Reportage Photography
You might see the word ‘reportage’ on lots of wedding photographer’s websites but what are they talking about? Well it’s basically a photo-journalistic approach whereby you tell the story through pictures; we’ve all heard the expression “a picture tells a thousand words” haven’t we! A true reportage photographer will capture the events as they happen in a candid and unobtrusive fashion. Traditional wedding photographers tend to control the pace and hold the day up by asking everyone to pose for photographs. For many this can become frustrating and the resulting photographs lack narrative and character.
However it’s not just a case of pointing the camera and taking the picture, reportage photographers will plan ahead, assess the lighting around them, plan their shots and then wait for that perfect moment to unfold, often undetected. It’s not a case of lurking in the shadows though with a long lens, to tell the story the photographer has to get in with the action and listen to what’s going on around them. This approach not only creates a sense of perspective, but artistic images which convey the atmosphere at those moments in time.
Reportage photography is shooting the most powerful images to convey the atmosphere of the event and, therefore, preserving a moment forever. Reportage shows the emotion felt by the subjects and the images make you feel like you were there. That second that the groom whoops after the declaration of marriage or when the mother-of-the-bride puts a loving hand on her daughter’s face before she goes to meet her betrothed. Reportage sees it all, lays out the whole event piece by piece – and most importantly, protects your most cherished memories.
For me, reportage photography is the most artistic approach to encapsulate all that is significant to you and the essence of your day.
To achieve creative, visual storytelling through reportage wedding photography means moments take centre stage, while the photographer slips into the background, unobstructive and discreet. The photographer knows their subject, understands what makes them tick and understands the value of creating emotion-filled, timeless images for the whole family to treasure.
Here are some examples of reportage wedding photography from recent weddings I’ve had the pleasure of capturing:
NikkiGreat article and very informative!
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BIllyGreat article is there any chance I can take it and copy it onto my own blog
vancouver wedding photography| photography vancouver|vancouver photography courses|vancouver family photography | photography courses vancouver|baby photography vancouver|photography classes vancouver|photography school vancouver | indian wedding photograThank you for the good writeup.
RKI hate staged wedding shots and much prefer this type of candid style.
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NormanGreat post!
Erran Stewart PhotographyExcellent definition, couldn’t have put it better myself.
TamaraOutstanding!
Fine Art Photography Friday - China | San Antonio Wedding PhotographersI really enjoy the Reportage style of photography in the spirit of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Andre Kertesz.
JJ JacksonThe photo of the bride with the overflowing bottle of champagne is stellar.
Paul FletcherBeautifully put Murray and lovely photos. You have a great eye and I especially like the shot of the MOB from behind the bride and groom during the speeches!
Penelope LaneI was just stopping by to read up your definition of reportage photography but ended up being absolutely captivated by your work! Thanks for sharing and inspiring us!
Lighting: moods | Peter Apers Photoblog[…] We all know that when we tell our subject that we are going to take a picture, we get automatically a pose with a nice smile. Most of the time all emotions are gone. Therefore, I prefer to take pictures when people are not aware of the camera to tell a story. Then, they express their genuine emotions (reportage photography). […]
AgapeLove it
Candid PhotographerWow..Wonderful