Is there a difference between a wedding studio photographer and wedding photojournalist? The answer is yes! Both types of photography require certain technical skills and a creative eye. The difference lies in the approach to creating an image. A wedding photojournalist will not do anything to alter the moment, they will strictly be an observer, like a fly on the wall. Capturing emotion, action and the important moments of the day, without altering them, is the key. Of course that doesn't mean you can't take bridal or family portraits, just use good judgment when presenting them.
While camera strobes are perfectly acceptable, using available light or blending light is important in preserving the moment as it happened. Staging moments, tilting your camera sideways and adding special effects filters to an image are NOT examples of photojournalism. These elements sensationalize a photograph and may add an interesting feature to say, a portrait, but they are not part of the original moment.
A good photojournalist can tell stories with his or her camera. Elements that define the moment should be present so no explanation is needed to understand what is happening. Blend into the background and allow the moment to develop, all the while moving and trying to include the definitive characters, objects and location.
Don't try to pass off staged moments as journalism, bridal portraits can be an exception to the rule since your input is required to set up the shot. Remember, ethics are important to a true wedding photojournalist so do not alter the moment!
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