Capturing Genuine Moments: What is Photojournalistic Wedding Photography?
Adamson House wedding in Malibu.
When most couples plan their wedding, they hire a traditional wedding photographer who takes posed or staged photos. While this style of photography is beautiful, it is not true to life. In contrast, photojournalistic wedding photography captures your wedding in the rawest, most intimate way. More importantly, your photos will reflect how your wedding day genuinely felt.
Discover the key components of photojournalistic wedding photography so you can decide if it aligns with your wedding vision.
Written by Katie Pierce
What Is Wedding Photojournalism Photography?
Also called wedding documentary photography, wedding photojournalism photography is an artistic approach where the photographer doesn’t offer any direction. Compared to traditional wedding photography that produces contrived – and not to mention cliché – shots, it captures moments and emotions as they are. Professional wedding photojournalists won’t ask you or your guests to pose. Instead, they allow you to immerse yourself in the celebration while they unobtrusively capture each moment. This way, they can show your wedding in the most realistic way possible.
What Makes Wedding Photojournalism So Special?
Wedding documentary photography shows your wedding as it is; not every photo will be flawless. That being said, you may be wondering why it’s worth considering. After all, don’t all couples want their big day to be captured in the best light? Here’s what sets wedding photojournalism apart from other types of photography:
It’s authentic
Wedding documentary photographers are aware that emotions and interactions can’t be forced because if they were, they’d be unconvincing. For instance, if you asked the flower girl to pose, she’d likely look forced and awkward. But if you got a candid shot of her giggling, you’d have a photo that evokes true emotions.
So, unlike traditional photographers, they take the documentary-style approach to wedding photography. They capture all the most sincere moments, from the tear that falls down a father’s eye as he watches his daughter walk down the aisle to the happiness in guests’ eyes as they party the night away.
Some moments may not be perfect, but what matters is that they’re real. After all, when you look back at your wedding day years from now. You’ll want to relive the memory of celebrating your love with your most cherished friends and family.
It tells a story
Through this photography style, you’ll relive your wedding day as a whole. Your photojournalist will capture all the interactions – major and minor – to tell a complete story, from the smiles you share with your bridesmaids as you get ready to the warm embraces you bid your guests goodbye.
It’s a wonderful way to experience parts of your wedding that you missed due to how hectic these celebrations can be. Your wedding photojournalism photographer will be on the lookout for all the easy-to-miss moments, such as the best man’s impressive moves on the dancefloor and the flower girl shielding her eyes as you and your spouse share your first kiss.
It’s discreet
Photojournalistic wedding photography is very discreet. The photographer won’t ask you to pose for cheesy couple pictures, whisk you and your guests away to take staged wedding photos, or orchestrate everyone as if they were characters in a play. The photographer will observe and blend into the background so they don’t disrupt the flow of your wedding.
However, this isn’t to say your wedding album will be devoid of structured wedding shots. Some shots – such as portraits of the newlyweds and pictures of them with their family members – will still need to be directed. So even if a photojournalistic wedding photographer offers candid coverage, they’ll still produce a handful of posed pictures.
And don’t worry – if you feel awkward in front of the camera, your photographer will do their best to make you feel comfortable. You’ll only have to pose for a couple of minutes, anyway. You won’t even notice that your photographer is there for the rest of your wedding, capturing the raw and real moments.
It gives the guests a moment to shine
In traditional wedding photography, the couple is at the center of the photographer’s attention, not the guests. And while your wedding is your day, it’s nothing without your loved ones. Remember, your wedding is a celebration of your love story, in which other people have played a part. Maybe your sister introduced you to your partner, or your family helped you plan your wedding. It’s nice to have something to commemorate the people who’ve played a part in your love story.
A photojournalistic wedding photographer won’t just concentrate on you and your partner. They will also turn their attention to your guests and capture their joy as they watch you and your partner start your life together.
It captures the tiniest details
Couples spend so much time planning their wedding down to the tiniest details. They meticulously choose their wedding dress, wedding ring, decorations, etc., only for these special – and not to mention costly – details to be overlooked at the event. You don’t want this to be the case for your wedding, do you?
When you work with a professional wedding photographer, they will be aware of these things and make sure they get the spotlight they deserve. Apart from the decor, you can count on them to capture the sentimental items you’ve incorporated into your wedding, such as your grandmother’s rings or your father’s vintage watch. Thanks to their detailed photographs, you’ll be able to reflect on your wedding as a whole.
Let wedding photojournalism capture the true essence of your wedding
Once your wedding is over, you will have many wonderful memories that your photographer will have immortalized in their photos. And while your collection of photos may not contain picture-perfect scenes, it will be a true depiction of the touching moments you shared with your loved ones. That’s what makes our candid wedding photography collections so special.
Get in touch with me today for photojournalistic wedding photography that shows your day in the best, rawest way possible. My single goal is to capture your wedding as it is and give you a collection of photos that will allow you to relive one of the most pivotal moments of your life.