Several key features such as large numbers of mostly black-and-white images, an unobtrusive presence of the photographer, and a distinct lack of posing characterize the photojournalistic style. The true photojournalist does not rearrange anything or ask anyone to do anything, such as smile, pose, or move to a better location for pictures. Images are captured without any disturbance from the photographer and they do not undergo any major changes in Photoshop aside from minimal sharpening and converting to black and white.

Some photojournalistic purists flat-out refuse to do any sort of posed photo shoot at all. Being that strict may seem like a certain recipe for disaster, but a growing number of brides prefer this approach. It allows the couple and guests to enjoy the wedding day without worrying about turning it into a photo shoot. The photojournalistic style evolved as a lucrative weekend opportunity for working photojournalists that were hired by newspapers during the week. Shooting with the same cameras in the same basic style they were trained in for the newspapers, and with the same ethic of unobtrusiveness soon won them a place all their own in the wedding photography world. The images they capture are often described as real and honest representations of the day.

They simply capture what is actually happening. Nothing is made up for the pictures. Brides are seeking out photojournalistic-style photographers for black and white wedding photography. It is no accident that the sudden growth of this style coincides with the equally sudden growth of digital photography. Digital cameras have the perfect match of speed, quality, and low expense per shot that the photojournalistic style thrives on. This combination is very quickly changing the face of wedding photography.

Glen Johnson. Digital Wedding Photography: Capturing Beautiful Memories Kindle Edition.