WPJA Wedpix Magazine article.

WPJA or the Wedding Photojournalist Association publishes a quarterly online magazine called WedPix which is chock full of information for both photographer and bride alike. In the November addition there are a couple of articles I think that are really great. It is nice to see that the very things I bring up when I talk to people about my approach to photography are reiterated here by other photojournalists. Wedding photojournalism is not a marketing trick, a way to stand out from other types of wedding photographers and book more weddings, it is truly and without sounding like a cliche, a mindset that is not so much as learned as it is woven into the personality of the photographer.

In the Article “Hiring a Creative Professional” by Megan McEwan, Megan touches on key points like the importance on focusing on the creative and not the “package”, the pitfalls of directing as well as the advantages of coordinating your vendors, trusting in your photographer and most importantly, accepting that you cannot control everything on the wedding day. I must say a dozen times to people at weddings, “Don’t worry about me. If I need you for something I’ll let you know–otherwise please enjoy your day as if I am not here.” I can also relate to the portrait-a-thon comment made in the article. I’d much rather sneak out of the wedding with the couple and spend a few minutes taking intimate photos than spending the same amount of time lining up a group of 2nd cousins who would much rather be inside at the cocktail hour. Unfortunately, the more involved the “Formals” become, the less time is left for the very shots people seem to book me for.

The other article I likes was called “Newsrooms To Weddings: The Transition” by Paul Ziobro. It is about how closely aligned an event like a wedding is to photographing an event for a wire service or newspaper. Knowing the framework of the event (there will be kisses, dances, speeches, and cakes) helps anticipate the moments without orchestrating them. The difference is except instead of trying to get just one shot, there is a whole day to work with. That’s why I tell people I tell stories with my camera: I am there more like a documentary photographer who is attending a wedding with a deadline to get the story than a guy in a stuffed suit who is barking orders where everyone has to stand, look, smile etc….

So click on the links above to go to the wedpix article and have a read. You may learn a tidbit that will help you plan your wedding or reduce the stress of worrying about it. You will also learn that hiring a photojournalist is not just the new trendy thing to do, but a serious commitment to tell your wedding story.

After I posted this post, Wedpix released their December article.  It too is a great read for those looking for additional information on wedding photojournalism.