Documentary photography is a powerful tool for storytelling, allowing photographers to capture real-life moments and experiences in a way that can inspire and inform. Whether you are photographing a community event, a social issue, or a personal project, there are certain considerations that can help you create more effective and impactful images.  

Documentary photography emerged as a distinct genre in the early 20th century, and has since become an influential part of photographic history. 

One of the earliest and most influential practitioners of documentary photography was Jacob Riis, a Danish-American social reformer and photojournalist. In the late 19th century, Riis documented the living conditions of impoverished New York City tenements, using photography to bring attention to the plight of working-class Americans. 

In the early 20th century, documentary photography gained further prominence with the emergence of magazines like National Geographic and Life, which featured photojournalism as a central component. Photographers like Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, and Margaret Bourke-White became known for their images of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and other social issues of the era. 

In the decades that followed, documentary photography continued to evolve and expand, with photographers like Sebastião Salgado, Mary Ellen Mark, and James Nachtwey using their cameras to bear witness to conflicts, social inequalities, and environmental issues around the world. The development of digital technology and the rise of social media have also enabled documentary photographers to share their work with a wider audience. This has enabled them to document events in real time. 

Today, documentary photography remains an invaluable and influential genre. Photographers use their images to shed light on pressing social, political, and environmental issues and to tell stories that might otherwise remain untold. 

In this article, we'll explore ten things to consider when shooting documentary-style photography, from research and storytelling to ethics and post-processing. 

At a high level, the following list is a series of points to consider when shooting documentary photography. 

• Research 

• Storytelling 

• Candid shots 

• Patience 

• Lighting 

• Composition 

• Context 

• Ethics 

• Equipment 

• Post-processing 

Let's unpack and look at these points in more detail now. 

Research 

Research is a crucial step in documentary photography. Here are some key things to consider when researching a subject or event: 

• Understand the story: Before you start shooting, make sure you understand the story you want to tell. Research the subject or event to gain a deep understanding of its history, context, and key players. This will help you to identify important elements to capture and to create a narrative that tells a compelling story. 

• Location scouting: If possible, visit the location before the shoot to get a sense of the environment, lighting, and potential photographic opportunities. This will also help you to plan your shots and identify any challenges you may face. 

• Technical considerations: Consider the technical aspects of the shoot. For example, what type of camera and lens will work best in the environment? What camera settings will you need to adjust for the lighting conditions? Will you need additional lighting equipment? Researching these factors in advance can help you to be better prepared for the shoot. 

• Cultural considerations: If you are photographing a culture or community that is different from your own, take the time to understand their traditions, customs, and values. This will help you to avoid any misunderstandings or inappropriate behavior that could jeopardize the project. 

• Ethics and legal considerations: Consider the ethical and legal implications of the project. Are there any statutory or privacy concerns you need to be aware of? Do you need to obtain permission from your subjects or from the property owner? Understanding the legal and ethical aspects of the project can help you to avoid any potential issues and to create a project that is respectful and responsible. 

By taking the time to research your subject or event, you can better understand the story you want to tell. In this way, you can plan your shots, and be better prepared for any challenges or unexpected developments that may arise during the shoot. 

Storytelling 

Storytelling is at the heart of documentary photography. It's what makes the images come alive and creates a connection with the viewer. Here are some ways to think about storytelling in your documentary photography: 

• Define your narrative: Before you start shooting, define the story you want to tell. This could be a specific event, a person's life, a community's culture, or a particular issue. Understanding your narrative will help you focus your photography and create a clear and compelling message. You can read my guide to creating a visual narrative in photography to learn more. 

• Capture emotions: Emotions are a powerful tool in documentary photography. Look for moments where people's emotions are on display - joy, sadness, fear, or anger - and try to capture these moments in your images. This will help to create a connection with the viewer and convey the mood of the scene. 

• Show context: Context is critical in documentary photography. It gives the viewer a sense of place and helps to tell the story. Consider capturing wider shots that show the environment and surroundings, as well as close-up details that provide a sense of texture and mood. 

• Use composition to create interest: Composition is another important tool in documentary photography. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create visually compelling images that draw the viewer into the story. 

• Create a narrative arc: Just like a narrative story has a beginning, middle, and end, your documentary photography should also have a narrative arc. Consider how you can structure your images to create a sense of progression or development. This could involve capturing moments that build tension, show resolution, or highlight a key message. 

