Tag Archive for: photojournalism

My Wedding Photography Style

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When I meet with prospective wedding clients in Pittsburgh, I’m often asked about my style of photography. I know this is a question that brides are encouraged to ask when reading wedding websites or magazines. And while the intent of the question is good, it is often answered with a few words that don’t hold a lot of meaning for most brides and grooms. What they want to know is if the photographer is a comfortable fit for their style. I think this is an important conversation because often a couple might want to define their wedding photography by a familiar phrase without considering the visual end result.

bride and groom spontaneously posed

I’ve recently decided to turn the tables when it comes to this topic during consultations. I ask brides and grooms if they could have any type of wedding photography, what would it look like? This question can be daunting because it requires a bride and groom to describe the images they’re naturally envisioning when they think of their wedding. Sometimes preconceived notions will influence their response. For example, I often hear couples say they prefer a photojournalistic style because they don’t feel comfortable with posing. That can be very accurate in some cases, but I don’t think a pure photojournalistic style is a good fit for all couples. And I’m not knocking wedding photojournalism—many of my colleagues are excellent wedding photojournalists and I have a lot of respect for their talent. But I think the fact that wedding photojournalism has been such a mainstay in wedding photography over the last few decades, it has clouded the way brides and grooms describe what they want their wedding photography to look like.

black and white portrait of bride and groom

One small caveat before I move on: I operate in a semi-photojournalistic mode throughout the majority of the day because I prefer not to interrupt the flow of the day and find wedding photojournalism to be the perfect response to the need for telling the story of the day. But my strength in photographing weddings is composing flattering shots and working with lighting. That means I need to interact with the bride and groom in order to do what I do best and that’s a major break away from pure photojournalism. So to make sure there is room for me to work with brides and grooms on their day, I ask that couples set aside a minimum of one hour in their day. During that time, we create lots of images that often show up in clients’ wedding albums and on their walls. When you’re paying to have a photographer document your day, it’s important to make sure there is enough time for photography in your wedding schedule.

posed wedding photography

Getting in front of the camera can be intimidating, but how much more intimidating is it when you don’t know what to do? I recently attended a workshop with Jerry Ghionis where he covered posing and evoking emotion. I have to say I’m a big, big fan of Jerry’s. I love how he interacts with his clients, making them feel comfortable and keeping things light and fun. On top of that, his portraits at weddings are mesmerizing. Anyway, Jerry mentioned that when he meets with brides and grooms, they often clam up at the thought of posing. He noticed a disconnect when they would get excited about his images, but not realize what goes into creating them. With help from his second shooter, Jerry might introduce some creative lighting, then guide couples into a natural pose. He’s completely respectful with brides and grooms the fact that it is their wedding day, yet his approach allows him to create images that convey their love in a way that makes them really shine. I learned a lot during the workshop and look forward to implementing some of what I’ve learned in the upcoming wedding season.

spontaneous moment wedding photo

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, here’s my best advice: 1. Do you like the images you see in the photographer’s portfolio? 2. Talk with the photographer about his/her approach for documenting the day. If the photographer’s approach makes you feel comfortable and you like his/her portfolio, then the choice is easy! My purpose is not to say that one style is better than another, but just to help brides and grooms who are planning their wedding to know how to find their best match for wedding photography.

bride and groom photographed on train tracks

Over the next month, I’ll be looking back at weddings from the past season to get a good sense of where I’ve come from and where I’m headed as a wedding photographer. I’ll be taking notes and sharing some favorites along the way. My wedding season starts at the end of this month, so this is where I dig in and get ready to make the most of it!

Part One: What’s Your Style?

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Photojournalism is a big buzzword in wedding photography and has been for quite a while.  In this discipline, the photographer should blend into the scene while capturing candid memories of the day’s events.  A photojournalist may use a flash, but would never bring along additional lighting.  This is the type of photographer that will not interfere with your guests or tell your wedding party how to pose.  The result is natural and honest images.  Some may find this style to be a little too honest and prefer more interaction from the photographer in order to present themselves in the best light.

Other newer takes on wedding photography styles are fashion or lifestyle.  This involves a great deal of interaction from the photographer to achieve the desired results.  If you’re hoping your wedding photography will look like it belongs in a magazine, this may be the choice for you.  A word of caution though, this type of wedding photography may require additional coordination with your photographer in terms of scheduling and determining locations for post-ceremony shoots, etc.  To some in your bridal party, the extra attention involved in this style of photography will be a treat.  However, for the camera-shy, it may involve a little coaxing. This style also tends to come with a bigger price tag, as there is more planning, time, and photographic equipment involved.

Many photographers define themselves as portrait journalists, with a hybrid style of photojournalism and creative photography.  This may be a happy medium for those who are looking for something in between photojournalism and fashion/lifestyle wedding photography.  A portrait journalist is typically a photographer who does not want to commit to being defined by one style or another.  And in turn, this style of photography is more difficult to define, as one photographer may be more involved with setting up “the perfect shot” than the next.  If this is the type of wedding photography you’re interested in, the photographer’s personality and willingness to cater to your preferences should be factored into making your decision.

And last, but not least, there are the traditional wedding photographers.  In this style, the photographer typically works on a print-sales based model.  The fee for coverage may be lower up front, but considerable costs can be incurred when purchasing prints or albums after the wedding.  This style ensures attention to detail as crooked bowties or stray hairs deter print sales.  Traditional wedding photographers may prefer to work from a shot list and are a safe bet for those who prefer a no-nonsense approach to their wedding photography. 

Each style has its place, but what appeals most to you?

Once you’ve determined your preferred style, you could narrow the selection of your photographer based on personality, pricing and packaging options.  For instance, there is a benefit to hiring a traditional wedding photographer when you’re looking for standard coverage with the option of only purchasing the essential prints.  If you want your photographer to share every detail of the day, you should look for one with a creative fee structure.  The creative fee is payment to the photographer for their time and talent in return for a disc of images from the day.  In most cases, the disc comes with the rights to print the images as you see fit.  If you are looking to get prints and/or album/s as part of the package, this is yet one more way to decide what makes the most sense for your needs.

Did I mention the film vs. digital consideration?  Many wedding photographers nowadays prefer to work in digital photography.  The benefits of digital photography include faster turnaround and the ability to share your photos digitally.  Also, one clarification on digital photography – the photos still require editing in a “digital darkroom” as they are not ready to print straight out of the camera.  This process is much like processing film and making adjustments.  If you prefer the aesthetic of film, don’t fret—there is still a dedicated group of wedding photographers out there who choose to work in film.  Although it is sad to note that their resources are not in abundance as they once were.  Makers of film and emulsion-based photo paper have discontinued some of their products as there is less demand.