A few years back I was sitting down with a potential client seeking a photojournalistic wedding style. I had three similar books, all of course in a. The only major difference was that each book had its own wedding. So I had presented three weddings in exactly the same style book. This was something I did on purpose. While the books were the same in format, and number of images, layout (just pictures, no frilly nonsense to distract) etc. The only difference was that they contained different sets of wedding pictures. And I recall the client said “I prefer that one!” Referring to a wedding a rustic like yet beautiful country house in Dingle. “The one in the middle and that’s what I want my wedding to be”.
This to me was interesting. I felt that the person looking at the work perhaps thought that I had photographed that wedding in a different way to the others. I then explained that perhaps this set of wedding pictures resonated more. And perhaps there were traits that were identifiable, familiar even. This allowed me to pour over in greater detail the actual way that each day is recorded and documented in a set of photographs.
I know that some photographers sell their photography like they are selling burger deal meals (Have it the way you want it, your way! Extra Cheese! No problem!) .
Allowing a documentary wedding photographer like myself to photograph your day as it flows can reveal its idiosyncrasies. Fleeting moments and vitality coming through is what should be important. When the dust settles then let’s see what happened. There is much joy in then sitting back and enjoying the pictures when they land. In my opinion the day should reveal what the guests, friends, family are all about. And as a result you will relive the day once again. No cookie cutter approach, no carbon copy of another.
And a candid style of photography with somebody who knows what they are doing has the ability to sum up what the day was really about. Ebbing and flowing, watching the story build, therefore giving you a dynamic set of wedding pictures. Having your wedding day documented in a candid manner in my view will reveal the true nature of the day. No bells and whistles, no messing about. Just pictures that are reflective of you photojournalistic wedding day. It’s simple stuff.
