What Is Documentary Photography? Exploring Its Origins, Icons, and Modern Impact

A unique genre rooted in truth and storytelling, which seeks to inform, raise awareness, and inspire: documentary photography is a window into the realities of the world, into people’s lives, their society, culture, and political landscapes. But where did it all begin, and how has it evolved to remain a cornerstone of visual storytelling today?

the photo of migrant mother by Dorothea Lange — IMAGO / AGB Photo | The migrant mother by Dorothea Lange. 1936, California.

Documentary Photography by Lewis Hine — IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire | Refugee children in St. Sulpice, captured by Lewis Hine during the Secours De Guerre, France, August 1918. (American National Red Cross Photograph Collection)”

What is Documentary Photography?

At its core, documentary photography is about authenticity; presents a clear and accurate portrayal of individuals, places, items, and occurrences. It captures the human experience and focuses on real-life events and environments. Documentary photographs act as historical artifacts, preserve moments and provide audiences with an emotional connection to the subjects. Some scholars define the genre as a bridge between journalism and art, a balance of factual reporting and creative expression.

The genre traces its origins to the mid-19th century, closely following the invention of the camera. Pioneers like Mathew Brady used the nascent technology to document important moments, such as the American Civil War. At the time, Brady’s photographs gave civilians an unprecedented look at the battlefield’s harsh realities. This was one of the starting points of photography’s medium emergence as a powerful witness to history.

Another important figure in documentary photography was John Thomson, whose 1877 publication Street Life in London and his travels around the world gave a unique glimpse into the different communities. Indeed, Thomson’s portrayal of his subjects laid the groundwork for using photography as a means of social reform.

a photo of Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg Address speech — IMAGO / GRANGER Historical Picture Archive | Abraham Lincoln, wearing his signature tall stovepipe hat, stands at the center of a gathered crowd, preparing to deliver the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Photograph by Mathew Brady, 19 November 1863.

John Thomson photos from china — IMAGO / CPA Media / Pictures From History | Two Chinese Opera actors in costume, circa 1870, photographed by John Thomson (1837–1921), a pioneering Scottish photographer who traveled the East and captured rare images.

The Influencers Who Shaped Documentary Photography

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of figures who transformed the genre, like Margaret Bourke-White, Ansel Adams, Toni Frissell, Gordon Parks, Walker Evans and many more. Among them was Jacob Riis, a Danish-American journalist who used photography to expose the squalid living conditions of immigrants in New York City’s tenements. His book How the Other Half Lives (1890) shocked the public and spurred urban housing reforms.

Around the same time, Lewis Hine documented child labor in the United States and photographed young factory workers and miners. His compelling images contributed to the establishment of stricter labor laws. Hine’s ability to humanize his subjects ensured that the photographs raised awareness and resonated deeply with policymakers and the public alike.

Dorothea Lange emerged during the Great Depression as part of the Farm Security Administration (FSA) project. Her haunting image, Migrant Mother, became an enduring symbol of the era and encapsulated the plight of displaced families. Lange’s work exemplified documentary photography’s capacity to bring marginalized stories into mainstream consciousness.

However, the genre’s evolution wasn’t confined to the United States and many photographers worldwide contributed to its development. For instance, August Sander’s portraits in People of the 20th Century (1929) created a visual census of German society, offering a profound commentary on class and identity. Meanwhile, Henri Cartier-Bresson’s candid approach and his philosophy of capturing the “decisive moment” revolutionized photojournalism and influenced generations of photographers.

The 20th century also saw the emergence of photographers like Sebastião Salgado, whose work addressed global issues like migration and environmental degradation. His series Workers and Genesis reflect technical mastery and a deep commitment to advocacy.

Documentary Photography — IMAGO / GRANGER Historical Picture Archive | Street photography in New York City circa 1910, photographed by Jacob Riis.

Fort Peck Dam 1936 — IMAGO / Pond5 Images | Fort Peck Dam under construction, Montana, United States, 1936 Margaret Bourke-White, The LIFE Picture Collection.

Documentary Photography Dorothea Lange 1937 — IMAGO / United Archives International | A teenage sharecropper in a Georgia field, photographed by Dorothea Lange during the Great Depression in 1937.

Adapting to Change in the Modern Era

With the advent of digital photography, documentary photography underwent a significant shift. Compact cameras and smartphones made the practice more accessible, and amateur photographers could also document important events around them, from protests to natural disasters. In addition, social media platforms have amplified these efforts and made documentary photography reach unprecedented global audiences.

In recent years, many figures have made important impacts with their powerful storytelling abilities in documentary photography. Although the pioneers defined the genre and took its first steps, the work of modern documentary photographers has become increasingly important in an era of misinformation and alarming societal challenges, where the need for truth and authenticity is critical.