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.