When the time comes to select a professional wedding photographer for your special day, there are various elements to consider that will greatly affect the outcome. How can you be sure which wedding photographer is the right one for you? You can research online, visit bridal shows, read local phone books, or go by the recommendations of friends. Today’s professional wedding photography is dominated by two major styles: traditional and photojournalism. Before you rush to tell your photographer that you want photojournalism because you’ve heard the buzz word, let’s get some understanding about what these two photography styles actually are.

Traditional Photography is setup in a controlled environment. It’s not less creative, but often produces higher quality results; as subjects are carefully positioned to achieve the maximum pose and lighting effects. From cloth position to facial expressions, the photographer maintains absolute control. However the time it takes to set up often interferes with the wedding.

Photojournalism is a process in which the photographer shoots a large quantity of photos, and produces a timelined story. The environment is uncontrolled, very similar to shooting a documentary film. Photos are shot as the wedding day is happening. Although picture quality sometimes doesn’t quite match up to the controlled traditional photography, photojournalism is extremely spontaneous, and often produces very creative images without interrupting the flow of the wedding. But beware, an over-emphasis on the photojournalistic approach from a photographer can be a sign of an amateur. Natural can work only when it’s done well and truth is not always pretty. Some photographers do this very well. Just be sure your photographer can shoot this style professionally in an artistic way.

Some photographers are strictly photojournalists, some are solely traditional artists, and others demonstrate both skills and styles combined as a single entity. As the art of photography progressed, the wedding photojournalism movement has lured in many wedding couples in recent years. However, the importance of traditional portraiture should never be overlooked. Formal portraiture has been one of the most popular forms of art for centuries. All the historical figures have opted to record themselves via this artistic approach for a very good reason: traditional portraiture captures the subject with the utmost flattering perspective and vision.