Imagine looking through your wedding photos years later. What would you like to see in them? Authentic emotions, sincere smiles, touched looks and moments you may not even remember? How about perfectly placed poses, perfected faces and impeccable hand layouts?
As a wedding photographer, I believe that the most beautiful photos are those that are real. That’s why in my work I focus on natural photography, without artificially setting up people or directing scenes. I focus on capturing real emotions and moments that happen spontaneously. In this article, I will talk about why this philosophy of wedding photography makes sense and what the results are.
How is wedding reportage different from classic photography?
Wedding photography can take many forms. The two most popular are traditional posed photography and documentary wedding photography, or wedding reportage. Of course, this is not an official distinction, just my own experience in observing various wedding photographers.
Set-up (posed) photography
- The photographer instructs the couple how to position themselves, where to look, how to smile. This keeps the couple from having to think about how they should look in the photos, but at the same time can feel less natural. Some couples are fine with this, but most just want to experience their day without having to constantly control their posture.
- Every detail is perfected – from the arrangement of hands to the positioning of the dress. The photographer makes sure that everything is perfectly composed, which makes the photos almost sterile. The problem is that the spontaneity and authenticity of the moment is often lost in the process.
- The result? Perfect photos, but sometimes without real emotion. Remember that a wedding is first and foremost an experience, not just an aesthetic souvenir. Overly directed photos may look beautiful, but will they convey the atmosphere of the day?
Weddings
- The photographer does not interfere in the events, but only documents them. This means that the photos reflect the true course of the day, without artificially arranging the situation. The bride and groom and guests can enjoy the moment without worrying about someone rearranging them every now and then or telling them how they should look.
- Photos are spontaneous and capture authentic moments. They can be small gestures, glances, laughter or tears of emotion. Capturing these moments makes the photographs have emotional value and become timeless.
- The result? Authentic wedding photos that take you back to those moments. Viewing them years later, you can feel as if you were there again on your wedding day. This is a completely different dimension of memories than perfectly set frames.
Why don’t I set people up during a wedding reportage?
1. authentic emotions are the most important
The most beautiful moments during a wedding are those that happen on their own: the look of the bride at the groom in the church, the laughter of the guests at the table, the tears of emotion on the face of the parents. These momentary emotions are impossible to reproduce, which is why it is so important to capture them as they happen. When a couple looks at each other with love, they don’t need to be told how to do it – just capture it.
2. the couple and guests feel comfortable
Not everyone likes to pose. In fact, most people feel tense and unnatural in front of the lens. The more the photographer “sets up,” the less authentic the reactions are. Often, when the photographer instructs how to position the hands or head, the end result looks unnatural, and instead of feeling at ease, the couple begins to wonder if they are doing it right.
In a wedding photography without posing, the guests and bride and groom forget about the camera and just celebrate their day. And I’m there to capture it all, letting them be themselves and enjoy the moment. That way, the photos are full of real emotion and show how you really are, not how someone set you up.
3. reportage is a story, not a catalog of posed photos
Every wedding is a story – from the preparations, to the ceremony, to the wedding party. Documentary wedding photography is not intended to create a set of perfect portraits, but to show the course of events as they really happened.
Think of it as a movie – what is more moving: fake dialogues or real emotions? Reportage is about capturing the moments that build the narrative of this one of the most important days of your life. Every detail, every look, every uncontrollable laugh are the bricks that build the story of your wedding.
Do I never set up photos?
Not really. Some moments need some direction:
- Group photos – must be well composed and orderly. Here the photographer’s interference is necessary to ensure that everyone is clearly visible and the photo is not chaotic. Nevertheless, I try to make them look natural and not too stiff.
- Outdoor session – instead of stiff posing, I suggest the couple to have simple interactions, like walking or talking, so that the photos still feel natural. As a result, you get beautiful, dynamic frames that look casual and fit perfectly into the philosophy of natural wedding photography.
Photographer Zakopane
Wedding photography should be real and emotional. That’s why I rely on wedding photojournalism, which captures natural moments and allows couples to return to them even after many years. Authentic wedding photos have great value because they show real stories, not artificially created scenes.
If you are looking for a wedding photographer who will let you experience your day to the fullest, without directing and setting – I invite you to contact me. Let’s create together a souvenir full of emotions that will last for years!
