you'd probably get 100 different answers. 

"Documenting wedding 'moments' as they naturally happen".  "Story-telling".   "Non-obtrusive".  "Candid".   "Capturing the emotion of the day, without trying to create it".  "No staging allowed".    I've heard all of these descriptions, and many more,  to define the photojournalistic approach to wedding coverage.  I've even heard some cynics declare photojournalism is the "easier" photographic style, since t

he photographer doesn't have to do much advance planning...or set up any formal poses...or fret when important people aren't in place for pictures.  He or she just captures the activity "as it happens", come what may.  

Most of these definitions may be useful in trying to describe a trend that continues to be a buzzword in the wedding world.  But I believe engaged couples need to be careful about what their expectations are in regard to photojournalism, as they plan a very important day in their lives. 

While there are some photographers who define themselves strictly according to a particular style--whether it be photojournalism, fashion, fine art or any of a number of specialties, most of today's wedding photographers will tell you they provide a mixture of candid images and posed portraits.  That's because so many engaged couples come to the realization that even if they personally favor a photojournalistic approach, there are still family members and friends who expect to order more familiar formal poses, in which everyone is "smiling for the camera".

Before making up your mind about your preferences, I suggest the two of you look at a standard wedding photography checklist.  Consider the suggested images.  How many of them are posed?  How many are candid? Which ones do you want in your set of images?  Which ones are you NOT interested in?  Are there images you know you'll want, that aren't on the list?  You might be surprised to find out how many of your must-have shots would never "just happen"!  Once you're more sure of what your expectations are, you'll

be ready to start asking photographers about their "style" -- and telling them about yours!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It may be true that many of the most dedicated wedding "photojournalists" come from other photojournalism fields, namely newspapers, television or magazines.  They really know how to "capture the action".  They honed their photography skills while thinking on their feet--a definite advantage when making the move to the unpredictable world of wedding photography. 

Don't be led to believe, however, that it can't be photojournalism if it isn't black and white.  If you want to see color shots from your wedding photojournalist, I advise you to discuss it with him or her, well in advance.

There's a certain amount of documentary thought that goes into wedding photojournalism, too.  It is about the action shots (above right), the "big" moments and the small ones, too.  But it's also about observing the details.  Anything that might go unnoticed by the bride and groom--a tender look between the bride's parents during the first dance, a ring bearer smiling at Gramma in the audience, a tissue clutched by an emotional soloist (left).  An experienced professional photographer will also think to capture how the pew bows looked, to document the ribbons in the flower girl's "up-do", to record the table placement of the favors the bride spent so many hours hunting online.  The newlyweds would never be able to witness all of these details on the wedding day--much less remember them all.  A good wedding photojournalist will make sure they see these things, after the wedding!