Reportage wedding photography in London and Surrey

Reportage Wedding Photography

Reportage - a technique of documentary film or photo journalism that tells a story entirely…

What is reportage wedding photography?

The first question you need to ask is what is it called? Not such an easy question as you may think, I’ve commonly heard reportage photography called photojournalistic, documentary, candid, contemporary, modern and even street photography. All of these are essentially the same, but contemporary and modern will obviously change over time as new styles develop and street photography is a bit too raw to apply to weddings, even if the technique is very similar.

Whatever name you apply to this style of wedding photography there are a few things to remember. When done well, reportage or journalistic photography is highly observant with a narrative running through it telling your story. Your photographer should be calm and natural, know how to use a camera and certainly know how a wedding flows. He (or she) must be comfortable in rain, shine or candlelight and be able to work with available light rather than blasting away with flash at every opportunity. Your photographer needs to be subtle where required and value the occasion for what it is – a one off and very special opportunity. A wedding is not another name for a photo shoot! That all said he should not be shy to pose an image or three for mum and granny, but generally he will observe, follow, study and document. He should ensure you enjoy your day by allowing you to stay inside your comfort zone. There is a place for the leaping bridal party and the bride held aloft by the men but if that type of exuberance is not your thing then it shouldn’t happen! A good documentary photographer should connect with people in a much more instinctive manner.

Conversely – when it is done poorly reportage wedding photography is little more than a collection of pictures, frequently of the backs of people’s heads!

Reportage is a strange genre, when it is done well it is beautiful and evokes a wonderful memory, but when it is done poorly it has no redeeming features at all. There’s no doubt that reportage is here to stay in wedding photography. But a few group pictures and some beautiful portraits are also part of a complete wedding collection. Using reportage in areas of a wedding day keeps each wedding fresh and exciting and is certainly a key reason why I really love my job!

If this is what you want from your photographer then look carefully at his or her portfolio and see if you can spot the story running through – if so you’re onto a winner, if not you may just be looking at a set of pictures and little else!

Imagine this:

• A picture of a pretty face – is just that!

• A picture of a pretty face having make-up applied – is someone getting ready for something.

• A picture of a face having make-up applied and a wedding dress hanging in the background – is someone getting ready for a wedding.

• A picture of a face having make-up applied with a wedding dress hanging in the background and bridesmaids rushing about all dressed up – is someone getting ready for her wedding and the time is getting close.

And there you have reportage wedding photography – one picture telling a story!

Adam - London Wedding Photographer | Documentary Wedding Photography