I’ve touched upon ‘reportage’ wedding photography before and this along with the word ‘documentary’ wedding photography gets banded about a lot. I’d consider myself both a reportage and a documentary style wedding photographer. I always aim to capture your day authentically but will offer gentle guidance when it comes to posing for both the couple portraits and any group shots. I always endeavour to make this a relaxed part of the day without it taking copious amounts of time and taking you away from all the fun. For me black and white images are often more impactful when photographing in this kind of style and I will always provide you with a mixture of both colour and black and white.
Let’s delve a little deeper into what ‘reportage’ and ‘documentary’ wedding photography actually is.
Reportage wedding photography, often referred to as photojournalistic or candid photography, is about capturing moments as they happen without much interference from the photographer. The emphasis is on spontaneity, genuine emotions, and the natural flow of events. The photographer acts as an observer, blending into the background to document the day without disrupting the proceedings.
In reportage photography, the focus is on storytelling. Photographers seek out moments that reflect the essence of the wedding day – the laughter, tears, embraces, and stolen glances. They aim to create a narrative through their images, transporting viewers back to the emotions and atmosphere of the event.
Reportage photographers often use a documentary approach to composition and framing. They look for interesting angles, lighting, and compositions to enhance the visual impact of their images while remaining unobtrusive. This style results in a collection of images that feel authentic and spontaneous, capturing the raw emotions and genuine moments of the day.
Documentary wedding photography shares similarities with reportage but takes a slightly different approach. While still focused on capturing authentic moments, documentary photographers may take a more active role in directing certain shots or guiding the flow of events to ensure they capture all aspects of the day comprehensively.
Documentary photographers may engage more with the couple and guests, subtly guiding them to create moments that are visually compelling and emotionally resonant. They might offer gentle prompts or suggestions to evoke specific emotions or interactions, all while maintaining the integrity of the moment.
The documentary style extends beyond capturing candid moments to include details, interactions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that contribute to the overall narrative of the wedding day. From the preparations and rituals to the reception celebrations, documentary photographers aim to document the entire spectrum of emotions and events.
Ultimately, both reportage and documentary wedding photography offer beautiful ways to capture the essence of a couple’s love story. Whether opting for the unobtrusive approach of reportage or the comprehensive storytelling of documentary, the goal remains the same – to create timeless images that evoke emotions and preserve cherished memories for years to come.
