A couples guide to wedding photojournalism

...or what to expect from Neil's photography

What is 'Artistic Wedding Photojournalism'?

'Photojournalism' is a key word because of the ethics that have applied to the trade for so long. The photographer's responsibility to the viewer to be honest and straight forward, not creating scenes himself, but only telling of events that occurred. Straight news photography holds to the purest traditions of this while great photojournalists of the past have allowed their artistic ability to be impressed and respond to events and people interpreting them with a sensibility for the humanity of a captured expression and eternity of a temporary moment that a camera can capture. The great tradition of the photo-essay is the approach I take to wedding photography. 'Artistic' is a keyword because an art object is something who's sum is greater than its parts. The sum of your wedding photography is greater than the individual photographs that are taken. Choosing a photographer who understands this will produce a greater 'sum' than a photographer who only thinks in terms of 'shots to get'. It is also important to note that I use my artistic intuition to find, capture and relate the expressions, moments and details that will add up to produce the art object that will be your wedding album.

I think of the photography process as a continuous dialogue with the subjects I'm photographing. I have a good sense of how a wedding happens and am incredibly sensitive to the personal dynamics that I observe, but I also appreciate friendly insight and tips from you and your family. Its always fun to get a tug on the shoulder from the mother of the bride who wants me to be sure to get a shot of her sister dancing on top of a table or points out that grandpa is dancing with the gorgeous young bridesmaid.

What does it feel like to be photographed?

In your daily life, you don’t have someone following you with a camera observing everything you do, so it’s normal to be a little shy and wonder what I'm looking at through my camera. Sometimes I break the ice by chatting and sometimes I keep my distance until you forget I am there. We like to start shooting with you early in the day, like at the salon, so that we can build your trust in us so that when the emotional moments come (and we're there beside you) you can feel honest and open with us as we photograph. By the time you're on the dance floor, I'm right there in the midst and you won't even notice me; until you turn around a are surprised by a little flash!

Above is a photo of me shooting a bride in her church (shot by Liesl)

Here is the outcome of my technique. Above you will see in my left hand outstretched above my head with a flash which can be used on the camera, but that results in a very standard looking photo. Here I've reached my arm far enough away from the camera to produce a more natural feeling to the light on the bride and better balance between the background and foreground. So if you see me doing some strange things - don't worry, it makes for good photos

Similar technique with me holding the flash.

Part 2: What happens when: getting your proof prints, website etc.

"How to be a Bride" or modeling for a day in a big white dress....

Wedding information worksheets:

Wedding Information: detailing locations, bridal party, and other necessary notes
Group Shots checklist: This list of the group shots will be completed on the wedding day.

Wedding Photojournalism Topics: