting up close and personal to capture an emotional scene. Yes, Sony and the other full-frame camera brands are better with focusing, creamy bokeh and low light, but I felt Fujifilm allows me more space to become a better photographer (because of how we have to go back to the basics to make sure our settings are proper, and look for good light) which eventually leads to getting better story telling images for our couples.

That is all I have to say.

In Summary

When everything clicks, the four important pointers that I have mentioned previously:

1) Candid moments
2) Storytelling
3) Minimal interference
4) Observing, most of the time

The unique wedding album made up of stories will fall in place, and the photographs will come. The story of the wedding day will come alive through a few simple pictures, yet powerful enough to invoke memories for the future.

Photojournalistic/documentary wedding photography is truly, not just about clicking a shutter button.

If you are keen to have Bottled Groove Photography as your photographers for your wedding day in Singapore, do contact us here.