To look at a reportage wedding photographer as he casually saunters across a wedding venue or just stays motionless in one place, you would think he is not serious or dedicated enough to want to capture the timeless image. Not so. Like tigers, reportage photography is learning the art of waiting patiently yet being ever ready to pounce the moment an action or a spark in an eye signals a great photograph in the making. The finger automatically depresses the shutter button and there you have it.
When I think of reportage it brings to mind the discipline of a martial art practitioner or a yoga practitioner. The martial art expert practises so much every response becomes instinctive and intuitional resulting in a perfect synchronisation of body and mind. The yoga practitioner balances the two “nadirs” so that his inner being is in harmony with the exterior and there is control, balance and fluidity. Neither is achieved through learning or in a short time. And without the patina of creativity, reportage photography is like covering a local news event: read today, forgotten tomorrow. The genius lies in creating images you view once, again and many times without ever tiring of finding new interpretations.
Why has reportage gained in popularity? Look at the way the wedding photographer blends in, does not intrude yet manages to create a storyline and a drama in the final composition compiled in the wedding album. What makes it difficult is that he has to make the best of his position and available light. What makes it easy is his experience and mastery of the style. But then that is a long road.
When I think of reportage it brings to mind the discipline of a martial art practitioner or a yoga practitioner. The martial art expert practises so much every response becomes instinctive and intuitional resulting in a perfect synchronisation of body and mind. The yoga practitioner balances the two “nadirs” so that his inner being is in harmony with the exterior and there is control, balance and fluidity. Neither is achieved through learning or in a short time. And without the patina of creativity, reportage photography is like covering a local news event: read today, forgotten tomorrow. The genius lies in creating images you view once, again and many times without ever tiring of finding new interpretations.
Why has reportage gained in popularity? Look at the way the wedding photographer blends in, does not intrude yet manages to create a storyline and a drama in the final composition compiled in the wedding album. What makes it difficult is that he has to make the best of his position and available light. What makes it easy is his experience and mastery of the style. But then that is a long road.
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