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Enjoy your wedding or family event while we capture your authentic moments!

Sign your custom agreement and pay your retainer.

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See your final edited gallery of your special day and order prints and albums.

Authentic. Natural. Honest. Candid. These are all words that help describe the documentary style of photography. We take the approach of allowing you and your loved ones to be truly present without having to be directed or forced into awkward posing. With this style, we create images that celebrate the raw emotion, beautiful imperfections, and meaningful relationships that make up the story of your lives while being discreet.

There are many different styles of photography and trends that come and go, but what makes documentary photography unique is that it places the focus on a feeling rather than a look. When you look back on your wedding or family photos ten, twenty, or fifty years from now the important thing is to remember how you felt! We document these moments by using a mix of intuition, observation, light, and, composition. We also believe that building a relationship and learning about our couples or family is important in order to earn trust. Trust is priceless, and we are always humbled when we are let in to honestly capture someones biggest moments or intimate lives.

If you envision your wedding day being captured completely and authentically in an unobtrusive manner or if you imagine capturing the honest and emotional moments that are part of the everyday miracle of life, then documentary photography is a perfect fit. Although some may also refer to this style as photojournalism or reportage photography, the underlying theme is still the same. This is a style that celebrates life.

We love the documentary style, but do you offer any group portraits during the wedding day as well?

Yes! Although, Santa Ana couples come to us to cover their wedding because they value the natural and authentic imagery that is reflected in documentary photograph, weddings are a unique event that often involves the gathering of many family members. Because of this we are happy to create family and wedding party portraits for couples at their request. Typically this takes about 15 mins and happens after the ceremony.

Do you include posed couple shots during the wedding?

Most weddings have a time carved out for the couple and the photographer to be alone (although definitely not required!). This is when we focus on capturing your unique relationship with one another. We still approach this is a documentary style by allowing the natural moments between the two of you to shine. This may mean that we go for a walk or spend time seeking out nice light and explore areas of your venue. What you wont have to worry about, is stiff and awkward posing or forced interactions. We chat, we relax, and we capture your beautiful, natural selves. 

Do we own the copyrights to our images?

Santa Ana Photography does maintain the copyright for all images created, however, we do provide you with a print and share copyright for your downloads. This allows for you to create prints and albums freely and to share privately or publicly online and on social media outlets.

Are you willing to do custom packages?

Absolutely! The collections we have created reflect the most requested options, however, every wedding and every family is unique and we are always more than happy to work with you on a custom quote.  

How far will you travel?

Although Santa Ana Photography is based in the region of D.C, Virginia, and Maryland, we do often travel and love it!  For weddings outside a 150 mile round trip from zip code 20105, please contact us for a custom travel quote.