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Frequently, I am asked about the style of photography I use. Interestingly, I ask my clients the same question, but it sounds a bit different: “What kind of photos do you want?” As a rule, people are often challenged to answer this question. They typically say, “We would like beautiful, unique photos…” This is why I have decided to explore two main styles of wedding photography. We take pictures utilizing both styles. Also, when we meet and have further discussions with the bride and groom, it becomes quite obvious what their preferences are and what they want in a finished product. I believe that this is exactly what professional photography is all about, that is, to give people what they want and to make every effort to have others looking through the photos say, “Wow, these pictures are stunning! Who was the photographer?  :) ” It is because of this factor, that I do not post a mix of best photos on my web site, as few single photos cannot portray and reflect a wholesome craft of a true photographer.

Styles of wedding photography

There are many styles of wedding photography and filming, but the two most popular are traditional (classic) and wedding photojournalism (spontaneous photo). When utilizing these two styles, photographer uses the same equipment. The only difference is the method.

Traditional Wedding Photography

To be honest, approximately 50% of my clients initially reject the idea of standard wedding photos. Probably, because they’ve seeing enough of similar art :). For some reason, standard wedding pictures present frozen and tortured poses with stone-faced bride and groom. In reality, however, the story is quite different. A true standard photo must be superior in its realism and freedom of movement, so much so that any fixed poses are simply invisible.

Traditional, or classic style of wedding photography was the first in history and it remains very popular to this day. The concept lies in photographer giving directions for posing: how and where to stand, look, etc. In other words, the photographer creates the uniqueness of the shot.

Classic-style photography is quite an elaborate process, where photographer leads, controls, and organizes the entire production. Photographer, here, must demonstrate his ability to have a vision of and to create just the right type of lightening, to accurately pose those being photographed, and if possible, to use various props during the session in order to find a harmonious and (in my opinion) believable composition, avoiding typical and repetitive photos. I enjoy taking classic photos, as it allows me to apply my photo experience to its fullest, including my work with photo models and advertisement industry. However, one must always remember (as I mention this to all my clients), that this style of photography is very time-consuming. Do not even think of getting a variety of interesting and unique shots in half and hour timeframe. If it is your desire to feel as a model and to experience a pleasurable photo-session, then be ready to plan your day accordingly! Remember, a good picture takes time!

To avoid unnecessary chaos and loss of time during the session, it is useful for you to give photographer, who will be taking pictures in classic style, a list of the shots you deem as a must for you. The list should include particular composition of guests and particular shots you want. The required components of classic photography are the presence of correct lightening and appropriate background. In order to avoid unnecessary arguments, it is important for you to fully discuss, in advance, with the photographer all details of a photo-session (place, time, your preferences, etc.). All these guidelines are solely aimed to achieve the best results possible; when photographer has enough of the above information in advance, he will have time to think through all the details and prepare for the successful photo-session.

Wedding photojournalism.

The idea of wedding photojournalism is echoed in its very name: photojournalism is a documentary-based approach. That is, a creation of a story through photographs. Wedding photojournalism, in essence, is composed of photographs that are taken when individuals at play are not aware of being photographed. The outmost advantage of this style of photography is that it reflects real emotions and expressions of joy and happiness. In contrast with traditional style, wedding photojournalism is more intimate and artistically reflects all events on a wedding day. Photographer, here, has opportunities to catch the most extraordinary and momentary emotions that individuals experience, rather than demonstrate the celebratory atmosphere on a wedding day. The preparation of the bride and groom on a wedding day, the ceremony, the dance, etc., are specifically photographed in a photojournalistic style. Simultaneously, we try to play a practically invisible role in the process.

Photojournalism is an instrument of reflection of reality in a photo. And it is this reality that will not be expressed as rehearsed, planned, or expected. Photographer, here, does not control the scene; he simply captures the essential emotion. In such circumstances, photographer could be compared to a painter, who through photos, mirrors important events of the day, and it is up to the viewer to interpret and understand that the finished product you are to receive will reveal your wedding through the eyes of the photographer – how he saw everything during the event.

A summary comparison of the two styles of wedding photography.

Traditional style.

Here, photographer pays particular attention to posing. The intend is to create portraits. As a result, wedding photo-session becomes a rather model photo-session, where factors, such as background, lightening, composition, "correct" pose, etc., are of primary importance. The quality of photos directly relates to photographer’s experience, knowledge, and imagination, and what’s also important, the availability of time!

Photojournalism.

The uniqueness of this style is that photos demonstrate fusion of emotions with art, which altogether reflects a true mood of the wedding and its meaning. Photographer does not have a goal of posing individuals for portraits, but rather his agenda is the story of the event. There are no set rules in photojournalism such as lightening and background, and the essence of time is of minimal importance. The core of attention is given to You.

If you would like to start modeling career, or need your existing portfolio to be updated, we invite you to a photo-session free of charge. (Time for print or time for CD). Photo-sessions are arranged during afternoon hours in Brooklyn and/or Manhattan. We offer shoots of several models in a pair: two girls, a girl with a guy, etc. We are interested in models ages 18-35. Also, we invite hairstylists and make-up artists who would like to update their portfolios.

TFP, TFCD

Photo models, as a rule, know well the meaning of these two terms. However, if you do not have modeling experience and want to try yourself in modeling field, I will explain. Time for Print, or Time for CD is a wonderful approach to updating your portfolio without spending tons of money. At the same time, both a photographer and a model gain numerous benefits! If you are a model, you are paying for expensive services of professional photographer, photographer’s assistant, etc. To get a solid portfolio, the best possible results take a lot of time (possibly several days of photo shoots) and, consequently, a lot of money…For a photographer, working with models is equally important, as it provides photographer opportunities to “keep fit” (this is necessary for a photographer as it would be necessary for an athlete, or a musician), to create (synonymous to training oneself), and to improve his/her abilities, to test new equipment, and to search for new directions in photography.

 All in all, the benefit of such approach is obvious for both parties involved, the model and us! In exchange for your time, you will receive a CD with retouched and corrected images. To plan for a photo-session with us, we recommend that you prepare various outfits, do a good make-up, and have your hair styled. In addition, if you are searching for a wedding photographer and are certain that you can be a model, you can participate in a modeling photo-shoot, which will allow you to become familiarized with our work prior to your wedding. Moreover, we submit most successful photos to different contests and magazines, which may turn out to be a good marketing opportunity for you.

 Here are the photos of a gorgeous model,Katrin...

Here are the photos of a gorgeous model Faina