Contemporary Wedding Photography
It is difficult to put a specific definition on contemporary wedding photography. Modern photography is actually a blend of many styles that have developed over the years. It has its roots from photojournalism yet has influences in traditional photography as well as fashion photography. When you go to the shelf of wedding magazines, the majority of the photographic work you see is considered contemporary.
Contemporary Photography Weddings
For example, contemporary photography does have traditional elements. Take for example the “formal” shots. Contemporary photographers do compose shots with family members, the bridal party and alter photos. They also set up shots with the bride and groom. These elements of contemporary photography are directly related to its’ traditional roots. Mom and dad would certainly be disappointed if they did not get a formal shot of them with their little girl!
Modern Wedding Photography
First came love, then came marriage…well you know the rest. In the same regard, first came traditional photography then came photojournalistic photography and lastly came contemporary photography. You can’t get one without the other.
Modern Photography Weddings
Lets consider the photojournalistic influence. Definition of the word is “news told via imagery.” We all grew up seeing newspaper photos…well, that is photojournalism. The idea behind this method of photography is to be a fly on the wall. This means that the subject is not aware of the photographer, that the photographer does not influence the photos and that the photographer uses the natural light of the environment. You can definitely see this influence in contemporary photography. This concept is most prevalent during the ceremony. The goal is to get great shots of the ceremony without interrupting the sanctity of the ceremony itself. This is also true during the reception. You obviously don’t want a photographer in your face when father and daughter are having their first dance as a married woman.