photographer confusion!!

Well, I started my search on photographers today. I must say that I am very confused!

I looked up Mark Kaufman, Patken, Imagine Studios, VIP, Verdi, and Spelman. I am confused about the whole photojournalist thing. What does that mean? Candid shots? Does that mean that they will not take posed pictures? Are most of the pictures in black and white? I don't want a majority of pictures to be b&w, I would rather have more colored pictures a some b&w. I want a lot of candid too, but I do want posed pictures with my parents and grandparents. hmm....can you help please!

thanks!

Re: photographer confusion!!

Good question! I'm wondering the same thing...

Re: photographer confusion!!

I'm pretty sure all of photojournalistic photos are in b&w. And they are candid shots. I did not go for this because I didn't want all my photos in b&w, instead my photographer is giving me some b&w's in my package. Also about the candid thing, I'm going to speak with my photographer about doing some candids, but most posed... I don't really like photojournalistic, but that's JMO...

Good luck, I hope I helped a little!

Re: photographer confusion!!

Hello : )

We just booked with Verdi and asked most of the same questions that you have. We are getting almost all candid but they will do posed pictures with family (had to make sure for my grandma). They just don't do the posed pictures in where the photographer tells you tilt your head to the right 45 degrees, etc. They will do more casual posed. We are getting mostly black and whites but that was our choice. We could of had all color if we wanted too. I felt more comfortable with Verdi and I loved their sample work, but all the photographers on your list are great. Its just what your preference is.

Good luck with your search!!!

Re: photographer confusion!!

Photojournalism can be either b/w or color. The pictures tell more of a story, the emotion, not just people standing in poses. More of a 'capture the moment' type feel to it.

Re: photographer confusion!!

Every photographer does it differently.

There are some true 'photojournalists' that will not do posed photos. That is just the way they work. But I dont think any of the photographer you list are in that category.

I used Mark Kauffman's studio and has about 1/2 color and 1/2 B&W. But Im pretty sure you can request a different mix if you prefer.

Re: photographer confusion!!

My photographer takes all the pics in color...then if we want certin poses in b&w he will convert them. It is easer to change a color into b&w then the other way around. Most of his pics are posed...however i am going to ask if he can do some candid shots...I am begining to love the way they look.

Re: photographer confusion!!

photojournalism is always extra $$$
they shoot in b/w usually and take mostly ALL candids
I didnt use it but cassarinos offers it
if you dont have extra money you really dont need it
my photographer took a few candids in color and if I want, they convert to b/w

Re: photographer confusion!!

Just FYI: a color shot converted to B&W does not have the same quality of a one taken on B&W film. If that is not a priority for you, then the conversion option is a good way to save money (since B&W film & processing is more expensive).

Whether you need a candid photographer is really a matter of taste. Posed photographs are not my style so it was a must for me.

Re: photographer confusion!!

Look at these websites-- these photographers are 100% photojournalistic...A photojournalisti photographer will tell you what percentage b&W and color they shoot- and it is usually included in their packages (at least the ones we looked at). Most do do formal group shots but in a more relaxed way.

www.jefftismanphotography.com
www.colmweddings.com
www.robertlondon.com

Re: photographer confusion!!

I basically learned a lot about photography by visiting photographers. Photojournalism is basically candid shots, telling the story. Photographers generally stand on the periphery of your wedding and shoot. The idea behind photojournalism is to capture people's reactions and emotions without them thinking that someone is taking their picture. At first, I didn't like them, but when I saw photographer's work in their studios, I fell in love with them. Most photographers will do posed shots and candid - just tell them what you want them to do.

With the black and white question, some photographers may do 100 black and white pictures or take a certain number of rolls. Some are unlimited. Tell the photographer want you are looking for. Black and whites are more expensive because they have to be developed by hand, so if you are looking for lots of color pictures, you may be saving yourself some money. I am sorry this response is long, but I just went through interviewing photographers last week. Good luck!

Re: photographer confusion!!

Photojournalistic is a way of telling a story with candid shots. They aren't posed shots with a group of people lined up looking at and smiling at the camera. They are those little moments. They may or may not even be of people.

Most photographers seems to do a mix of shots. Some are photojournalistic and others are posed group shots, and others may be very formal poses (like the turn your head on a 45 degree angle thing). Each photographer is different. Ask to see sample albums but also ask to see an album done recently for a bride and groom (so you aren't seeing all of their best made for display).

Many photographers shoot in both B&W and color. Photojournalistic shots are usually in B&W but can be in color. It is important to know if your photographer is shooting digital or with film. Color to B&W conversion is very easy to do with digital shots. Like Stef said, the conversion may not look the best when film is used.

Re: photographer confusion!!

Thank you!