• Create a connection with your subject: To create compelling documentary photography, it's key to create a connection with your subject. This can involve spending time with them, listening to their stories, and understanding their perspective. By building a rapport with your subjects, you can capture images that are authentic, empathetic, and respectful. 

By focusing on storytelling in your documentary photography, you can create images that are not only visually interesting but also emotionally engaging. This can help to create a connection with the viewer and convey the message you want to communicate. 

Candid shots 

Candid shots are an important aspect of documentary photography. They capture natural and unposed moments that convey a sense of authenticity and spontaneity. Here are some ways to capture candid shots: 

• Blend in: To capture candid shots, it's critical to fit in with the environment and become part of the scene. This means being discreet and unobtrusive, and not drawing attention to yourself or your camera. By blending in, you can capture natural moments without disrupting the flow of the event or the behavior of your subjects. 

• Be patient: Capturing candid shots requires patience. You need to be prepared to wait for the right moment and be ready to capture it when it happens. This could involve waiting for people to relax or letting events unfold naturally without intervention. 

• Anticipate the moment: While candid shots are unplanned, you can still prepare for the moment and be prepared to capture it when it happens. This means paying close attention to the environment, the behaviour of your subjects, and the potential for interesting moments to occur. By anticipating the moment, you can be ready to capture it when it happens. 

• Use a long lens: A long lens can be a useful tool for capturing candid shots. It allows you to stay further away from your subject and capture natural moments without being noticed. This can be particularly useful in situations where you don't want to disrupt the flow of events, such as weddings or cultural events. To help blend in and step away from the action, I will use my Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II.  

• Be prepared: Candid shots can happen at any moment, so it's important to be prepared. This means having your camera settings ready and being able to adjust them quickly as the environment changes. It also means having backup equipment and memory cards, so you don't miss any of your shots. 

By capturing candid shots, you can create images that are natural, spontaneous, and authentic. This can help to convey the mood and atmosphere of the scene, and create a connection with the viewer that extends beyond posed or staged images. 

Patience 

Patience is a crucial aspect of documentary photography. It allows you to capture the right moment, whether it's split-second action or a long-term event. Here are some ways to exercise patience in your documentary photography: 

• Waiting for the right moment: Capturing the right moment is often a matter of watching for it to happen. This could involve waiting for a person to walk into a particular spot. It could also involve observing for an expression to appear on someone's face, or watching for the light to be just perfect. By being patient and waiting for the right moment, you can capture images that are more compelling and meaningful. 

• Observe the scene: To exercise patience, it's imperative to study the scene carefully. Look for interesting details, patterns, and behaviors that could make for a compelling image. Pay attention to the light, the environment, and the behavior of your subjects. By observing the scene, you can anticipate when the right moment might occur. 

• Don't rush: Documentary photography requires a slower pace than other types of photography. Don't rush to snap the shot - take your time to set up the shot, adjust your settings, and observe the scene. By taking your time, you can create images that are more considered and intentional. 

• Be persistent: Sometimes the right moment doesn't happen right away. It may take multiple attempts to capture the image you're looking for. Don't give up - be persistent and keep trying until you get the shot you want. 

• Embrace the unexpected: Documentary photography is full of surprising moments. Sometimes the most memorable images come from unexpected moments. By being open to the unexpected, you can capture images that are surprising, spontaneous, and unique. 

By exercising patience in your documentary photography, you can create images that are more thoughtful, intentional, and meaningful. It allows you to capture the right moment, anticipate the unexpected, and create images that tell a story. 

Lighting 

Lighting is a critical aspect of documentary photography. It can affect the mood, atmosphere, and overall quality of your images. Here are some ways to approach lighting in your documentary photography: 

• Understand natural light: Natural light is one of the most critical elements of documentary photography. It can create interesting shadows, highlight interesting details, and help convey the mood of the scene. Understanding how natural light changes throughout the day and in different weather conditions can help you capture images with the right atmosphere and mood. 

• Use available light sources: When shooting indoors, it's important to take advantage of natural light sources to your advantage. This could include lamps, windows, or overhead lighting. By using available light sources, you can create images that are more natural and authentic. 

• Use a flash when necessary: While natural light is ideal for documentary photography, there may be times when you need to rely on a flash. This could be in low-light conditions or when you need to highlight a particular detail. Use your flash sparingly, however, as it can be distracting or overpowering in certain situations. 

• Avoid harsh light: Harsh light, such as direct sunlight or bright artificial light, can create stark shadows and highlights that can be distracting in documentary photography. If possible, avoid shooting in harsh light and wait for a more suitable time of day. 

