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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.
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