In the timeless (traditional) style of wedding photography, the photographer plays a very active role. He or she orchestrates virtually the entire wedding according to a preplanned shot list. Every photo is carefully posed. Depending on the length of time for which he or she is hired, some of your most personal wedding moments, such as cutting the cake or throwing the bouquet, may have to be re-enacted or faked for the camera.



Tradition isn't such a timeless style when you're a guest waiting around for the bride and groom to arrive at the reception hall. The time between the ceremony and the transition to the reception hall generally belongs to the photographer, as he works with the bridal party to have the best shots for a photo album. A session of posed photos could take up to two hours while guests are left waiting.

There are a few major advantages to timeless wedding photography. Since the shot list is preplanned, couples can be sure that no event or family member is left out. The posed photos also look beautiful in a wedding album, creating a classic memento of the big day.

Photojournalistic wedding photography takes the opposite approach to the timeless style. Rather than posed photographs, the emphasis is on candid photography. The wedding photographer takes a much more passive role, capturing the day as it unfolds naturally rather than directing the show.

Many engaged couples feel that wedding photojournalism captures the big day in a more realistic way. They also prefer the low-key approach of the photojournalistic style, feeling that the photographer should document what actually happens rather than faking events for the photographic effect.

Wedding photojournalism does have its own downside, however. Since there is no shot list, it is possible that key relatives or friends will inadvertently be left out of the photos. The photographer's instincts must be top notch as he or she decides what to cover during the busy reception. Ambient rather than photographic lighting will generally be used, which can lead to some less than perfect photographs. Finally, your album will contain no traditional posed photos. Some parents feel that their child's wedding album is incomplete without some traditional photos. You, too, may regret the lack of posed photos one day.

wedding photojournalism is a great way for the bride and groom to see all the little things they might have missed during their wedding. Most couples don't realize how much of the wedding they missed until they see the video of the event. A video of the wedding makes the wedding day a completely new experience. If you ask, a wedding photography studio might give you a package that includes both the video and the still shots. You might be able to take the formal portraits before the wedding, leaving you more time to enjoy the reception and your guests.