• Look for interesting light sources: Unique light sources, such as reflections or backlights, can create unique and compelling images. Look for interesting sources of light in the environment and use them to create images that are more visually engaging. 

• Adjust your white balance: The colour of light can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your images. Adjust your white balance to ensure that your images have accurate and pleasing colours. 

By understanding lighting and how to use it to your advantage, you can create images that are more visually compelling and emotionally engaging. It can help you convey the mood and atmosphere of the scene and create images that tell a powerful story. 

Composition 

Composition is a key element of documentary photography that can help to create images that are visually engaging and emotionally impactful. Here are some ways to approach composition in your documentary photography: 

• Use the rule of thirds: The rule of thirds is a basic principle of composition that involves dividing the image into thirds both vertically and horizontally, and placing the subject or main point of interest at the intersection of these lines. This can help create a more balanced and visually appealing image. To learn more about the rule of thirds and composition, you can read my guide to the topic. 

• Pay attention to framing: Framing is the way in which you position the subject in the image. By carefully considering the framing of your images, you can create images that are more visually engaging and tell a more compelling story. Look for interesting angles, original perspectives, and the use of negative space to create interesting and dynamic compositions. 

• Use leading lines: Leading lines are lines that draw the viewer's eye through the image. They can be natural or man-made, and can be used to create a sense of movement or to guide the viewer's attention to a particular point in the image. 

• Think about the background: The background of an image is just as important as the subject. Consider the environment and the background in your images, and make sure they are not distracting from the subject. A simple, uncluttered background can help to draw attention to the subject and create a more visually pleasing image. 

• Use perspective: Perspective can create a sense of depth and dimension in your images. Experiment with different perspectives, such as shooting from a low or high angle, to create images that are more interesting and dynamic. 

• Use contrast: Contrast is the difference between light and dark in an image. Using contrast can help create images that are more visually striking and dramatic. Look for contrasts in texture, colour, and tone to create images that are more visually engaging. 

By carefully considering composition in your documentary photography, you can create images that are more visually engaging, emotionally impactful, and tell a compelling story. 

Context 

Context is a critical element of documentary photography that helps to create images that are meaningful and informative. Here are some ways to approach context in your documentary photography: 

• Consider the setting: When shooting documentary photography, it's important to consider the setting and environment in which your subject is situated. The setting can provide helpful contextual information that helps to tell the story and create a sense of place. 

• Look for details: Details are key in documentary photography because they can help to provide context and tell the story. Look for details in the environment, such as objects, signs, or symbols, that can provide additional information about the subject or setting. 

• Include people: Including people in your images can provide helpful contextual information and help to tell the story. People can provide a sense of scale, as well as emotional and cultural context. 

• Show the bigger picture: While it's imperative to focus on your subject, it's also pertinent to show the bigger picture and the context in which your subject exists. This can help to create a more complete story and provide a deeper understanding of the subject. 

• Use captions: Captions can provide important contextual information that may not be immediately apparent in the image. Consider adding captions to your images to provide additional information and help tell the story. 

• Consider the historical and cultural context: When shooting documentary photography, you need to consider the historical and cultural context in which your subject exists. This can provide relevant contextual information and help to tell a more nuanced and meaningful story. 

By considering the context of your documentary photography, you can create images that are more meaningful, informative, and tell a more compelling story. Context provides the necessary background and information to make your images more powerful and impactful. 

Ethics 

Ethics is a critical element of documentary photography that ensures that the images are respectful, truthful, and responsible. Here are some ways to approach ethics in your documentary photography: 

• Respect your subject: It's important to respect your subjects when shooting documentary photography. This means treating them with dignity, taking their wishes and feelings into account, and seeking their consent when appropriate. 

• Be truthful: Documentary photography should be truthful and accurate, representing the subject and their environment in a fair and accurate manner. Avoid staging or manipulating images, which can misrepresent the subject or the story. 

• Consider the impact of your images: Consider the impact that your images may have on your subject and their community. Be sensitive to cultural differences, religious beliefs, and other factors that may impact the way your images are received. 

• Seek consent: Seek consent from your subjects when appropriate. This can help to ensure that they are comfortable being photographed and that their privacy and dignity are respected. 

• Avoid exploiting your subject: Documentary photography should not exploit your subject or their circumstances. Be mindful of the power dynamics between you and your subjects, and avoid taking advantage of their vulnerability or desperation. 

