With all the reality shows on television these days, it’s no wonder more couples are using wedding photojournalism to document their wedding day. Many feel that wedding photojournalism better covers today’s creative ceremonies.
In the timeless (traditional) style of wedding photography videography, the photographer plays a very active role. He or she orchestrates virtually the entire wedding according to a preplanned shot list. Every photo is carefully posed. Depending on the length of time for which he or she is hired, some of your most personal wedding moments, such as cutting the cake or throwing the bouquet, may have to be re-enacted or faked for the camera.
contemporary wedding photography
The focus of the timeless style, as opposed to wedding photojournalism, is on creating perfectly posed portraits for the wedding album. Photo time normally takes place between the ceremony and the reception and can take up to two hours. This is a long time to leave guests standing around waiting for something to happen.
There are a few major advantages to timeless wedding photography. Since the shot list is preplanned, couples can be sure that no event or family member is left out. The posed photos also look beautiful in a wedding album, creating a classic memento of the big day.
Photojournalistic wedding photography takes the opposite approach to the timeless style. Rather than posed photographs, the emphasis is on candid photography. The wedding photographer takes a much more passive role, capturing the day as it unfolds naturally rather than directing the show.
wedding photography
Many engaged couples feel that wedding photojournalism captures the big day in a more realistic way. They also prefer the low-key approach of the photojournalistic style, feeling that the photographer should document what actually happens rather than faking events for the photographic effect.
Wedding photojournalism does have its own downside, however. Since there is no shot list, it is possible that key relatives or friends will inadvertently be left out of the photos. The photographer’s instincts must be top notch as he or she decides what to cover during the busy reception.
Ambient rather than photographic lighting will generally be used, which can lead to some less than perfect photographs. Finally, your album will contain no traditional posed photos. Some parents feel that their child’s wedding album is incomplete without some traditional photos. You, too, may regret the lack of posed photos one day.
digital wedding photography
A few photography studios will offer both wedding photojournalism and traditional timeless digital wedding photography to their clients. The bride, groom, and wedding party might be required to show up at the studio before the day of the wedding to have the formal wedding photography portrait done.
The bride and groom might also submit a list of specific posed pictures they would like to have and thus cut the downtime between ceremony and reception. You might be able to take the formal portraits before the wedding, leaving you more time to enjoy the reception and your guests.