p.2 #1 · What is a wedding photojournalist? What is real wedding photojournalism?
Hmmm. I think documentary is a broader term than PJ-ism. We call our work documentary photography because we aim to document real moments in a storytelling manner. Photojournalism, in the strict sense, is work done for journalistic publication. It can be documentary, posed, and everything in between.
Documentary photography has a rich tradition in both the fine art and photojournalism worlds, in my opinion.
A photojournalist can shoot in a documentary style, but a documentary photographer is not necessarily a photojournalist. Make sense?
p.2 #2 · What is a wedding photojournalist? What is real wedding photojournalism?
martinezphoto wrote:
The most important thing that separates true photojournalism from shooting in a "photojournalistic style" is an absolute and unwavering dedication to the truth. There can be absolutely no faking, fudging, "kind of", or "almost". It is either 100% real or you can look for another job. This is clearly not the standard today in what people call "wedding photojournalism"...
I think you were getting to the crux of your post right here, but you stopped before fully giving us that explanation. Can you expound on it? That will surely clear up some of the confusion. Right now we're just extrapolating on your meaning from the bread crumbs you gave us and it might not be where you wanted the discussion to go.
p.2 #3 · What is a wedding photojournalist? What is real wedding photojournalism?
My favorite line came from a podcast that I heard a couple years ago. Bride asks for "photojournalism" Photographer replies "Oh you want grainy black and white images delivered on newsprint?"
"Photojournalists" set up shots everyday. It's how those shots are represented in print or online that is the issue.
p.2 #4 · What is a wedding photojournalist? What is real wedding photojournalism?
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks".
Wow! 700+ pages views! Thanks for all the love peeps
Here's a couple more backstories...
The image of the couple walking in the distance with the toy piano in the foreground was from a story on a childcare center at one of the local high schools. Having the center on campus allowed teen parents to continue their education knowing their child was in good hands close by. The parents were also able to visit their children during breaks from class. I felt that this approach to the image had a dramatic composition to it, supported the writing, and allowed the identities of the couple to remain private. This is still one of my personal favorites.
The image of the nativity scene with the cars in front is from a story on a local church that every Christmas creates a drive through nativity. It is very popular tradition in the area with people piling the entire family into the SUV and driving from station to station as the nativity story is played out. It is quite a production and I feel like this image captures the uniqueness of it...
p.2 #5 · What is a wedding photojournalist? What is real wedding photojournalism?
"In the world of a working photojournalist "faking" a real moment gets you fired"
"There was NOTHING ready to photograph just an enormous empty space! So we actually spent two hours constructing and lighting the set you see behind him in order to get the image. Still one of my favorites to this day ."
I don't get it......but I'm pretty STOOPID so don't bother explaining!
p.2 #7 · What is a wedding photojournalist? What is real wedding photojournalism?
katahdin wrote:
"In the world of a working photojournalist "faking" a real moment gets you fired"
"There was NOTHING ready to photograph just an enormous empty space! So we actually spent two hours constructing and lighting the set you see behind him in order to get the image. Still one of my favorites to this day ."
I don't get it......but I'm pretty STOOPID so don't bother explaining!
I agree.
I think the OP is just pissed that people say they shoot in a "photo journalistic style" when they have never worked for a news agency. Personally I don't see the point in the tirade. About the only difference I can think of between a news photo journalist and a wedding photographer is that a wedding photographer can Photoshop at will. Besides that, both can stage people and sets and create beautiful portraits, both can take candid photos that are spur of the moment, and both try to capture the "moment" for their client.
Those wedding photographers that shoot in a PJ style are not misrepresenting who they are (ie trying to come off as a reporter shooting a story), it's just a term used to help the client understand their shooting style. Nothing more.
On a side note, I'd like to know if the OP uses Photoshop now that they are not working for a news agency. Seems to me that if he is so concerned about keeping the PJ style pure, he wouldn't/shouldn't use Photoshop - ever.
p.2 #8 · What is a wedding photojournalist? What is real wedding photojournalism?
Wow! Over 1000 page views! I really had no idea these images would be so popular. A sincere thank you all again for all of the love.
Working as a photojournalist is truly a unique training ground - long hours, challenging situations, demanding photo editors, strict deadlines - and the experience and rewards one gains from working as photojournalist simply can't be achieved any other way.
A couple more backstories...
The portrait of the man and his dog was a good example of making the most of every opportunity that comes your way. The man delivers formal wear and for years had done so with his faithful canine friend as a delivery companion. I really wanted to create a portrait that captured the essence of their friendship but also provided some context for the nature of the work. The row of hanging ties and boxes of accessories provided just that context and an interesting background as well...
I shot a lot of Los Angeles Lakers basketball. This image of Derek Fisher stands out for me because it is not your typical shot. Fisher was driving for the basket and Barea stripped him of the ball. I don't remember if it was much of a foul or even a foul at all but this shot shows Derek flinging up his hands dramatically to make sure it the officials took note ( and to ensure that if a foul was called he would get credit for being in the act of shooting). To the best of my recollection his efforts paid off - two shots from the charity stripe.
