Is photojournalism wedding photography for you?

What makes photojournalism wedding photography special?

It is the latest trend in a long line of wedding-photography fads. But don’t discount it – there’s a good chance that this “trend” is here to stay. That’s because it’s more than a trend, it’s a new way of capturing the day as it unfolds in photos.

Let’s start with a quick definition in case you’re not familiar. Sometimes referred to as reportage or documentary wedding photography – it is a style of photography that eschews posed, formal pictures in favor of capturing candid, unposed moments of the day. As the name implies, it’s based on the style used on newspapers, magazines and other news sources, where a photographer never interferes in the moment and instead documents the day as it happens. Much like a reporter tells a story with words, a photojournalist tells a story through images.

When choosing a photojournalist as your wedding photographer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, remember that unless you choose a photographer who is a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association, there are no promises that the photographer you’re selecting has any true experience as a photojournalist. It should go without saying, but you should always thoroughly interview a photographer to get to know his or her background. If you’re interested in a photojournalistic style, ask the photographer if they have any experience in news photography and ask for samples, as well as examples of their wedding work. That’s not to say that a photographer without any solid news photography experience isn’t going to do an excellent job at your wedding – it’s just that “wedding photojournalism” has become quite the buzzword over the past decade and is used a little more liberally that one might hope. Therefore, screen carefully to make sure that your wedding photojournalist is truly a skilled photographer who will give you the story you want.

Second, keep in mind that you probably don’t want only photojournalism wedding photography. Unless you only want candid moments – nothing posed, no formal portraits – make sure your photographer is adept at traditional photography as well. A photojournalist has been trained to stay in the background, never calling attention to themselves. That’s a real plus sometimes, but a detriment when you want a certain shot.

The moral of the story? Always check out a photographer’s background and make sure you two are on the same page as to what you want. This will ensure that your wedding photography, no matter what style it is, will be as special as your wedding day is.

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