Documentary photography is where a camera is used to document an event or memory and isn’t staged in order to try and tell a story through the image.

A narrative image is a preconceived image which is shot to tell a specific story.

Examples:

The image on the left is an example of a documentary style image

The image on the left is an example of a narrative image

Tableau + Staged Reality

Tableau photography – Tableau is used to describe a photograph in which characters are arranged for picturesque or dramatic effect and appear absorbed and completely unaware of the existence of the viewer.

Staged reality – Rather than capturing the moment, artists make specific choices when staging their images. By consciously placing elements and arranging compositions, they create the events, environments or emotions.

Examples:

The image on the left is an example of a Tableau style image

The image on the right is an example of a Staged image