Modern wedding photography is generally classified into three major categories. I attempt to blend them all into my style at the appropriate moments of the wedding day.
It is my goal, above all else, to capture the photographs on your wedding day that YOU want, not the ones I want or the ones that someone else had. They are your photographs and before they please anyone else, they must please you.
This is why I ask each client to take the extra time for discussing styles, photographs from the web/magazines, reviewing venues, backgrounds and timing. Each detail of the wedding day that is important to you is critical to me as your photographer.
"Reportage" or "documentary" photography, also known as photojournalist photography -- often angled, candid, natural and original photos. A documentary type shoot that covers the beginning to the end of the wedding day.
The goal of any photojournalist's to capture photographs of subjects who are not aware of the photographer. By being unobtrusive and blending with the guests, the photojournalist can capture the action as it unfolds - the genuine emotions, the unforced expression, the true joy of the day. The photojournalist strives to produce a more intimate and authentic take on the whole event. Photojournalism often captures the perfect unposed moments that conveys the authentic emotions of the bride, groom and guests.
Traditional photography, also known as formal photography -- This style of photography focuses on the bride and groom. This is a formal type of photography where the wedding party poses for the photos. This type of photography is less expensive than having the entire wedding event photographed.
The traditional photographers will focus on fulfilling a planned shot list, so you'll get all the important images you discussed with them. The photographer can risk becomes a "wedding official," because the shot-by-shot list sometimes requires directing the wedding party and guests.
The portrait journalism style (or illustrative) photographer works by placing the subjects in artistic settings (like the traditional photographer) to utilize of particularly good lighting, a stunning backdrop or a beautiful architectural element. With the scene set, the subjects are free to express themselves and be spontaneous (like the photojournalist,) and this results in a natural feel.
Unlike the pure photojournalist, portrait journalism allows the photographer to inject artistic vision without directing or simply observing. This is by far my favorite style for engagement photography.
The portrait journalist is more apt to use wide angle lenses, effect lenses and romantic post-processing effects. The photographer is creating their artistic vision of the subject, both at the time of the photography and during the development of the photos.