Reportage wedding photography is a term used by so many wedding photographers today, and for good reason. It’s the buzz word that many of you are looking for in your search for your photographer – I even use the term myself.
What does reportage wedding photography mean for you?
Done right ‘reportage’ or perhaps better called photojournalism wedding photography is inspiring artistic photography. But the truth is; there are very few photographers who are true reportage wedding photographers that are really good.
Don’t believe me?
Look at a few websites of so called ‘reportage’ wedding photographers’ web sites. You’ll find dozens packed with boring images of people just milling around. Often looking washed out or underexposed and blurry.
Many reportage wedding photographers are cheap and boast about bringing a second photographer to your wedding. Sadly if one photographer can’t take a decent picture, two just means more of the same. Truth is you’ll just feel like you’re a victim of paparazzi with cameras being stuck in your face wherever you look.
Sure they may get the odd good picture out of the many hundreds if not thousands of picture they take. But sadly the quality of photography overall will be mediocre and the products you buy will match their quality of photography.
Unfortunately ‘Reportage’ is an excuse for lazy photographers that can’t be bothered or are unable to make you look good on your wedding day.
Award winning wedding photojournalism photo of the Bride's dad having a break after the wedding breakfast. Click image to see higher resolution version.
Don’t get me wrong. There are also many fantastic wedding photographers who work in pairs and will be a pleasure to have at your wedding. And it’s easy to tell the difference – just look at their photography, it will be a joy to behold.
The secret behind great Reportage Photography
The idea that you can have fantastic wedding photography in a totally natural way without any instruction or posing is a myth.
Great reportage photography is posed
The best reportage photographers will give you some form of instructions. They’re not crazy – there’s no way they’d leave your wedding photography to chance.
I use a flow posing system created by top International wedding photographer Doug Gordon. It’s based on years of experience and observing the very best photography from wedding photographers around the world. The poses include many styles with traditional, vintage glamour, contemporary fashion and photojournalism. Photojournalism that looks totally natural. Packed with images to please all tastes and create your dream wedding you want to remember.
Of course I take reportage photography as your day unfolds. But I don’t leave your wedding photography to chance – your wedding is too important for that. Using this system you’ll have many fantastic reportage images that look totally natural. That combined with my ability to create images using your wedding locations means you’ll have a broad range of great wedding photos to remember one of the most important days in your life.
Your wedding day will appear spectacular regardless of the reality. It will be the wedding day you want to remember!
Award winning Contemporary Wedding Photography for this posed shot of bride and groom to appear as a natural reportage style picture. Click image to see higher resolution version.
Do yourself a favour
Look for wedding photographer whose qualified with a professional photography association, such as the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers or Masters Photographers Association.
View their wedding portfolio over several weddings and look for consistency, high quality photography that you love.
Posing is back in fashion. Look for someone who will take the time to make you look fabulous.
Don’t regret your wedding photography by hiring a cowboy.
Pat
PS Sign up for your FREE eWedding course and find out more ways to avoid regretting your wedding photography. And great tips for planning your successful day!
PPS Have you suffered at the hands of a reportage photographer?
Or perhaps you’ve had a great experience.
Don’t be shy, share your story in the comments below
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi Pat,
I really enjoyed reading this article. Your dry sense of humour (I can’t really tell it was intentional or not) really made me spurt coffee through my nostrils and laughed out loud. Especially the part “Many reportage wedding photographers are cheap and boast about bringing a second photographer to your wedding. Sadly if one photographer can’t take a decent picture, two just means more of the same.”
Great stuff, keep it up!
hfng