“Reaction shots,” which capture how guests react to who is watching the wedding’s events when they happen, provide a unique dimension to the photojournalism of the celebration.
“I was constantly given a gentle reminder to look beyond the obvious action while covering sports assignments while on staff at The Hartford Courant newspaper,” says WPJA founder David Roberts, who notes that the assignments sent to staff photographers in the sports department would always say “Action or Reaction.”
“Sometimes I would arrive at the event totally focused on getting peak action of the winning team,” he remembers. “Then I would take the three words above and look at what was happening in a different perspective. I would tell myself: ‘I’m there to just show the winners on stage but I’m also here to record the reactions to the main event from an off.'”
FROM MANY ANGLES
Photographers who have experience in weddings are focused on the groom and bride; however, they also try to scan the venue for shots of reactions and zoom in on particulars. Most know that spotting the best moments to photograph depends on the technique and timing.
The pros follow a straightforward method: Prepare the equipment and be attentive. This is why you’ll frequently find photographers with two cameras at weddings – one with a wide-angle lens and the other equipped with a Telephoto lens. This allows them to remain in the middle of the event, snapping off images, and they can capture an intimate moment in the space. Because they do not have to stop and change lenses, they are active in the action while it unfolds.
An excellent example of this kind of imagery is to observe the reactions of guests who look at the father-daughter or father-son dance. There’s an emotional show on the dance floor, and spectators feel it. While capturing the wedding couple, the professional photographer is scouting the crowd and focusing on expressions of emotion, taking tender moments of deep emotions that will fill these pages in this epic tale of love.
THE COLLECTIVE HEARTBEAT
Undoubtedly, many weddings function as a Petri dish that includes people from every walk of life. Young, old…white collar, blue collar…religious, secular. There are moments in any gathering where the spirit of a community converges in the public mixing of hearts that takes place during the day.
The toast is an excellent opportunity to witness the process in action. However, it could also be bubbling out during the ceremony and the cake cutting. The guests are aware of the occasion’s significance and allow their emotions to be expressed and bond with other guests. It’s an instant, emotional moment that’ll be able to capture the moment forever through the lens of your photographer. The scenes of wholesome goodwill are among the most memorable photos that you’ll be able to take throughout your journey.
ACTION AND REACTION IN ONE SHOT
A reaction photo could be a completely separate image with meaning and context on its own, or it may be the main subject and include the reactions of the people watching. Both can yield stunning, unforgettable photos.
Imagine the situation getting heated in the traditional cake cutting. The first cut is civil; however, within seconds, the groom and bride are exfoliating their faces using buttercream fondant. The natural reaction is to bring the camera into the couple’s fresh, frosty face. But by stretching the camera out to capture guests’ astonished and laughing reactions, you’ve added dynamic, memorable images to the story.
If you take images that show people’s reactions to the main action, it’s a way to get details that help to complete the story and create an idea of what transpired during the activities. You’ll also have a permanent note of the fun everyone had!
A STORY THAT LASTS
The art of photography is particularly well-suited to recording the enthralling events and reactions that happen at weddings. The primary goal of a photojournalist is to tell the story of the event, telling the narrative of the marriage and the stories of the guests taking part. The aim is to help everyone involved remember what happened that day.
The wedding album you have created is your personal record of an important event you’ve experienced during your existence. As you peruse the pages, you’ll would like to revisit every single moment that was captured. A true photographer is a great storyteller; the album will show this. As with the classic tales, you’ll discover something new each time you read the story.
