Documentary work connects an image to a situation. Composition matters, but so do the circumstances of making, selecting and presenting the photograph. Look for enough context to understand what the frame shows and what it leaves outside.
Build a sequence with different jobs
An establishing image can introduce a place, a medium view can show an activity, and a detail can hold attention on an important object or gesture. Repeating the same distance throughout a sequence can hide useful information.
Keep factual captions separate from interpretation. Record names, dates and locations accurately when they are relevant and appropriate to share. Avoid presenting an illustrative image as evidence of an event it does not show.