This article on capturing the moment in weddings got me thinking a bit. Do people realize what type of photographer they are hiring? What exactly is a reportage wedding photographer? What about his traditional brethren?

So lets look at the two main categories that photographers will align themselves. First, is the photojournalist or reportage wedding photographer. This photographer does not influence weddings at all, he stays out of your way and is a fly on the wall. Secondly, there is the traditional wedding photographer who sets up certain images or will move things around so that the picture looks its best. This shooter doesn’t mind having an influence on his images.

So which is the best? In my opinion- neither!

99% of weddings aren’t headline grabbing news events, so do we really need to act like we’re in a combat zone? I personally consider myself a reportage wedding photographer. I like having the majority of the images I take to be uninfluenced moments. However, I don’t believe an entire wedding should be shot this way, weddings are parties so I make sure if I’m asked to set something up I do it.

We can all understand why a photojournalist shouldn’t mislead their viewers. Just because something is set up doesn’t mean its misleading. However, can we truly say that we want our photos to be the exact replica of our special day? In the literal sense of photojournalism I’d have to tell my clients that I can’t photoshop the huge spot on their nose – because of my principles!

On the other hand I would dislike it if I had to set up every photograph! All my clients albums and my would look the same, people will notice that their weddings looks like their sister’s wedding I did 5 years ago. It seems like a pretty boring way to approach an entire shoot. Why do all the same boring poses that every other photographer has done over the last 50 years?

So when going through the difficult task of choosing a reportage wedding photographer or a traditional shooter ask why they prefer it or if they can do both. I believe a blended approach between reportage and the classic look is the ideal. It’s a perfect mix of both worlds and will give you a great overall final package.

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