Traditional vs photo-journalistic wedding photography
Choosing between traditional and photo-journalistic wedding photography can be tricky, but understanding the key differences can help you make the best decision. In this guide, we explore 9 key distinctions between these two styles.
From the posed, formal shots of traditional photography to the candid, storytelling approach of photo-journalism, we break down how each style captures your big day. Whether you prefer timeless portraits or spontaneous moments, knowing the differences will help you select the style that best fits your vision.
Make an informed decision by reading the 9 key differences in the argument traditional vs photo-journalistic wedding photography.
1. Posing vs. Candid
- Traditional: This style emphasizes carefully arranged poses, ensuring that subjects look their best with ideal posture and expressions. It’s common in formal wedding photography. The goal is to create timeless, polished images where everyone is perfectly positioned and looking directly at the camera. There’s a danger this kind of photography lacks personality and spontaneity but conversely it ensures you get exactly the images you require.
- Photojournalistic: Instead of posing subjects, this approach captures moments as they happen naturally. There may be some guidance but normally emphasis is on genuine emotions, spontaneous interactions, and real expressions. This approach is much more popular for weddings where storytelling is key, as it reflects the energy and authenticity of the moment without forced or unnatural poses. Be yourselves and let your photographer capture your day.
2. Direction vs. Observation
- Traditional: The photographer takes full control of the scene, guiding subjects on where to stand, how to pose, and even adjusting small details like hand placement or facial expressions. This ensures consistency across all images, making them appear highly refined, but it can sometimes make subjects feel overly staged or artificial. It doesn’t lend it self well to a relaxed experience.
- Photojournalistic: Instead of directing too much, the photographer works discreetly, capturing scenes as they unfold. This allows for a more immersive experience, where the subjects are unaware of the camera, leading to more natural interactions. The result is a collection of images that feel organic and emotionally rich. Email Bigeye Photography and ask about how I achieve this.
3. Shot List vs. Unscripted
- Traditional: A structured shot list is essential, ensuring key moments are captured, such as family portraits. The photographer follows a checklist, leaving little room for spontaneity. This guarantees all expected images are taken but may limit the ability to capture unexpected, meaningful moments.
- Photojournalistic: Rather than following a rigid shot list, the photographer adapts to the situation, capturing moments as they happen. This allows for greater flexibility, making space for raw, emotional, and unscripted interactions. While it may not guarantee every expected shot, it often results in a more compelling and unique set of images. Speak to your photographer about creating a middle ground between these two options. Don’t forget to make use of the evening for your group shots like Holly & Ed did at their Merriscourt wedding day.
4. Lighting Control vs. Natural Light
- Traditional: This approach often involves extensive lighting setups, such as studio strobes, reflectors, and flash to create perfectly illuminated images. Artificial lighting helps eliminate shadows, control highlights, and produce a polished, professional look. The downside is that it can sometimes feel artificial, removing the natural ambiance of the scene. It’s also difficult for a photographer to react at an event such as a wedding where a dynamic photo-journalistic wedding photography approach may be necessary.
- Photojournalistic: The use of natural or available light is preferred to maintain the authenticity of the moment. Photographers in this style adapt to changing light conditions, whether it’s the golden glow of sunset or dim candlelight at a wedding reception. While this can make exposure tricky, it results in a more atmospheric, true-to-life image and enables you to focus on having fun. A good photographer will be able tocreate ambient images like the one below in the evening, even with a mainly photo-journalistic wedding photography approach.
5. Composition vs. Storytelling
- Traditional: Composition is a top priority, with photographers ensuring perfect framing, symmetry, and balance in each shot. Classic portrait rules, such as the rule of thirds and leading lines, are strictly followed. The focus is on visual perfection rather than spontaneity, resulting in highly structured, aesthetically pleasing images. These take time which means you might not get to spend as much of your reception with your guests as you planned.
- Photojournalistic: Storytelling takes precedence over composition, meaning the shot might not always be perfectly framed, but it conveys emotion and narrative. It could be argued that the storytelling approach conveys real, honest emotion. The emphasis is on capturing meaningful interactions, such as your father tearing up before walking his daughter down the aisle or you just enjoying the golden hour by the lake at Birtsmorton Court!
6. Retouching vs. Minimal Editing
- Traditional: Heavy post-processing is common, including skin retouching, blemish removal, background enhancements, and color corrections. The aim is to create flawless images that appear polished and magazine-ready. This meticulous editing process can significantly alter the original photo, creating an idealized version of reality. These images may not age well.
- Photojournalistic: Editing is typically kept minimal to preserve the authenticity of the image. Basic adjustments such as color correction, contrast balancing, and cropping may be applied, but heavy retouching is avoided. The goal is to maintain the raw, genuine essence of the moment.
7. Predictability vs. Spontaneity
- Traditional: The structured nature of traditional photography ensures predictable results. Since each pose, light setup, and angle is pre-planned, clients can expect their images to closely match examples they’ve seen before. This can be reassuring for those who want a consistent, tried-and-true photography style with few surprises. It also means you can manage your day better.
- Photojournalistic: Every wedding is unique, with no two images looking exactly the same. Since the photographer is capturing candid moments as they occur when capturing photo-journalistic wedding photography, there’s an element of unpredictability. This means some shots may not be perfect, but they often result in emotionally powerful, one-of-a-kind images or sets of images that tell a deeper story.
8. Couple Expectation
- Traditional: Couples who prefer this style typically want structured portraits that prioritize beauty, clarity, and classic composition. Expect a mix of family shots, formal poses, and magazine-worthy images where everyone looks their best. This style is particularly appealing to those who want a reliable, polished and more editorial result.
- Photojournalistic: Couples choosing a photojournalistic approach value authenticity and raw emotion over perfection. This prioritises moments over poses and creates images that transport you back to the event’s emotions. Couples that choose this kind of photography understand that not every shot will be perfectly framed, but they appreciate the realness and storytelling aspect of this style. Trust your photographer – if in doubt, ask questions and read reviews.
9. Timeline Dependence
- Traditional: A strict schedule is followed to ensure that all important shots are taken at the right time. Portrait sessions are often allocated specific time slots during events like weddings, and lighting setups may require careful coordination. While this guarantees well-planned images, it can sometimes feel rigid or time-consuming.
- Photojournalistic: This style is more flexible and less dependent on a schedule. The photographer moves around freely, capturing events as they unfold rather than sticking to a fixed plan. This allows for a more relaxed experience where the photographer adapts to the flow of the event, resulting in more natural and immersive images. Want natural relaxed wedding images, then choose this.
Ultimately, choose a photographer that meets your needs, whether it be traditional, photo-journalistic or a mixture of both approaches. It’s most important that your photographer is someone that you connect with. Read some wedding photography reviews.
