What is this Buzz Word "Documentary Style Wedding Photography?"

Long before the "photojournalistic style" became theWhatever he decides he will have to work fast using
catch-phrase in wedding photography today,whatever available light there is because the moment
newspaper photographers a.k.a. photojournalists havea flash goes off, the subjects will be aware of his
been crafting this approach in their daily work inpresence and all spontaneity will be lost.
covering news events with honesty and candor.So the wedding photojournalist is always on the alert,
The most successful photojournalists have greatlooking for moments which are real and unrehearsed.
anticipation which often comes from shooting on theHis people skills are just as important because he
streets, being observant, having good imagination,needs to be outgoing and friendly so that he blends
being vigilant and being ready to react.in with the guests.
So if that's the style of wedding pictures you areWhile the guests are standing in line waiting for their
looking for, there is no one more uniquely qualified forfood, he is watching the guests, picking out the
that task than a photojournalist --- a photographergregarious and rowdy ones, ones who are drinking a
with a newspaper background.lot and have a tendency to be the live of the party.
In a crowded banquet full of guests, how does heSometimes those are the ones who will break out in
pick out the most likely person who is going to beimpromptu songs.
very besides the bride and bride's mother? And whenChildren at weddings are always great subjects since
he finds that person, how can he take the pictureyou can always count on them to be amusing and
unobtrusively?cute. Examples that come to mind: the ringboy who
If he reads his subjects right, he would naturallysuddenly realizes he is shy when he sees the crowd
move in or select the right lens and zoom in on hisbefore him or the flowergirl who collapses in mum's
subject all the time watching the background and thearms in exhaustion in the middle of the ceremony.
lighting.