Wedding photojournalism-How did you discover your style?

[sweetypie925]

I'm in no way ready for weddings but have an engagement shoot coming up (my first) and I really like photojournalism and some of the styles I've seen here and in books etc. I'm wondering for those that do wedding photojournalism, how did you discover your style? Can you give me some tips that I could apply to engagement sessions?

[darosk]

No comments anyone?

I have limited experience, I've only shot a handful weddings/e-sessions, all as second shooter, but here's some stuff I've learnt:

- Getting to know the couple helps. You find ways to get them to "act natural" - which I guess is pretty important in PJ style shooting.

- Be alert. I like moments when the couple thinks we (the photographer) are not looking. There can be some great, sometimes intimate moments then.

- Location is very important. It's good if the location has meaning for the couple (could be where they first met, first date, etc etc).

Yeah, not many tips - I'm still learning myself. I remember my first e-session. Light was beautiful, locations were perfect, couple was really into it. I was so tired by the end of it, but it was the most fun I'd ever had shooting up until that point.

I wish you luck!

[form]

I shoot what I think of, and I imitate shots I like. Then, I process shots the way that looks best to me. My style is a result of my preferences.

[Tim Snow]

Bring your camera everywhere you go and shoot everything you see. The only way you can develop your style is by practice and more practice.

[david lee]

I shoot for ME at weddings, I aim to please myself and hope that the Couple like what I give them at the end of the day.
If you love photography and have a desire to produce wedding art then focus on that.
After you have got your safe shots out of the way, I.E the groups and family poses, find time to walk around and look for great locations and light. When you have seen a place you like, set the shot up in your head and maybe take a couple of test shots with noone there. Then Go and find the Bride and Groom and bring them back to that spot and try out your creativity.
Get the juices flowing.

[Mike]

Like David and the others, I also shoot for "me" - if I see something I like, I will shoot it. The couple book on the strength of what they have seen of my work so they know what to expect.

Engagement Shooting (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=476788)

[Tim Snow]

Along with the sentiment of shooting for yourself, don't forget that you also have the power of saying "no". If the couple is asking for something beyond your level of comfort or to shoot in a style that is not yours, you can always tell them you cannot shoot their wedding. Don't do it too often though, or that could hurt your business!

[stathunter]

I am a wedding shooter - before I focused on weddings I shot for everyone - newspapers, magazines and sports teams. I shoot a ton - even now I shoot tons - I like to constantly experiment, shoot different angles/perspectives that seem unique. For me it comes naturally - and I am always viewing others work -- but honestly I am always trying to experiment and create my own style.
Get out there and shoot a ton - there is no wrong angle - but don't just stand around in one place and shoot. Bend down - shoot from the ground - shoot from above - try different angles while you are moving around. Experiment and be creative.
Shoot everything you see - people, things etc and keep shooting and changing how you do things. Try new things constantly.
You will soon find your "style" and you will build on it from there - then change it all up and keep experimenting.
When shooting people - weddings - engagements - portraits - you have to understand different body types and shoot with what makes them look the best - and use the lighting to your advantage.
Have fun with it - and work your tail off -- the harder you work - the luckier you will become.

[pcunite]

Some of the styles shown online are the result of a wedding photographer who has multiple assistants pointing hot lights at different postions and persons swapping cameras and or lenses for them. Sort of reminds me of a few episodes of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" where the guest millionaire is being praised for his style of art and car collections. If I had a million bucks to spend on cars you would like my collection as well.

:)

The facts are that with just my wife and I compromises are made as to what is practically possible throughout the course of the day. Every so often a moment opens up in front of you that is magic. Hopefully your in position and have the focal length in your favor.

[jpnettie]

Get to know the couple. What do they like to do? Do they like cooking, shoot them at home making a great meal, do they like hiking, go on a hike! Ask and you will discover. Don't just think of beach shots or park shots, have a drink with them, loosen up and have fun, just take images. Every couple is different and the most important thing is that they are comfortable with you !