Documentary film has long carried the weight of truth, historically framed as an objective window onto reality. “Looking back into the past, into its early days and anthropology or journalism, there were these hard lines,” says filmmaker and Sony Artisan Taylor Rees. “Like documentary film is this objective lens through which we get to see something and it’s the truth and nothing but the truth.” She honors that legacy, but argues that pure objectivity is impossible – the filmmaker’s choices inevitably shape meaning.
Why Documentary Filmmaking Is Special
“And while, I think the core of that, like being based in reality and not a fictional narrative, is what makes documentary really special,” Rees adds, “I also feel like there’s so much art and so much self that we put into these films, that it’s hard to remove our narrative lens—from even something that’s based in reality.” For her, craft isn’t decoration; it’s a way of knowing. Cinematography, sound, and structure can reveal emotional and thematic truths that facts alone might miss.
“I think the documentary world is a big spectrum,” she says. “And I personally really like working with it more through a creative lens... artistically bringing some of that out. But I also really appreciate the traditional nature of documentary.” That spectrum spans rigorous, observational work to expressive, art-forward approaches. Both can be responsible and powerful – especially when the filmmaker is transparent about perspective, grounded in verified facts, and ethical with participants.
In this era, documentaries must be both credible and compelling. The path Rees sketches – rooted in reality yet honest about point of view – invites filmmakers to embrace complexity, edit with integrity, and let form serve truth. It’s less about pretending to be neutral and more about using our influence to reveal layered, human realities.
A Professional Kit For Documentary Filmmaking & Photography
To authentically capture moments as a documentary filmmaker and photographer, Rees has an intentionally minimal kit that she relies on, starting with the Alpha 1 (Buy Now). “The Alpha 1 just has all of the video capacity I need, the stills capacity I need. It’s kind of the best of both worlds,” she says. The 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II (Buy Now) is the anchor of her lens setup because it hits the sweet spot between speed, range and optical quality. At 24mm, she can establish context and environment. At 70mm, she can tighten up for intimate moments and interviews.
Carry less and capture more with Taylor Rees' streamlined kit:
–Purchase the Alpha 1
–Purchase the 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II
See more of Taylor's work on her Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @taylorfreesolo.
See more videos featuring your favorite creators on the Alpha Universe YouTube Channel.
