The day
How it actually goes
Full day, documentary coverage from the first nervous cup of tea to the last song. Minimal direction, minimal interruption. We're there to document your wedding, not stage a photoshoot in the middle of it.
The roll
The day, frame by frame
Getting ready
We arrive quietly and shoot wide before anyone's fully dressed: the room, the light, the last minute nerves, the details nobody thinks to point out.
The ceremony
The walk down, the vows, the reactions of everyone watching. This is the part that can't be reshot, so it gets our full attention.
In between
Family gathered together, the wedding party, and the ten minutes you two sneak away for: brief, unposed, usually our favourite frames of the day.
The reception
Speeches, first dance, the room loosening up. We stay through the mess and the joy, until the dance floor actually empties.
The package
One package. The whole day.
The Full Roll
Full day documentary coverage
From $2,000
- Early morning preparations until the DJ shuts the decks
- Private online gallery with print release
- Illawarra & South Coast NSW, travel included
Every wedding's different, so we're happy to put together a custom quote for your date, venue and timeline. Same price whether you're in the Illawarra or down the South Coast; travel is factored in for anything south of Berry.
FAQ
Questions people actually ask
Do you travel to the South Coast, or just the Illawarra?
Both. We're based in the Illawarra and shoot there regularly, plus travel down to the Shoalhaven and South Coast NSW, including Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Ulladulla and Mollymook, for weekend and destination weddings. Further afield is available too, just ask.
Is it really no posing? What about family photos?
We're happy to gather the family for a few quick group photos so you have them. That part just doesn't take over the day. Everything else is documentary: unposed, undirected, shot as it happens.
Do you edit with heavy filters or presets?
No. We edit for real colour and real skin tones rather than a heavy preset that makes every wedding look the same. Expect a natural, consistent edit across colour and black and white, not a filter.
How far in advance should we book?
As early as you can once your date and venue are locked in. Popular Illawarra and South Coast dates, especially weekends in the warmer months, book out well ahead.
What happens if it rains on the day?
Documentary coverage handles weather better than a posed shoot. Rain is still real, and often makes for better photos than another blue sky beach shot. We'll always have a wet weather plan for your venue.
How long until we get our photos?
10 weeks for the full gallery, with a small sneak peek within the first 7 days.
What's the difference between documentary and traditional wedding photography?
Traditional wedding photography is built around posed portraits and a directed shot list. The photographer arranges people and moments. Documentary (also called photojournalistic) wedding photography records the day as it actually unfolds, with little to no direction, capturing real interactions and reactions rather than staged ones. We shoot exclusively in the documentary style.
What areas does Nine16 Photography serve?
We're based in the Illawarra, NSW, and serve the Illawarra (Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour, Berry, Austinmer) and South Coast NSW (Shoalhaven, Nowra, Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Ulladulla, Mollymook). Travel further afield is available for destination weddings.
How do I book Nine16 Photography for my wedding?
Get in touch through the contact form with your wedding date, venue and a bit about your day. Popular Illawarra and South Coast dates book out ahead of time, so it's best to enquire as soon as your date and venue are confirmed.