Photography terms are tricky sometimes, especially when more than one term is used to describe the same thing. Let’s make things easier for you: Reportage is a journalist’s report of the news (Get it? Reportage/reporter?), so by following a logical thought process, reportage wedding photography would be a photographer’s report of the wedding. Doesn’t that sound an awful lot like photojournalism wedding photography, a style we discussed in another post?

Well, that’s because it is the same! Reportage wedding photography, or photojournalism wedding photography, is the style that focuses on documenting the entire day in photos, much like a journalist would document the entire event in a news article. Many couples prefer reportage wedding photography because it focuses on the moments of the special day instead of being consumed with posing wedding participants. The photos are candid, raw, and full of emotion – and they look entirely different than the wedding photos of yesteryear. They tell the story of one of the most important days of your life.

How do you decide if reportage wedding photography is for you? Most photographers will be up front about their style of photography, whether it’s on their Web site or when you can to ask some questions. Once you’ve determined what style a photographer shoots, take a glance through their online gallery or portfolio. Taking time to browse samples is the best way to determine which type of style you want for your photo albums. You’ll quickly notice the difference between reportage and traditional wedding photography. If you want reportage wedding photography with some traditional photos mixed in, don’t be afraid to ask your photographer if they’re willing to do a blend of reportage and traditional wedding photography. Most photographers are happy to please their clients.

About the Author: Randolph Quan is a UK based wedding photojournalist. You can follow Randolph on Twitter or check out his wedding photography here.

Brides, you’ve spent the past few months planning your glamourous look on your wedding day. Why not take advantage of some stylish wedding photography techniques to capitalize on your effort?

Stylish wedding photography, one of the latest wedding photography trends, can make you and your new spouse look like you just stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine. The shots are dramatic, ethereal and/or romantic, depending on how the shot is set up.

So what makes a shot look high-fashion? Just a few ways are through scenery, the details in the fashion and the editing process.

The scenery in a stylish wedding photography shoot is out of the ordinary. It’s unexpected. You won’t find any stylish wedding photography happening in a group photo in front of an altar of a church. Instead, the photography will lead the bride and groom to out-of-the ordinary places to create a magical look. What type of places those might be is only limited to where you’re able to travel for photos. For most couples who don’t want to spend their wedding day taking a tour of the city, the photography will be done at their reception venue. So daydream a little: Where can your photo shoot take place?

If you’re getting married in a historic inn, ask if you can be let into one of the ornate bedrooms for some photography. Here, you can get a gorgeous set-up of the bride applying red lipstick in mirror of the glamourous bathroom. Incorporate both the bride and groom with a pose on the bed, utilizing the bride’s stylish wedding gown perhaps as a blanket for them both.

The details in the fashion, though, is what makes it truly stylish wedding photography. Bright red lipstick, a pop of color on the bride’s bright pink shoes or the intricate details of an engagement ring or lace wedding gown – in the end, a fashion shoot is really all about what they’re wearing. A bride wearing an outdated wedding gown is probably not a likely candidate for a fine-art, stylish wedding photography shoot (unless it’s so outdated that it’s vintage, in which case, it’s fair game for a stylized shoot).

Finally, the editing process can really make a difference. With Photoshop and other photography editing programs, there are so many ways to make a photo look like fine art. One of the easiest tricks is converting to sepia or black and white – it makes the photo much more dramatic and emotional.

About the Author: Randolph Quan is a UK based wedding photojournalist. You can follow Randolph on Twitter or check out his wedding photography here.

How did you get into wedding photography, what took your interest?

I’d done a few weddings in Canada but I never really considered it doing it full time until a fellow UK wedding photographer asked me to help out. I had a lot of fun doing it, and it was such a breath of fresh air compared to the daily grind of being a journalist. I think it took me about 2 seconds to decide to go into business for myself.

Whats the biggest lesson you took away from your first ever wedding shoot?

To relax. It is so important for the bridal party to be comfortable and this is when their most natural moments come out.

Whats your favorite part of shooting a wedding?

It has to be during the ceremony. I get a real satisfaction when I capture a really good photo and this is usually when emotions are running high. For example, the groom’s first glimpse of the bride is a pretty special moment and then when they first lock eyes. Also, when I show the couples the final product, it’s like they’re reliving the emotions of the day.

What is your favorite photo and why?

The one with Rebecca Earp dancing (pictured). They were performing a Jewish dance, she was the centre of attention and there was so much colour going around her, she was stunning.

Tell me a unique, funny, or interesting experience you have had while photographing a wedding.

My favourite weding was one of my firsts. I photographed my friends in Canada, the couple had hired out a summer camp, everyone went up the day before and stayed in wooden cabins. By night, we lit fires and sang songs then during the day they got married by the lakeside dock with the reception in the mess hall, later we were dancing in gymnasium. That was a pretty great venue.

Describe your typical day at work.

It may seem like photographers have glamorous jobs, however, a high percentage of my day is spent on admin, making phone calls, sending invoices, and planning. So for all you younger photographers you’ve been warned!

What advice do you have for individuals interested in pursuing a career in photography?

Shoot, shoot, shoot and shoot…. did I mention shoot? With digital photography it is easier to improve at a faster rate – look at other photographers who you admire and let their work influence your style. Its also really important to find a mentor. This can be really difficult, because it seems like everyone and their dog’s have cameras. Look for other photographer’s who inspire you then pester them until they take you on.

What do you love the most about your job?

Now that I’m an established UK wedding photographer everyday is different, there’s very little monotony and I don’t have to fight rush hour traffic!

Who and what has been a major influence on your photography?

My mentor in University – John Cosgrove. He was always tough on me but that made me a better photographer, I guess the toughest teachers probable care the most. He always led me to believe that I could do whatever I wanted to, he taught me to be different.

How do you approach your personal work as opposed to your wedding work or is there a difference?

There is no difference! I’d approach a wedding just like I would approach some of the big news events I’ve been to. That’s why I consider myself a unique UK wedding photographer, as I approach a wedding as if I were shooting a documentary.

How do you handle the most critical moment(s) in a wedding?

All the moments are critical, however, with experience you learn to place yourself in the best possible position to capture the moment.

What has been the best advice given to you by another photographer?

Really listen to what your couples want. The attention to detail s what will make you stand out from the crowd….and make sure you have you batteries charged!