• Be responsible: Documentary photography has the power to inform and educate, but it also has the power to misinform and mislead. Be responsible in your approach to documentary photography, ensuring that your images are accurate and truthful, and that you are not misrepresenting the subject or the story. 

By following ethical guidelines in your documentary photography, you can ensure that your images are respectful, truthful, and responsible. This helps to create images that are meaningful and impactful, while also respecting the dignity and privacy of your subjects. 

Equipment 

Equipment is an important consideration in documentary photography, as it can impact the quality and effectiveness of your images. Here are some ways to approach equipment in your documentary photography: 

• Choose the right camera: The camera you use for documentary photography should be able to capture high-quality images in a range of lighting conditions. Consider the resolution, sensor size, and ISO capabilities of the camera, as well as its ability to shoot in burst mode and its autofocus system. 

• Select appropriate lenses: The lenses you use for documentary photography should be able to capture a range of perspectives and be suitable for the shooting environment. Wide-angle lenses are useful for capturing environmental and contextual shots, while telephoto lenses can be used for close-up portraits and detail shots. 

• Use a tripod: While documentary photography often involves capturing candid shots on the fly, a tripod can be useful for stabilizing your camera and ensuring that your images are sharp and in focus. 

• Bring spare batteries and memory cards: Documentary photography can involve long days of shooting, so it's wise to bring spare batteries and memory cards to ensure that you don't run out of power or storage space. 

• Consider external lighting: External lighting, such as flash or continuous lighting, can be useful for illuminating your subject and creating a specific mood or effect. However, it's important to use external lighting in a way that is not disruptive or intrusive, especially when photographing people. 

• Use a camera bag: A camera bag can protect your equipment and make it easier to carry your gear around. Consider a bag that is comfortable to wear, has plenty of pockets for storing accessories, and is weather-resistant. I have 2 bags that I rely on depending on the situation. If I am abroad, I will use my Gomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L. It is a great bag but it can be very bulky. If possible, I prefer to use my PGYTech OneGo 18L.  

By using appropriate equipment in your documentary photography, you can ensure that your images are of high quality and effective in telling the story. Choosing the right camera and lenses, using a tripod, and bringing spare batteries and memory cards can help to ensure that you are prepared for any shooting situation. Additionally, being mindful of external lighting and using a camera bag can help to protect your equipment and make the shooting process more comfortable and efficient. 

Post-processing 

Post-processing is an invaluable aspect of documentary photography, as it allows you to refine and enhance your images to better tell the story. Here are some ways to approach post-processing in your documentary photography: 

• Organise your images: Before you begin post-processing, it's important to organise your images in a way that makes them easy to access and manage. Consider creating folders or albums for different subjects or events, and using a naming convention that helps you easily identify each image. 

• Choose appropriate software: The software you choose for post-processing should be able to handle a range of editing tasks, such as adjusting exposure, colour balance, and contrast. Consider using software that is widely used in the photography industry, such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. 

• Avoid over-processing: While post-processing can enhance your images, it's wise to avoid over-processing, which can make your images look unnatural or distorted. Be mindful of how much you adjust each image, and strive for a natural and authentic look. 

• Use presets: Presets are pre-configured adjustments that you can apply to your images with a single click. They can be a time-saver and help to ensure consistency across your images, especially if you are processing a large number of photos. 

• Crop and straighten: Cropping and straightening can be useful for improving the composition of your images and making them more visually appealing. Consider using the rule of thirds to guide your cropping decisions, and straighten images that are slightly off-kilter. 

• Remove distractions: Post-processing can also be used to get rid of distractions from your images, such as stray objects or background clutter. Be careful not to remove anything that is important to the story, but consider taking out distractions that may detract from the overall impact of the image. 

By approaching post-processing in a thoughtful and deliberate manner, you can refine and enhance your images to better tell the story. Organizing your images, choosing appropriate software, and avoiding over-processing can help to ensure that your images look natural and authentic. Additionally, using presets, cropping and straightening, and removing distractions can help to improve the composition and impact of your images. 

Documentary photography is a rich and rewarding genre that offers endless opportunities for creative expression and social impact. By considering factors like research, storytelling, candid shots, patience, lighting, composition, context, ethics, equipment, and post-processing, you can create images that are not only visually stunning, but also meaningful and informative. Whether you are an experienced photographer or just starting out, taking the time to think through these considerations can help you create images that capture the essence of the moment and make a lasting impression on viewers.