I was recently having a wander through a newsagents, when I cam across a copy of the UK magazine Professional Photographer.
I was flicking through when I came across a very interesting article by Allister Freeman entitled A lone voice, which nicely summed up my feelings about Wedding Photography in general and my style in particular.
Allister starts by saying " The photography industry has changed beyond all recognition over the last 10 years. In the wedding market the advent of affordable, high megapixel but small SLR cameras has resulted in a proliferation of reportage-style wedding photographers having a go and not doing a very good job."
Now while I agree with the sentiment, I disagree that there are a lot of photographers out there having a go. Maybe I am wrong.
He goes onto say, "Much of the work produced by these newcomers and the majority of the industry's traditionalists, who attempt to offer several styles, in addition to their dated posed shots to 'cover all options' is lacklustre and devoid of any empathy for their subject. Due to a lack of creativity, they have no choice but to go for a mind- numbing 'blanket coverage' rather than a well created body of work.
My opinion is very much a case of you pays your money, you takes your choice. There are plenty of competent photographers, who for whatever reason, be it lack of confidence, pin money or whatever else, who drastically undercharge for their services. There are also a number of highly skilled, and wonderfully talented 'industry traditionalists' who mix reportage with fashion shoot style photography, especially here in Australia.
As for me, I am a photojournalist, my inspiration comes from Cartier-Bresson, Erwitt, Martin Parr, James Nacthwey (not that I am comparing weddings to war zones!!) I intend to continue to shoot wedding photojournalism. With as little interference, and no direction of the scene unfolding as it is possible to do.
My greatest compliments are similar to Freeman's when he states " The familiarity I'm able to achieve by approaching a wedding almost as if I were a guest enables me to make intimate and honest photographs. I use small cameras and lenses, rarely use flash, and dress like a guest. In fact, people often ask me how I know the bride and groom. This is when I know I'm doing a good job.
I am honoured to count a number of my wedding clients as having become good friends, and are even counted among my facebook friends! Surely the highest honour the 21st century citizen of the world can bestow? ;-)
