In recent years it’s become ‘un-cool’ to pose for your wedding photographs – reportage (sometimes known as journalistic style) photography is all the rage. But does reportage really deliver? Here are a few points to start you thinking..
Formal photography as we knew it is dieing away
Couples today don’t want to spend hours in front of the camera. They demand a large number of photographs to capture the essence and story of the day – so spending 20minutes on one photograph is simply not an option. Very formal photography, where photographers spend a long time on each group photo to ensure its perfect is less and less popular.
So if formal photography is dieing out – surely reportage must be taking over?? Not quite – that brings me to my next point…
Reportage photography is hit and miss
A true reportage photographer will stay well out of the way on your wedding day. They won’t pose you at all – they just capture what’s happening. If you are a beautiful bride, with a natural smile , a gorgeous location and have perfect weather – chances are they will turn out fine! But what happens if there is very strong sun light – or a shower of rain? What happens if you don’t get round to chatting to your granny before the photographer leaves? Very often, reportage photography captures the atmosphere of the day – but misses key photographs with friends and family. It often doesn’t show off the bride at her best.
Introducing semi-posed photography
Ok, I couldn’t think of a catchy title for this category of photographs! Basically, I believe the best photographs over the next decade will neither be formal photographers or reportage photographs. Rather, they will employ the best of both.
Let me explain…They will capture candid moments from a distance, capturing the real essence of the day. However, by semi-posing their couples, they will be able to take natural looking pictures – which look natural but are actually posed. All the photographs on this page are ‘semi posed’. They look natural but all of them are posed to some extent.
Being a good photographer won’t be enough…
To pull off semi-posed photographs, there is one key factor. The photographer must be able to build rapport with his/her clients. If the couple are enjoying the day and feel relaxed, chances are the photographs will look more relaxed too.
The best photographers of the next decade will be able to move quickly, capture beautiful natural-looking pictures. This new breed of photographer won’t only be an expert in the art of photography – but will also need to have outstanding inter-personal skills and be able to build rapport quickly.
Thanks for reading…
Hopefully this article is useful and gives you some information as you search for your wedding photographer. Many thanks to Peter Thomas who wrote this expert article for me – Peter is a well known Wedding Photographer in Northern Ireland. His website is www.peterthomasphotography.com
P.S. If anyone can think of a better name for the semi-posed category let me know!!
