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Documentary Wedding Photographer Derby

Simon’s approach is thoughtful, focused on capturing weddings naturally and seeing past the pretty details so your memories will be of the atmosphere, the feelings, the emotions and of course ALL the love.

English Wedding Blog

I rarely come across people who enjoy having their photographs taken. 

Which is why we’ll do things a little differently. 

Imagine not needing to worry about the overdone and unremarkable photo rituals. No forced smiles, aching cheeks, or awkward ‘what do I do with my hands?’ moments. 

Imagine not being pulled away by your wedding photographer from the people you really want to spend the day with. And instead, being part of all those adrenaline-fuelled and love-buoyed interactions that are truly worth remembering.

Instead of trying to orchestrate a feeling of wedding serenity and calm just for the photos, imagine choosing to embrace the nerves, the build-up, the tension in the room, the chaos, the double-chin laughter, the ugly cry, and the toddler who won’t stand still and smile.   

Your wedding day will be a riotous, rousing, and rollicking affair – shall we tell it like it is? Let’s get the picture-perfect moments and the almost unnoticed bits in between.All the photos, none of the photofaff.

The wedding photos arrived and what can I say? The amount of happy tears I shed looking through each one. The more I looked the more I spotted - the attention to detail Simon has is absolutely out of this world.

They are beyond beautiful, real and so full of love and care.
They are beyond anything we could have dreamed of.

Caris & JoshThe Malthouse, Derbyshire 2024
Wedding guests play with bow and arrow - Documentary Wedding Photographer Derby

Choosing your wedding photographer is personal—you’re inviting someone to share one of the most meaningful days of your life.

If you want your wedding captured naturally, without staging or direction, we’re likely a great fit. My style is relaxed and documentary, focusing on genuine moments as they happen. You won’t be pulled away from your guests or asked to pose endlessly—I’m there to observe, not interrupt.

I’m a Derby Wedding Photographer, covering weddings across the UK. I’ve been a documentary wedding photographer for over 15 years and am the holder of several awards from places like The Wedding Photojournalist Association, This is Reportage, Nine Dots and Photographers Keeping It Real and had work featured in The Derby Telegraph, Derbyshire Life, Brides Magazine, The English Wedding Blog and Rock and Roll Bride, to name a few.

If you’re after perfectly arranged shots or someone to direct every moment, I may not be the right choice. And that’s okay. The couples I connect with value authenticity, emotion and real connection over perfection. If that sounds like you, I’d love to hear your plans and see if we’re a good match.

Simon Dewey Documentary Wedding Photographer

Well, I honestly don’t know where to start. Thank you so much for our absolutely incredible wedding photos ♥️ You have, without doubt, captured the essence of our day. We’ve cried & laughed so much this evening. My hearts bursting! I’m so incredibly happy we found you.

They are beyond beautiful, real and so full of love and care.
They are beyond anything we could have dreamed of.

Amanda & DeanSt John's Mexborough 2022
Dancing at Calke Abbey - Derby Wedding Photographer

You’ll often see the words reportage, documentary wedding photography, and photojournalism used interchangeably.

Couple at wedding speeches - Documentary Wedding Photographer Derby

But all you really need to know is that it’s my aim to create a visual narrative of your wedding day as it unfolds before me.

Documentary wedding photography captures your day without directing, posing, or staging moments. To transport you back to the authentic, beating heart of your wedding day whenever you look through the images.

Bride and Groom First Dance at Calke Abbey Riding School Wedding Reception

Preserving the living, breathing, joy-filled story that each wedding day inherently becomes.

Simon is an artist, each picture so beautifully composed, and he managed to capture all the moments and details that we missed as bride and groom.
It is a joy to look at the wedding pictures, remembering our day, but also seeing it as our guests experienced it. These pictures make everyone so happy.

Annelies & LouisOdda's Chapel 2019
best man and groom hug at wedding breakfast

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Do you take any formal portraits or group photographs

I do – even as a documentary wedding photographer about half of my couples ask for group shots at their wedding. I like to do this quickly and efficiently so that it’s not too distracting from the day itself, so I ask couples to pick a maximum of 10 combinations where possible. It also helps to rope in someone loud and bossy to gather the relevant people for each photo! 

Documentary Wedding Photographer Derby

Do I have to have ‘wedding preparation/getting ready’ photography?

We certainly don’t need to take a load of photographs of makeup being applied if that’s what you’re worried about. But the morning of the wedding can be a wonderfully chaotic couple of hours where emotions are running high, and feelings are apparent. It makes for some fantastic relationship-focused photography! 

Do you do Wedding Albums?

Yes – I use Folio Albums. They are beautifully crafted, locally and sustainably produced, and the people who work there are fantastic. You can read more about wedding photo albums here. 



Do you do Analog / Film Photography?

Yes – I love the feel of 35mm Film Photography and Instant film, although I do charge extra for it. 

Do you travel?

As a Derby Wedding Photographer,  most weddings I shoot are around Derbyshire and the East Midlands/Peak District,  I love to go on a wedding adventure. I charge for accommodation and travel expenses as needed. 

What is a Documentary Wedding Photographer?

A documentary wedding photographer focuses on capturing real moments as they naturally unfold, rather than posing or directing the day. My goal is to tell the story of your wedding through honest, candid images that reflect your personalities and emotions.

Bride and groom cut the wedding cake at the Whitworth Centre

What equipment do you use?

I use small Fuji cameras. After trying out DSLRs and systems with all the bells and whistles, I fell in love with using a lighter system that replicates a film camera. I try to travel light on a wedding day and use a flash only in emergencies. I like to capture the day’s ambiance, and I believe that natural light is a big part of that. 

Do we get all the wedding photos?

You get all the good ones! I take far more than I need to so that I can send the absolute best ones to you. The odd dud photo is a natural part of the process and one that you probably wouldn’t appreciate viewing!

For a full day’s wedding, I usually deliver a minimum of 400 photos.  



Are documentary, reportage, and photojournalism all the same style of wedding photography?

Documentary wedding photography, reportage, and photojournalism are just different words for the same thing. They’re fancy ways of saying I’ll photograph the day without trying to control it or affect the natural proceedings.

How long do we have to wait until we see our photographs?

Your wedding photographs are usually ready about a month after the wedding

Bride Arrives at Tissington Hall Documentary Wedding Photographer Derby

How do we book you?

We’ll schedule a chat (or a meeting if you’re local to Derby/Nottingham) about your wedding.

To begin with, I like understanding what you want from your day and your wedding photography.

If we get on and you’re happy with my approach to wedding photography, I’ll send out a booking form and contract and ask for a 25% deposit to secure your wedding date. 

You can book a chat or meet up with me using the form below. 



There’s a reason Simon is rated five stars and called “the best wedding photographer in Derby.” He captures not only fleeting moments but also the atmosphere of the entire day. Looking back through our photos, we were able to relive the joy we felt—and the joy our guests shared with us. Simon documents it all, beautifully and authentically.

Taylor & MattWest Bridgford Hall, 2025
Gay couple portrait

Simon Dewey Photography
4 Embankment Close
Derby
Derbyshire
DE22 4HF