But like any industry there are key words that are trendy and the buzzword for the last few years, "photojournalist". Personally, I debated whether I use that word on my site for a long time and finally decided that I, because I truly believe that it is the word that best describes how I should be approaching a wedding. I do not touch or move anything to create an image. I remember Brooks Whittington lecture on the art of photojournalistic approach he takes to hear each of his weddings, and inspired by it. His paintings are full of emotion and real events, nothing is contrived and there are no clichéd shots. For me, it makes the storytelling elements of the images compelling viewing.
But unfortunately, I now see photographic positions that word emblazoned on their websites and take snapshots of people laugh, that have no narrative element.
For me, storytelling images to my clients is of utmost importance, I do not want to create the moment, because then it's not a true reflection of what happened on their day off. And their days is just another day, albeit a very special, and there are all areas of the emotions that take place that day.
A goodPJ wedding photographer must have more than just camera skills they need to be able to interact with the guests immediately. This is an important factor for me because it's important that I be able to harmoniously with the guests, not to be obvious, "the photographer" is am. At the same time, the photographer is always looking around to anticipate the next steps in assessment of the key players and reactions and to assess the lighting, background and distance to the object, agile so on the legs is a big advantage.
Finally, and this may be a contentious idea, but the proximity always helps. Standing in a corner or generated too far from the action shots that are afar off, and sometimes emotionless, but shows a lack of connection with the couple and a weakness in dealing with people.
What can be done to improve the photographers perception of what real photography is PJ? I think education aspiring photographers is the key to improving not only their own, but the public perception of wedding photography as well. Organizations such as photo, graphics and help others, the public perception of our craft. Is seeing great talent on a single page is displayed, at competitive prices, which has the true talent of the photographer really help drive home the idea that wedding photography is an art and if done properly, can precious memories for a lifetime result reflects.
And I very much hope that the digital revolution will not harm our business, that is cheaper cameras and memory cards and websites do not imply that people see wedding photography as "easy money".
