My Photojournalistic Approach to Wedding Photography
My approach to a wedding day is based on the idea that the bride is “Queen for the day.” She should have fun and enjoy every minute of her day.
It’s the Bride’s day, not the photographers! Obviously the photos have to be excellent, but it also matters how the photography happens.
My “photojournalistic” style has an “unobtrusive, unique, candid style, like a fly on the wall” that “captures the mood and feel of your special day” and you will only briefly be bothered with “posed traditional photography.”
Your wedding photography should be skilled candid unobtrusive photography, from a photograher that knows how to capture special moments instead of trying to pose them.
Regarding “traditional, posed” photography!!.............If you do not get a few nicely composed photos of you with your wedding party and special selected family you will regret it. One of the main reasons to hire a wedding photographer is to record the family history. Your wedding day might be the last time many of these people will all be together.
While I will spend most of the day shooting candids and watching for those perfect moments and emotions, trying to get a “candid, spontaneous, photojournalistic” photo of all 14 members of your wedding party with their faces visible can be nearly impossible. A mixture of candids and quick casual poses should create the most meaningful record of your day.
One of my goals is to get you to your party ASAP!!! It’s your wedding day and everyone is waiting for the guests of honor.
We plan ahead with the bride and to make a list of 10 to 15 (not 80 or 100- that’s too many) group shots, and to have everyone meet at a certain spot so we can get them done in just a few minutes, I will make it quick and it might even be fun. The organized routine for groups and family shots that makes them easy, with just a little planning, everyone should know exactly where to be and when, and we work for clear list of shots. To be honest, some of these posed shots will become some of your favorite wedding photos that will be part of your family history, that you will want to display in your home.
Remember, the bride is “Queen for a day,” and so if she doesn’t want any group photos, or just wants candids, then that is the way it will be. Every wedding we shoot is a completely custom package, based on the bride’s wishes.
Again, the bride decides when we do any photos. I am always focused on getting my work done quickly, because the day is always more about your wedding and your guests than the photos.
Call me and I will answer all your questions and help ease any fears you might have about photograpy and your wedding day.
I would love to offer you a free engagement portrait or wedding announcement session, to see if we are a match, or to answer any questions you have.
If you choose me to shoot your wedding, I absolutely guarantee you will be delighted, and you will cherish the photos the rest of your life. Please check out my website, and feel free to call me with any questions.
Regards, John Michael
Never look for me at a Bridal Show, as I never display at them. The photographers that attend Bridal Shows seem to be the ones with the big holes in their shooting schedules that they are looking to fill! Ask yourself this: if the photographer is really good, what is he doing at a Bridal Show on a Saturday...shouldn't he/she be out photographing a wedding, instead? Attending Bridal Shows is a good way for brides to get to realize how expensive other photographers are and will make them really appreciate our prices for the value we offer!