What is Wedding Photojournalism

Is there a difference between a wedding studio photographer and wedding photojournalist? The answer is yes! Both types of photography require certain technical skills and a creative eye. The difference lies in the approach to creating an image. A wedding photojournalist will not do anything to alter the moment, they will strictly be an observer, like a fly on the wall. Capturing emotion, action and the important moments of the day, without altering them, is the key.

Capturing the details of the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready.

The bride and her mother captured in this candid photo.

Of course that doesn't mean you can't take bridal or family portraits, just use good judgment when presenting them.

While camera strobes are perfectly acceptable, using available light or blending light is important in preserving the moment as it happened. Staging moments, tilting your camera sideways and adding special effects filters to an image are NOT examples of photojournalism. These elements sensationalize a photograph and may add an interesting feature to say, a portrait, but they are not part of the original moment.

A good photojournalist can tell stories with his or her camera. Elements that define the moment should be present so no explanation is needed to understand what is happening. Blend into the background and allow the moment to develop, all the while moving and trying to include the definitive characters, objects and location.

Capture the action and emotion to define the event.

Don't try to pass off staged moments as journalism, bridal portraits can be an exception to the rule since your input is required to set up the shot. Remember, ethics are important to a true wedding photojournalist so do not alter the moment!

The groom waits for his wedding ceremony to begin.

Steve Matteo Photography Wedding Photographers Chicago

May is National Photo Month

Acording to the Photo Marketing Association (PMA), May is the American National Photography Month. Started by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 as the American Photography Celebration, it ran from May 7th-14th. In 1987, as recognized by the U.S. Congress, the photography industry started celebrating May as National Photo Month (NPM)—a full 31 days to promote the joy and benefits of photography to consumers. For more than a decade, the photo industry united to make it a splash. Then, as we transitioned to digital imaging, most of the momentum was lost. Blogging has helped to shine the spotlight on NPM once again and I'm here to pitch in.

Like most people, I bring along a camera when I travel and try to capture some great images, going the extra mile to get postcard material. Many of the photos I take are travel standards but I still think like a photojournalist. NPM and my blog gives me a chance to share some my recreational and editorial travel photos. I've included a few shots taken while working as a wedding photographer.

Wedding Photographers Chicago

As a wedding photographer Chicago couples refer, I usually begin working with the bride hours before the ceremony starts. Most brides will be getting ready at a nearby hotel or family member's home, large enough to accommodate all the bridesmaids. Since most weddings take place during the day, there should be plenty of available light in the room to work with. Natural light will always be stronger as you get closer to the window. You'll need to evaluate light from this window or windows in different parts of the room. We know that digital photography doesn't allow for over exposing the shadows so you'll need to blend the light with a proper exposure.



Window light is very directional too so your exposure will vary several stops in different parts of the same room.

One thing to keep in mind is to avoid having the window as the background, unless you are creating a silhouetted image or can use a reflector, which I'll address a bit later. If you shoot towards the window, you may get a proper exposure of the subject but the background can get washed out. Window light can be very soft and flattering for facial features. Many stylists actually face the bride towards the window when applying makeup so your job will be easier.



Shooting with a long 2.8 lens will allow you to sit in the background and capture the day's events. The long lens will help eliminate some of the busyness of the background too. Hotels are famous for warm lamps, busy patterns and artwork. Zoom in a bit tighter on your subject and the soft light coating them. Don't be afraid to use a monopod, that way you can get the slowest shutter speed needed and stay mobile while your subjects are moving around the room.

When the bride is dressed and ready, window light will help you create a nicely lit portrait.











A reflector or bounce card is a good thing to carry for just such an occasion. While you can use these for gathering the candid moments, it defeats the purpose since you will be shining light on your subject and possibly distracting them. Try having your bride stand near the window and gage the light and composition. If the light is too harsh back up, metering only the wedding dress and skin tones. Direct sunlight will be difficult to work with since it creates heavy shadows on the face and will cause the subject to squint. Avoid direct sunlight by closing the window shears that will diffuse the light and make it more even.

To avoid having a harsh shadow/highlight situation, use the reflector or bounce card to fill in the shadows. You can also use it as a kicker light by positioning it behind the subject. Harsh shadows and highlights can make some images look interesting but you'll want nicely lit and balance portraits too. Keep in mind that as the day goes on, light gets weaker.



It may not be shining through the same window by the time your subject is dressed and ready. It would be nice to have as much time as you need but that's usually not the case. A good wedding photojournalist will scope out other rooms and window lighting and plan ahead. Once you find the right combination of window light, reflector and background, get to work. And don't forget to bracket!