WEDDING PHOTOJOURNALISM - WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE

 

When Is wedding photojournalism Really wedding photojournalism ?

Most wedding photographers use the term ' wedding photojournalism' Some of these photographers ( wedding photojournalists) will claim to have at one time been a photojournalist, or claim to photograph weddings in a photojournalistic style . Whilst there are many talented wedding photographers that very competent at documenting and employing photographic storytelling to document life, the fact of the matter is that there are also wedding photographers that haven't had much experience with shooting in a true photojournalistic style or have ever had any involvement with photojournalism in it's purist definition.

Claims made by wedding photographers regarding their styles of photography may sound similar in their sales pitch, but the quality of wedding photography delivered as an end result may vary. Many photographers may claim to shoot a 'candid' style, knowing that a candid style wedding photography is sought after based on their research into current market trends. Yet the proportion of photographers that can successfully photograph in a truly candid style is not always so high. Obviously when shopping you need to distinguish between sales marketing hype and helpful information, in order that you may apply your own judgment. Perhaps, rather than conducting your search on a wedding photographer because he/she claims to use a candid style, or a photojournalistic style, take the approach that any selection of photographic style on your part will be based first and foremost on work you have seen with visual impact that has impressed you.

Below are examples of some of the most common 'styles' of wedding photography.

Wedding photojournalism:

Wedding Photojournalism has become a very popular style of wedding photography and is essentially a series of candid photographs covering the events of the entire day. Wedding photojournalism is said to appeal to the bride and groom that require a series of unique photographs designed to "tell a story" or narrate the wedding day. There are drawbacks of wedding photojournalism as there is usually no pre-planned "shot list," only the wedding photojournalist 's (photographer's) response to events as they unfold. The resulting images are can be unpredictable. As wedding photojournalism largely entails shooting under ambient light, the result in some some pictures can suffer in the hands of an inexperienced wedding photojournalist . It is a fact that some couples often later regret not opting for more traditional, posed portraits in their wedding album. The couples parents sometimes first to complain about the lack of traditional wedding photography in an album.

Traditional wedding photography style:

Described by some as a 'timeless style'. The characteristic that defines traditional wedding photography style is contrived posed or 'set up' look to photographs captured by the photographer. There are benefits of taking this approach as that traditional wedding photographers tend to follow a 'shot list' This means is that specific poses are photographed as part of the routine. There are disadvantages, as the traditional wedding photographer photographer is almost like "wedding official," by directing the wedding party and guests according to a check list. The Traditional style of wedding photography is usually time consuming, and rigid. One of the criticisms of this style is that , the bride and groom end up spending less time with guests and more time stationary in front of a camera. The completed wedding photography can look visually pleasing, but predictable.

Illustrative wedding photography:

The illustrative style wedding photographers, think in terms of design elements by placing their subjects in settings of interesting composition and backgrounds. Good use lighting ia said to be a trait of the style of wedding photography. The photographer provides direction and the couple together with their bridal party are encouraged to interact, This results in a more spontaneous feel. Unlike the wedding photojournalism style. Illustrative wedding photography is said to bring out the more wedding photographer's 'artistic' creative and compositional skills rather than simply capturing a series of moments.

Conclusion:

By shopping early you will be more likely to be in a better position to make an assesment regarding a wedding photographers style. Visit various wedding photography studios and talk to as many wedding photographers as possible. Although you should look at as many sample pictures as you can, don't fall into the common trap that as some bride and grooms do, by becoming overwhelmed and confused by the sheer number of photography displays, wedding studio advertisements and marketing buzzwords usually associated with various styles of wedding photography. If you are impressed immediately by a photographer's style you are starting to make progress regardless of the category of style.

 

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