How Can You Tell a Wedding Photojournalist?

It sounds like the set up line for a joke. How can you tell a wedding photojournalist?

Just about every wedding photographer these days claims to do some wedding photojournalism. It’s become one of those buzz words that everyone uses, yet few really know what they mean when they are using it.

I frequently see articles telling brides and grooms to look at the photographer’s work. Is this an accurate guide to who is and who is not a wedding photojournalist?

Sometimes, and only sometimes. Some traditional wedding photographers are good at posing shots that are “mock wedding photojournalism.” Some wedding photojournalists excel at found photos that are so well lit and beautifully composed, you think they are staged.

Most people think this photo of Mindy and Billy was staged. In truth, I only had a few seconds to grab the shot, when they spontaneously kissed as we were turning to go back indoors.

So how do you know?

There is one, and only one, accurate guide for knowing whether your photographer is a wedding photojournalist. Ask them how they shoot.

A traditional wedding photographer stops the couple throughout the day and asks them to pose for photos. This can be intrusive, or, with more experienced photographers, can only take a few moments. However, a distinctive characteristic of traditional wedding photography is that the photographer gives direction in things like posing, where to look, and where to stand.

A wedding photojournalist will give very little direction throughout the day, and that direction will be limited to the formal group shots and portraits. For getting ready photos, reception photos, and traditions like the garter toss, cake cutting and leaving the reception — essentially for the majority of the day — a wedding photojournalist will quietly capture real moments without interrupting what is going on.

The biggest difference is not necessarily in the photos, but in the experience you have on your wedding day.