I imagine for those who aren't professional photographers you might ask 'what IS wedding photojournalism?'. Its a term that has been bantered about over the last few years.    

Photojournalistic style weddings hit the scene several years ago when newspaper photographers were starting to see their demise as the digital age came screaming into our lives.  Skilled at moving and thinking fast, a few of the founders were former war photographers, rather appropos at times!  A hard and fast rule in the news business when it comes to still photographs is very little after capture manipulation is allowed.  You probably remember hearing about images from Operation Desert Storm and Freedom being manipulated.  To report the news, in the past, the truth was paramount, 'just the facts'.  Therefore other than basic dodging and burning, lightening and darkening, minor cropping are all that are allowed.  But changing or, god forbid, directing action for anything other than a portrait just wasn't done.  Some of these photographers were the best of the best, winning Pulitzers and other global awards.  Remember the photograph of the commercial jet that just arrived on the tarmac at night?  All the interior windows were lit, with everyone looking out and down?  They were looking at a flag draped coffin of a soldier having given his all to his Country, returning home, for the last time. Probably one of the most moving photographs of our generation. Yes, the photographer won Photo of the Year.  Nothing was staged.  He knew the coffin was arriving on this flight and was there to capture the moment.  He didn't direct the passengers or fellow servicemen and women.  He just observed.  That is real photojournalism.

Today photojournalism has morphed and become a catch-all term for un-scripted moments.  The big difference is with weddings everyone knows there is a photographer or two in the room.  They are usually prepared for those posed shots, one after the other. Which we always do.  But the key to photojournalism is being sneaky and alert, always observing.  Ready just in time to press the shutter when the groom is watching his new bride dancing with her dad while sporting a huge, loving grin on his face. That is photojournalism. He is totally lost in the moment and not aware of the photographer.  Those are rare moments in a wedding that can't be missed or directed.  Those are the moments you cherish 20 years from now.

What I do is blend photojournalism style in the capture of the image, always with an eye for artistic light and composition. Each and every one of them. With some post manipulation in color temperature, shadows and highlights I can take a moment to an artistic visual representation of an unscripted moment.  Most important to me is that I use the rules of true photojournalism, in the capture, but with one caveat, I am in control of the light. I use the light to carve a moment into a beautiful image that comes to life and pops out at you.  Then once I've properly captured the image I can take it to another level with post processing tweaks and adjustments.  I break the rule of photojournalism first when I add multiple light stands and flashes to the equation. I'm now controling the environment to an extent. The second time I break it is not in content, just slightly in the presentation.  

Every wedding is a personal expression of you and your fiance.  So what makes a song a real classic?  To me, it's when different musicians take the lyrics and music to another level through self expression. Same with a wedding.  

I've spoken about photojournalism but I'm sure you are asking 'but what about the traditional portraits?'  Prior to shooting weddings I shot portraits, both environmental and studio.  They will be less 'turn this way, tilt your head, pull veil over your heads' staged and directed, 2 dimensional representations. But more a 3-dimensional portrait of both your physical and inner self.  You still receive those beautiful portraits most traditional wedding photographers provide. But we relax. We grab a window or private place to take your portraits.  It gives you a moment to...breathe.  No stress.  Posed, structured images are minimal with my weddings. I do impart lots of tricks and hints well in advance of your wedding for you in case you're a tad camera-shy.  By the time we are done you will say "hey that was fun!". I'm all about you loving the experience without it taking up half your wedding day!

Hopefully this helps you in your choice of wedding photographic capture.