When it comes to preserving the memories of your wedding day, choosing the right photography style is crucial. Traditional wedding photography and wedding photojournalism offer distinct approaches, each with its own merits.

In this article, we will explore the captivating world of wedding photojournalism through the lens of esteemed Los Angeles wedding photographer, Annie Bang. By understanding the characteristics and benefits of photojournalistic wedding photography, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for capturing the most genuine and emotional moments of your special day.

What Is Wedding Photojournalism?

Wedding photojournalism, also known as wedding documentary photography, focuses on capturing genuine moments and emotions as they naturally unfold. Unlike traditional wedding photography, which often involves posed shots and contrived compositions, photojournalistic wedding photographers take a hands-off approach. This allows couples and their guests to immerse themselves in the celebration while the photographer unobtrusively captures the essence of the day.

Let's look at five ways wedding photojournalism is different from traditional wedding photography.

1. The Authenticity Advantage

The power of wedding photojournalism lies in its ability to authentically portray emotions and interactions. Forced poses can result in stiff and awkward photographs, whereas candid shots elicit genuine emotions that resonate with viewers. By adopting a documentary-style approach, wedding photojournalists capture sincere moments that reflect the true essence of your wedding day. From the tear rolling down a father's cheek as he watches his daughter walk down the aisle to the joyous expressions of guests on the dance floor, every image tells a compelling story.

A groom’s friend gives him a “lap dance” after taking his shirt off.

2. A Story Unfolded

Wedding photojournalism weaves together a comprehensive narrative of your wedding day. By capturing both significant and subtle interactions, the photojournalist wedding photographer creates a visual chronicle of the entire experience. From the laughter shared among bridesmaids during the preparations to the heartfelt farewells to guests, every image contributes to the story. This immersive style allows couples to relive moments they may have missed due to the whirlwind nature of wedding celebrations. Traditional wedding photography can't tell the whole story of your wedding, because it focuses on staged photos, rather than capturing the intimate moments as they occur.

The groom and wedding guests laugh during his wedding ceremony.

3. Discretion Is Key

One hallmark of wedding photojournalism is the discrete nature of the photographer's presence. Rather than directing staged shots or interrupting the flow of the event as traditional wedding photographers do, photojournalistic wedding photographers blend seamlessly into the background. They keenly observe and capture moments without disruption, allowing the true atmosphere of the wedding to shine through. Although some posed shots, such as portraits and group photographs, may be necessary, they are kept to a minimum, ensuring the majority of the images are candid and authentic.

The groom, his father, and his brother-in-law dress his baby nephews.

4. Highlighting the Guests

While traditional wedding photography often centers solely on the couple, wedding photojournalism celebrates the involvement of your loved ones. Your wedding day is not just about you; it is a celebration of the collective love and support that has shaped your journey. A skilled wedding photojournalist, like Annie Bang, understands the importance of commemorating these meaningful relationships. By capturing the genuine joy and emotion experienced by your guests, you will have a treasure trove of memories that encapsulate the spirit of the day.

Flower girls make emotional faces during the wedding ceremony.

5. Appreciating the Details

Weddings are meticulously planned with attention to the smallest details. However, amidst the excitement, these intricate elements can easily be overlooked during the event itself. Wedding photojournalists, with their keen eye for detail, ensure that every aspect of your special day receives the spotlight it deserves. From capturing the delicate decor to preserving sentimental items incorporated into the wedding, such as heirloom jewelry or cherished mementos, their detailed photographs allow you to reflect on your wedding in its entirety.

A newlywed couple receives blessing from their elderly family members.

Trust Annie Bang for Your Wedding Photojournalism Needs

Choosing between traditional wedding photography and journalistic wedding photography is a deeply personal decision. Annie Bang, an esteemed Los Angeles wedding photographer, has masterfully captured the raw emotions and intimate moments of countless couples in a documentary style. According to the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), she is the top-ranked wedding photographer in Southern California, ranked 2nd worldwide in 2019, and has consistently ranked in the Top 10 in the world. Needless to say, you know you can trust her with your once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Your wedding day is a cherished milestone filled with unforgettable moments shared with your loved ones. When the festivities come to an end, it is the photographs that immortalize these precious memories. If you desire a collection of photos that captures the true essence of your wedding, showcasing the genuine emotions and candid interactions, then wedding photojournalism is the perfect choice for you. From preparation photos to ceremony photos to reception pictures, Annie is there for every moment.

With our candid wedding photography collections, you can expect a true depiction of the touching moments shared with your loved ones. These photographs may not always be flawless, but they will be a genuine reflection of the joy, love, and emotions experienced throughout your wedding day. We also offer videography services to capture the full spectacle of your special day.

If you are ready to embark on this extraordinary journey of reliving the genuine moments and emotions of your wedding day, we invite you to get in touch with us today. Let us create a timeless collection of photographs that will transport you back to that magical day, allowing you to experience the joy, love and celebration all over again.

Experience the power of wedding photojournalism and cherish the true essence of your wedding forever. Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life and create a collection of photos that truly reflects the authenticity of your special day!

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

A Los Angeles magazine VoyageLA Magazine has interviewed me for my work as a wedding and family photojournalist and a little about me, and I’d like to share it here with you guys!

Click here to read the article! I hope you enjoy it. <3