Photojournalistic vs Editorial Wedding Photography Style: Which Should You Choose?
If you’ve been looking for a wedding photographer, you’ve probably stumbled across a lot of buzzwords like photojournalism and editorial wedding photography. As a photographer who specializes in these two styles, I find myself often explaining what photojournalistic vs editorial photography even is. First, we need to understand each style on its own.
What is Photojournalistic Wedding Photography?
Photojournalistic wedding photography is an art driven style of photography that aims to document the real and raw action that happens at a wedding with little to no interruption. The definition, according to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary is: Photojournalism is journalism that uses images to tell a news story. This photography style protects the true essence of an experience by observing and waiting for real life to happen in front of the camera lens.
Wedding photojournalism is telling the story of a wedding through discreet photographic coverage with no interference or direction from the photographer. If your photographer only shoots in the photojournalistic wedding photography style, you can anticipate no direction or posing. You’ll be left to live the day as it happens and can expect to forget your photographer is even there.
- No posing or direction by your photographer
- Behind-The-Scenes feel from your photographer
- All candid moments that show true emotion and memories from your day
What is Editorial Wedding Photography?
Editorial wedding photography is a much more curated and involved style of photography. Editorials are usually heavily directed because it is meant to be material that will be used for publication. Each little piece of the image is crafted together to create the art. This style is common in fashion and print magazines, because perfection in an image feels somewhat magical and unobtainable to those experiencing the art.
Editorial wedding photography is directive and invasive to the wedding day. In editorial wedding photography, the photographer directs the couple and makes sure everything looks picture-perfect. It’s like a fashion photoshoot, with carefully posed shots and attention to detail.
- Posed and dramatic
- More focus on the couple
- Can be used to showcase the fashion aspects of your wedding
Comparison of Photography Styles
| Feature | Photojournalistic Style | Editorial Style |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Completely hands-off and observant | Completely hands-on and curated |
| Direction | No interference or direction | Heavily directed and posed |
| Goal | Capture real, raw action and truth | Create beautiful art and perfection |
| Atmosphere | Discreet and unnoticed | Directive and invasive |
Blending the Two Styles
As you probably gathered, these two styles are opposites. A wedding day is one of the most complex photography jobs out there. Each part of the day requires a different skill set and style. Some photographers, like me, combine both styles to create a unique and organic look. They might take posed shots for the album but also capture spontaneous moments that tell the story of the day. Doing this allows your wedding gallery to be so dynamic without having too much of one style.
For a solid example of what this practically looks like, let’s talk getting ready. An editorial wedding photographer would manufacture each moment; they’d tell you where to stand, where to look, and what position to hold. A photojournalistic wedding photographer wouldn’t step in for any of it. My style, since it’s a blend of the two, looks like directing you into the place with the best composition and light, while allowing you to get ready as usual.
I also love to create beautiful art inspired by you, which requires skill with light and composition. During your family portraits, I am directing people into place, fixing stray hairs and reminding the men to put their hands in their pockets. Just imagine how chaotic family portraits without direction would be. By incorporating elements of editorial photography, I’m able to add a touch of sophistication and glamour to your wedding photos, while still keeping things organic and true to the moment.
How To Choose Your Wedding Photography Style
Now that you know what the differences between photojournalistic vs editorial photography are, let’s walk through how to choose which style is best for you. Everyone is drawn to something on their wedding day. Reflect for a second and think about how you want to feel and what you want to remember.
Photojournalism allows you to be present, but doesn’t guarantee all the images you may want. With less control on the artistic side, there is a lot more prioritizing a moment over being technically perfect. On the other hand, editorial and photojournalistic photography captures those candid moments that tell a story, while also nailing those perfectly posed shots. It’s all about creating a visual narrative that is as unique as your love story.