The way I shoot weddings has evolved over the years and today I go about capturing the day as it unfolds as a set of story-telling reportage photos and also created stylized photographs that the best way to describe them is choreographed or directed plus group photos as requested.

When many couples are arranging their wedding it is often the first time they have any involvement with wedding photographers and a word that will often be in use to describe a certain style is 'reportage' or 'documentary' photography. This style is undirected by the photographer and has a 'fly on the wall' approach to photographing the wedding day, it can however be confusing to tell the difference between a good 'reportage' photo a mere snap or directed photo. Reportage photographs still follow the basic principles of what makes a good photograph which is quality of lighting, composition and artistic interpretation. The majority of reportage photographs are by chance that a certain situation presents itself never to be repeated and the photographer isready in anticipation captures the moment in time. It will very much depend on the day as to what the photographer captures and what presents itself. The best reportage images are those that are un-repeatable. It goes without saying that certain things will repeat like confetti throwing, ceremony etc.

Choreographed/directed photographs are when the photographer is fully engaging with the couple, bride or groom and working towards creating a photograph, sometimes this will also be with a group such as bridesmaids, bestman and ushers etc. Placing them in the best light and location and by his interpersonal skills and artistic ability will bring about a photograph. This could be quite obviously staged and stylistic and it his ability and not by chance that the photograph comes about and is repeatable. He can also create moments and enthuse his subjects in to natural expressions. Sometimes this gets confused with being 'reportage' as although these are contrived they can still look natural and as if it just happened by chance which is part of his skill.

You also have 'traditional' which is again contrived. These could include static groups and still I find many couples want various groups to record who was there.

Your first decision in finding a wedding photographer that will suit you is to decide what you want from your wedding photography style wise.

I like to shoot all these styles as I believe this giives my clients a complete coverage of their day and will go towards making a truly stunning wedding album.

Following are 3 slide shows showing these diiferent styles I shoot.

Reportage:

Directed/Choreographed:

Traditional: