| Over the last 5 years there has been an incredible | | | | contemporary feel to modern work. Formal |
| increase in the number of reportage wedding | | | | photographers often spend much time getting formal |
| photographers. Wedding photography has moved | | | | groups perfect - whereas informal photographers try |
| away from stale, setup photographs towards | | | | to capture the essence of the day - the love of the |
| 'capturing the moment'. Indeed this is a great step | | | | couple. A photograph might be technically perfect and |
| forwards - part of the skill of wedding photography | | | | may even be extremely glamorous- but if it misses |
| is to capture the personality of the couple and | | | | the personality and love the couple has for each |
| atmosphere of their day. | | | | other, it will always disappoint. |
| For those of you who don't know, reportage | | | | REPORTAGE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY WILL DIE |
| photography is about capturing someone's image | | | | In my thesis I suggest that reportage wedding |
| without them really knowing you are there. These | | | | photography will, in the next decade become much |
| photographers (also known as photo-journalists) | | | | less popular. Here are my arguments: |
| often use a long lens from a distance. Typically they | | | | 1. Reportage photography leaves too much to |
| capture natural moments between the couple - and | | | | chance. |
| as such captures the real atmosphere of the day. | | | | It works perfectly when you have a beautiful bride |
| Photo-journalists are typically relaxed, easy-going | | | | with a natural smile. However, most couples don't |
| people. | | | | simply fall into public displays of affection. |
| On the other hand, formal photographers crave | | | | 2. Reportage photography leaves photographers with |
| control. They spend time perfecting each picture. | | | | no control |
| They control every part of the bride and groom | | | | If you are shooting the subjects where they happen |
| exactly - right down to the way their fingers are | | | | to be - you have no control of light. Light is the key |
| pointing. Nothing is left to chance - they may take | | | | element to a good photograph. Without good light, |
| less photographs but each will be perfect. They often | | | | quality suffers. |
| get a bit ratty if someone interrupts their creative | | | | 3. Reportage often leaves key photographs missed |
| process. | | | | No matter how relaxed a bride wants her |
| FORMAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY IS ALMOST | | | | photographs, she still wants pictures of her with her |
| DEAD | | | | parents, friends etc. These critical photographs are |
| Most couples no longer want to spend 20minutes | | | | part of what will make her album special. An |
| taking one picture. They prefer a large choice of | | | | unstructured, reportage style does not lend itself to |
| pictures - and prefer the more relaxed, | | | | ensuring particular photographs are taken. |