Written by Dave Keiser
While looking for a photographer many couples come across a few photographers who label themselves as ‘wedding photojournalists’ or who claim to use the ‘photojournalistic style’. Although this seems like a relatively new term, its been used more and more, especially by photographers, in the last 3-5 years.
But does wedding photojournalism mean? Actually, it’s quite simple–a photojournalistic photographer covers a wedding similar to how a magazine photographer would cover any other event–by observing and recording the highlights on film. This is in contrast to the ‘traditional’ photographer who attempts to make a perfect portrait from each shot.
But which style is better? That decision is up to the couple. Here are a few of the major differences to the two styles.
THE APPROACH
The traditionalists approach to weddings is to do the best they can to create perfect portraits of each event for the couple to view years into the future. This approach requires the photographer to guide the couple and to manipulate many of the day’s events.
The photojournalists approach is to create a story-telling sequence for the couple to remember their day by. It requires the photographer to be versatile in their skills as they adapt for each moment. This allows them to record the day, yet remain as unobtrusive as possible.
The traditionalist CREATES the image. The photojournalist CAPTURES the image.
THE COVERAGE
A traditional photographer will basically photograph the moments that you agree to, depending on the package you’ve purchased and their preconceived list of standard shots. You may make special requests and the photographer may be willing to throw in a few impromptu candids here and there.
A photojournalistic photographer figures you want coverage of everything and will automatically cover what’s happening as well as other special moments and people they find along the way. The bulk of their work will be of candid moments, each which says something different about the wedding day. They will often work from a list during a short formal portrait session.
The traditionalist MAKES pictures. The photojournalist TAKES pictures.
THE FINAL PRODUCT
Depending on their skill level, the traditionalists final product will contain very nicely done, well lit and seemingly perfect portraits of each event. A good portion on the images will be used within the final album.
Depending on their skill level and creative eye, the photojournalists final product will contain a sequence of photos from moments throughout the day which give a story-like meaning to the album. Since the photojournalist exposes up to ten times more frames than the traditionalist, the final album will contain only the ‘most-favored’ shots.
The traditionalist CREATES AN ALBUM. The photojournalist TELLS A STORY.
Because of the photographer’s approach, coverage, and/or final product, couples may decide they like one style over the other. In ideal situations, both styles will produce beautiful results, but as with all photographers, couples should view the photographers work to see if its really fits in with their tastes before hiring them.
