Wedding photography – what is everyone talking about?
Starting in the late 90’s, the rapid advancements made in camera technology have provided photographers, amateur and professionals alike, with more opportunities to take better pictures than ever before. We are no longer limited by a camera’s bulkiness or its slow mechanical features, nor are we limited by lower speed films or sluggish digital image processing. These advancements have made a major impact in wedding photography, because photographers are no longer encumbered by their equipment. Instead, they can let their creative spirits soar, respond quicker to situations and virtually eliminate missed opportunities.
Everyone benefits, especially the bride and groom, who can now select their photographer based on his or her style. To help guide you as you select your photographer, the following is an overview of the terminology used (and over-used as you will read) by many photographers:
Traditional – As the name implies, this style of photography has spanned the generations. Virtually every image in this style is “posed” (the bride standing in the parlor before the ceremony, for example) and features the traditional ceremony photographs (bride walking down the aisle, saying vows, the “kiss”, etc.). In fact, many traditional style photographers re-enact those ceremonial moments afterward, using additional photographic lighting. At the reception, the photographer’s direction is clearly evident as well. In most of the photographs, the people will be looking and smiling at the camera. This holds true for the special dances, cutting the cake, and group photos. Thousands of wedding albums have been made in this classic style, and there are a number of photographers in this area who still take this classic approach to wedding photography.
It must be emphasized that this style of photography requires a great deal of interaction between the photographer and the bridal party, family members and guests. A technically competent photographer with poor “people” skills can add stress and create tension that will be evident in the photographs. Hiring a traditional photographer who is personable cannot be over-emphasized.
Candid - Sometimes the best images are made when a person has no idea he or she is being photographed. The expressions are genuine and, many times, the images have more impact. Recent developments in camera technologies, including ever-faster speed and better image quality, have given photographers the ability to seek and capture those fleeting moments.
Incorporating a number of candid images into a traditional album has been a popular practice, producing a collection of photographs that, in addition to documenting the day, gives the viewer a sense of the day’s emotional character.
Wedding Photojournalism – This phrase was coined by legendary photographer Denis Reggie. Wedding photojournalism is a radical departure from the traditional style. Its purpose is to create a unique collection of images that tells a story using photographs. Virtually every image is captured without any direction from the photographer. The better photographers blend in with the surroundings and are constantly on the lookout for moments that help tell the story.
In many cases, photo coverage is greatly expanded as well. It may begin at the salon where the bride and her attendants are getting their hair and makeup done, continue with the bride getting dressed (including her stepping into her gown) and continue into the late hours of the reception. In addition, abstract images also come into play, and may include floral and wedding cake details, or a single tear on someone’s cheek.
How does this differ from candid photography? A wedding photojournalist approaches the day with a specific mindset: to create a body of work that will tell a story. The “candids” taken by the photojournalist are just one of the many elements incorporated into the image collection.
It must be noted this “photojournalism” term has been subject to improper use by some photographers. Converting a photograph to black & white does not make it a photojournalistic image, nor does taking a candid at an unconventional angle.
Editorial – This is one of the newest terms to describe a photographic style, used to describe a combination of photography styles to create wedding albums with broader appeal. Typically, an album created in this style features a photojournalistic element, complemented with numerous traditional images.
Formals – Regardless of style, the formal photographs of the bride and groom, bridal party, and family groups are of vital importance. These images chronicle the key people and the fashions of the times, both of which will have enduring importance for generations.
Of course, each photographer has his or her own style of creating formal images. Some take a very exacting traditional approach, while others may go for a more relaxed look in a non-traditional setting.
When selecting your photographer, please keep in mind the photographs will be all you have to remember your special event. Ask to see samples of the photographer’s work. Ask about his or her style, keeping in mind it will most likely be a combination of the styles described above. Ask about how your photographs are processed after the wedding. Ask anything. Ask everything. Most importantly, ask yourself if the photographer has a style you like and if the photographer has a personality with which you are comfortable. By doing so, you will set the stage for a positive experience and receiving a collection of images that you will treasure