Whether you label your self as a Documentary Wedding Photographer, Reportage Wedding Photographer or a Wedding Photojournalist – to me it makes very little difference, and to the general public and potential Bride & Groom looking for a photographer probably even less.
Yes, there are clients that know their documentary from their contemporary, some just ‘get it’ and others just don’t. We want our work to be valued, respected and cherished no matter what category label it is given.
To my contemporaries and all the purists out there, my apologies for upsetting you but this is the way I feel. The words and descriptions are important, don’t get me wrong; they do identify some of the real professionals standing true to the role of telling stories full of truth and integrity. But unfortunately the terminology has been over used and subsequently water down in its potency. With so many photographers describing their own style as such just because they have some black & white images on display is it really any wonder?
The key phrases of Documentary, reportage and photo-journalism have been abused and worked to death by so many people hoping to cash in on easy search engine hits and having been enslaved to the system of throwing bucket loads of content to feed the insatiable beast known as Google.
As a professional photographer of nearly 20 years now, and having worked for the UK’s leading editorial titles for most of that, delivering images with a flowing narrative is something that is second nature to me. The glory days of the quality broadsheet newspapers – I remember very well.
My college days were the times when I used to rush to buy a copy of The Independent, just to marvel at the quality and beauty within its pages. This title led the way in placing a heavy emphasis on picture power and picture usage, a perspective that has now been lost and replaced with a present day policy of “how much will it cost us?” and “can we get it for free on Flickr or Facebook?”
As the very market that inspired generations of documentary photographers has declined, it left behind it many talented and gifted photographers without an infrastructure within which to support them. I believe this is one of the reasons why I now see many former colleagues working within the wedding industry and offering their great skills to wedding couples who really want and appreciate beautiful, natural documentary wedding photography.
This genre and style was once only represented and available for appreciation within the elite news and documentary media. The imagery was taken by world-renowned photographers leading a jet set life moving from one time zone to another in the pursuit of delivering true stories.
This style and documentary influence is now entering a new era. The stories of the biggest day in a couples life is now being documented by craftsmen holding true to the old values of observing without undue influence, providing accurate, emotive imagery that captures the soul.
Long may the new era continue, the evolution and popularization of documentary wedding photography is wonderful to be a part of. Young couples that appreciate this genre can now have the greatest day of their lives captured in powerful photography by true professionals that share a passion for documentary photography.
If you have enjoyed this post, Why not get in touch now to check availability and to book Dorset Wedding Photographer Linus Moran. Frequently photographing weddings in Devon, Dorset,Wiltshire & Hampshire offering a distinctive approach to documentary wedding photography.
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Are you looking for something entirely new within Documentary Wedding Photography – why not check out my Photofilms ?
Photofilms interweave the strong stills imagery of documentary / reportage wedding photography with recorded sound from the vows, speeches and background atmosphere. Photofilms allow me to present an emotive product & record of your day, containing timeless moments enveloped by the cherished voices of loved ones.
