Staged Photos in Wedding Photography
Fearless Photographers would like to clarify the differences between "staged portraits" and "staged moments" photos.
1. Staged Portraits
These are intentionally posed photos of couples, a common practice in wedding photography. They showcase beauty, romance, fun, epic setting, or artistic expression. Group photos of the wedding party also fall into this category. Most professional wedding photographers create staged portraits, as they are widely valued by clients. "Staged portraits" are welcomed in the Fearless Awards competition.The following photos are examples of "staged portraits" that are romantic:
The following photos are examples of "staged portraits" that are epic:
The following photos are examples of "staged portraits" that are playful:
The following photos are examples of "staged portraits" that are artistic:
The following photos are examples of "staged portraits" that are group photos:
2. Staged Moments
"Stage moments" photos appear as candid and natural but were orchestrated or directed by the photographer. The degree of staging can range from minor guidance to a fully arranged scene. Since Fearless Photographers values a hands-off approach to capturing genuine moments at weddings, we ask that photographers do not submit "staged moments" photos to the Fearless Awards competition. "Staged moments" photos are not welcomed in the Fearless Awards competition. Because we do not have a time machine to verify how a photo was created, we rely on the integrity of our members to uphold this guideline.Here are a few examples "staged moments" photos that should not be submitted to Fearless Awards:
If you tell the wedding planner to bring the bride's dogs to dance with the bride then do NOT enter this photo in Fearless Awards.
If you tell a groomsman to tickle the groom then do NOT enter this photo in Fearless Awards.
If you tell a kid to put wedding cake on his head then do NOT enter this photo in Fearless Awards.
If you tell the bride to touch the dress then do NOT enter this photo in Fearless Awards.
In a non-portrait situation, if you tell people to do something then do not enter the photo in Fearless Awards.
Make the photos for your clients, but do not enter them into Fearless Awards competition.However....
Some wedding activities are organized in nature, but the resulting photos are not considered to be "staged moments" photos if the activity is allowed to unfold naturally.
Examples of organized activities are bouquet toss, first look, cake-cutting, grand exits, bird/butterfly releases, and similar traditions.
The following photos are not "staged moments" photos because they are from organized wedding activities:
Fearless Photographers seek to showcase real moments photos that are not directed by the photographer.
We rely on the integrity of our members to uphold this guideline.
Thank you.
