Reportage Wedding Photography
There is some confusion that surrounds the genre of “Reportage Wedding Photography”, it is commonly misused by wedding photographers attempting to spread the net and cover all bases, to increase bookings. I’d like to help you to understand what reportage photography is and how I adopt reportage techniques consistently when I photograph weddings.
My approach to Reportage Wedding Photography in Margaret River.
I love photographing weddings in a reportage style, having the license to be creative and compile hundreds of un posed moments to create my clients unique wedding story. I love people and how people interact together, the various characters and personalities.
I grew up photographing people in London just for the fun of it. I would loose days walking the streets, jumping on the tube and excitedly capturing moments with my film camera. I have that very same passion at every wedding I photograph.
My reportage photography will capture the atmosphere at your wedding, the spontaneity that naturally happens between guests with the emotions of your day. The environment and setting where your wedding happened, what it looked like from afar, the styling details that you thought through late at night. It’s also about the natural light and colours.
Hundreds of different factors that are placed together, resulting in a genuine linear memory of your wedding day. Authentic moments, not contrived poses.
“My husband googled photographers and found John - and so glad he did! John was so easy going and we didn’t even know he was there on the day! He captured our whole day with out it being stuffy boring. I didn’t want hundreds of family shots - I just wanted to to be very natural and thats what we got with John. It was fabulous :) “
Lexi.S
The essential people skills of a reportage wedding photographer.
I really value creating an experience that encourages couples and wedding guests to relax and enjoy their day. Be present with who you are with, enjoy their company and don’t even have a thought in your head about photography.
This allows me to capture the beautiful exchanges between people, the type of photographs that everyone loves and comments about. Photographing peoples personality and character, whether they are notorious for shedding a tear, erupting into laughter or a quiet listener.
Discussing your photo expectations with your reportage style wedding photographer.
I extensively plan every wedding that I photograph with my couples and create a unique wedding timeline for them. . I have photographed hundreds of weddings for twenty years now and I have varied my approach at each wedding to suit the bride and groom on their wedding day.
A simple conversation helps my couples to know the various photo options available to them. I can ask them about time allocations to family group photographs and also bridal party photographs. I also find out if they would like to leave the venue for photos or stay to get back to their guests sooner. One wedding I photographed requested zero directed or posed photographs at all on their wedding day.
Groom looks lovingly at his bride just before they are about to be announced.
Planning your reportage wedding photos
Once I have a feeling of the mix of reportage and directed photos you would like I can start putting a plan together for you. I will give you examples of times allocated and what that time will deliver as far as bridal photos for instance.
As we plan your wedding photography together I can create a timeline for you. I will work to this timeline on your wedding day, organising proceedings when required and blending into the action when I have time to let your day flow.
The best wedding experience ever.
Importantly when it comes to your wedding day I advise that you trust your photographer to keep you on track and have your back if and when required.
I want my bride and groom to be fully present with their loved ones on their wedding day, living the moments, taking it all in and having the best experience ever.
You do not want to be half engaged in a conversation and half starting to worry when you are supposed to start family group photos. You also don’t want to be unnecessarily hurrying along a family member congratulating you when we have planned enough time to enjoy that part of your day.
Trust your photographer to tap you on your shoulder and give you a five minute warning when needed and you will enjoy your wedding experience so much more.
“Our photos were amazing and completely exceeded our expectations. John Rice is the most incredibly talented photographer and captured our day just beautifully. He really put us at ease and was a joy to spend our day with. I would highly recommend John to anyone looking for a photographer.”
Larissa B.
Can Reportage Wedding Photographers direct people?
When it is in the timeline to direct people, I will do that. I can direct people into the “big group shot” or family groups and also bridal party photos. I started my wedding career photographing large Italian weddings in Fremantle and Perth.
So, I have photographed traditional style weddings with posing and direction. I think it’s very handy to have those set of people skills at weddings when required.
You don’t want to find out on your wedding day that your reportage wedding photographer is very shy and cannot direct groups of people when required. I have heard of this happening.
My bridal party direction is very light, natural and fun. I direct people into great natural light or beautiful photo scenes. I then create an element of spontaneity with a fun game, or interaction. This results in photos that look like they are very natural and caught in the moment but with the benefit of flattering light and amazing backdrops.
