Wedding photojournalism is a candid, documentary-like approach to photographing the wedding day and telling the story as it unfolds. Rather than staging and creating elaborate shots, photojournalists learn to "be there" at the right time to capture the moments naturally.
How Popular is Wedding Photojournalism?
Ten years ago, photojournalism was a radical innovation in wedding photography; now it is quickly becoming the norm for more and more couples. Its popularity is on the rise as brides and grooms seek to be more unique and authentic in the way they capture their wedding day on film.
Almost all professional photographers incorporate some degree of photojournalism into a typical wedding package these days.
Parts of Wedding Photojournalism
The album of a true photojournalistic wedding is never exactly like any other, because the unique moments of the wedding day dictate the mood and flow of the photos. But in general, most photojournalistic weddings include shots of:
- Bride getting ready before the ceremony
- Wedding party and family socializing before the ceremony
- More "artistic" or "modern" shots during the ceremony, focusing on small details like the shoes and stance of the bride and groom
- Bride and groom exiting the ceremony venue
- Bride and groom hugging well-wishers in reception line
- Candid shots of reception guests
- Dancing at reception
- Bouquet throw and garter toss
The candid photos are usually black and white to add a timeless touch to photos that would otherwise seem ordinary.
Benefits of Wedding Photojournalistic Photography
Photojournalism is quickly becoming the name of modern wedding photography. Brides and grooms like it because it is an artistic, unique, and creative alternative to traditional photography.
Artificially posed wedding photos capture the dresses and the faces, but not the true mood of the wedding day. In an elegant documentary style, wedding photojournalism tells the story of the wedding day. It allows brides and grooms to relive the emotions of the day as they look back on their wedding album years from now.
Why Hire a Professional Wedding Photojournalist?
Brides and grooms often attempt photojournalism by placing disposable cameras at each table at the reception for guests to use. Hiring a professional wedding photojournalist is a much better way of doing essentially the same thing.
Unlike most of the guests at the reception, professional photographers have an "eye" for great shots and know how to use available lighting, compose photos, and eliminate background noise. They can use this expertise while capturing spontaneous moments on film. Their equipment is also superior to point-and-click disposable cameras and will result in crisper, more focused shots with less blurring and better lighting.
Purists vs. Blended Wedding Photojournalists
Photojournalists generally fall into two camps: purists and blended photojournalists. Purists prefer to remain as unobtrusive as possible during the whole wedding, avoiding staged shots at all costs.
Most couples who want a "photojournalist" for their wedding actually want a blended photojournalist. Blended photographers do a mix of photojournalism and traditional wedding photography, documenting the wedding day but also setting aside a separate time for posed portraits of the bride and groom with each other, the family, and the wedding party.
Finding a Photojournalistic Wedding Photographer
The best way to choose a wedding photographer is to look at the portfolios of several professionals. Ask questions, especially about a photographer's philosophy on wedding day photojournalism. Because a wedding photojournalist's job is to just be there to catch significant moments on film, confidence and trust in the photographer is vital.
Photojournalism is one of the most popular wedding photography techniques today. Brides and grooms love it for its accurate capturing of the natural flow of events of their special day.
Other articles on wedding planning include "Most Popular Month for Weddings" and "Photo Wedding Invitations."
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