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| Photography Styles |
 From the moment you wake up in the morning to when the last guest leaves, you may find yourselves in a state of total and utter frenzy. From greeting guests, cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet and taking pictures, you won't know what hit you. And at the end of it all, you'll want to be able to look back and relive those memories. It is imperative that you find the right photographer who not only takes the routine formal shots but also captures those candid moments around you while you're busy playing bride and groom.
Let's discuss the four different approaches that photographer's use: Traditional, Photojournalistic, Illustrative and Creative.
Traditional photography or Portraiture photography is any formal or informal portraits of your wedding party, relatives or wedding guest.
A traditional photographer will usually photograph the moments that you agree to, depending on the package you've purchased and their list of standard shots. You may make special requests, and the photographer may take some impromptu candids here and there.
Portraiture is the most widely used format to photograph weddings. This style is used for your formal pictures where posing and precision must be implemented. |
 Photojournalistic photography approaches the event as a story-telling sequence for the couple to remember their day by. It requires the photographer to be versatile in their skills as they adapt for each moment. This allows them to record the day, yet remain as unobtrusive as possible. It is my favorite style of photography.
When reviewing your shots from this style of photography, you will be made aware of moments that were captured that you weren't aware of happening. Your day goes by so quickly and a talented photojournalist will provide the details that you missed.
My favorite picture was of a bride on the dance floor with her new husband wiping away a tear from his eye. This particular photographer was very talented and very observant, watching the people involved in this wedding as if he were shooting actors in a film.
When comparing these styles of photography, the traditionalist CREATES the image. The photojournalist CAPTURES the image.
In my opinion the photojournalistic style of photography has the potential to be awe inspiring!
Another style of photography is Illustrative photography. This photography looks like the photos that you see on billboards, and magazines. It is also known as ?Fashion Photography?. It is set up like a commercial photography shoot; the photographer arranges every detail of the image.
Lastly, we have Creative or Artistic photography. The pictures are taken from unique angles, lighting, etc. This type of photographer creates his or her artistic impression of your wedding day. |
 THE FINAL PRODUCT
Depending on their skill level, the traditionalists final product will contain very nicely done, well lit and seemingly perfect portraits of each event. A good portion on the images will be used within the final album.
Depending on their skill level and creative eye, the photojournalists final product will contain a sequence of photos from moments throughout the day which give a story-like meaning to the album. Since the photojournalist exposes up to ten times more frames than the traditionalist, the final album will contain only the 'most-favored' shots.
The traditionalist CREATES AN ALBUM. The photojournalist TELLS A STORY.
Because of the photographer's approach, coverage, and/or final product, couples may decide they like one style over the other. In ideal situations, both styles will produce beautiful results, but as with all photographers, couples should view the photographers work to see if it really fits in with their tastes before hiring them.
The majority of all photographers use a mixture of all these styles.
Most brides choose this mixed version of photography for their wedding day.
Article by Rene Davenport, professional wedding consultant and owner of Graceful Creations Graceful Beginnings . Photos courtesy of Paul Harring. |
Photography Styles by Graceful Creations/Graceful Beginnings |
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