Documentary Photography | Get Your Complete Overview Here

The world changes at speeds we've never seen before. Human rights issues, natural disasters, political conflicts and scientific breakthroughs happen every day. Documentary photography is there to immortalize these moments and more.

What really is documentary photography? Read on to learn about the history and types of documentary photography, and get some tips on how to get started and what camera to use.

What is documentary photography?

Documentary photography is a type of photography used to capture the real world, people, objects, or events in an objective and truthful manner. It provides an accurate representation of its subjects. As such, it's often used in reportage.

Any social, cultural, historical or political event can be the subject of this type of photography. It can be used to capture everyday moments or historical milestones alike.

Mads Nissen

Documentary Photography: A professional's insider tips

Interested in Documentary Photography? Meet your new instructor Mads Nissen, who will go through the corners of Documentary Photography in this Masterclass session.

Trailer

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Intro

0

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Definition

35

Capturing emotions

104

Finding the story

224

Development

306

Mistakes to avoid

374

Lighting

418

Camera gear

506

Editing

612

Tips & Tricks

744

Credits

794

What you’ll learn

The importance of getting up close: Dare to dare yourself.

What never to leave out in documentary photography.

How documentary photography can be your gateway to healing.

How curiosity and the need to change the world can be your motivator.

How a precise angle and purpose is essential to avoid clutter.

How to do the essential research before you start shooting.

Documentary photography vs photojournalism

While documentary photography is a general term referring to capturing real moments, photojournalism is concerned with breaking news stories and events.

There's often overlap, but photojournalism is generally more focused on ongoing issues, more sensational and it's often captured over a shorter period of time.

Purpose

While documentary photographers need to report objectively, they stand by their purpose passionately.

They want to inform and involve the viewers, draw their attention to a specific issue, deepen their thinking or influence their opinion.

Types

Although the types of documentary photography sometimes overlap, generally speaking, you can identify:

• Photojournalism
• Social documentary photography
• War photography
• Street or urban photography
• Contemporary photography

Quick history

In the mid-nineteenth century, photographers started using cameras to document important historical events. One of the earliest photographers to do so, Philip Delamotte recorded the disassembly of the Crystal Palace in 1936. The invention of the camera also allowed the American and Spanish Civil Wars to be documented.

They captured distant places and cultures and helped viewers to connect visually to things beyond their reach before.

After the turn of the century, photographers took on an even greater role in reporting on human rights issues. This created social documentary photography.

During the First World War, and later the Second, artists relentlessly reported on the horrors of the ongoing violence.

Today, contemporary photographers focus on modern topics and issues like LGBTQ rights, homelessness and pollution, among others.

5 Tips for beginner documentary photographers

Looking to get started in the field? Keep these tips in mind:

1. Master the fundamentals of photography

Understand photography fundamentals like shutter speed, exposure and composition is a must for all aspiring photographers. You don't need to be an expert to get started, but being familiar with your gear will help you react quickly.

Don't be afraid to experiment with manual settings to get that perfectly exposed shot.

2. Do your research

Understanding the context and background of the events unfolding will affect how well you can capture and represent them. Do your research thoroughly and the depth of your photos will shine through your photos.

3. Develop people skills

Any time people are involved in your work, you can and need to use your interpersonal skills to make them comfortable. You can learn so much through conversations if you're able to nurture a respectful, honest relationship with the people around you.

Approach people with respect, dignity and curiosity. When the situation is appropriate, ask questions to better understand the context, show interest and connect with the people involved.

4. Trust your instincts

Oftentimes, things can happen so quickly around that you need to make split-second choices. In these cases, go with your gut.

Always be aware of your surroundings and have your camera ready. It's better to have way too many shots to sort through than to miss the important ones, just make sure you have enough space on your memory card.

5. Don't intervene

At its core, documentary photography is about accurate representation. This means that directing, stage managing or significantly intervening with the shot is a big no.

Let events unfold and try to be an observer, not an influencer.

Closing thoughts

Without documentary photographers, our understanding of history would be much poorer.

If you want to become part of the storytellers capturing real moments and helping viewers connect, maybe this type of photography is right for you!

Take your passion, do your research and get started with documentary photography today.

Dive deeper into the world of photography and everything it entails.

About the instructor

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