Tina Halturin of Tina Photographers

Coffee Talk with Tina Halturin of Tina Photographers

From the beautiful and heartfelt emotions at the ceremony to the touching and exciting moments at the reception, Tina Halturin's unique style of wedding photojournalism has captured some of the most beautiful wedding photographs in the country. Wedding-Club.com had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Halturin owner of Tina Halturin Photography in our Cyber Cafe.

With a successful professional career in photojournalism and fashion photography, what made you decide to switch creative gears and delve into the realm of wedding photojournalism?

First of all, I love being a part of one of the most celebrated days in a couple's life. Wedding photojournalism allows me to be a creative observer; to document the natural beauty of the human spirit at its finest. This type of photography reflects the essence of who I am and what I love. It allows my creativity to flow from the heart and not just the mind.

Who inspired you to get into the field of wedding photojournalism?

A couple of photographers: Gary Fong out of Los Angeles and Denis Reggie who is a celebrity wedding photographer based in Atlanta. I recently went to a workshop with Denis Reggie at his studio in Atlanta. He has photographed the weddings of Ted Turner, Paula Abdul, Mariah Carey, and Jacqueline Onassis to name a few, and over 14 Kennedy weddings including JFK Jr's. I consider Denis to be one of my mentors and a good friend.

How is wedding photojournalism different from traditional wedding photography? What are your favorite aspects of both?

Wedding photojournalism is a natural, spontaneous, and heartfelt documentation of the spirit and emotion of a wedding. It is reactive instead of proactive; following instead of leading the events of the day. It creates an album that is totally unique to the bride and groom.

Since much of your style is geared toward a chronicle of all the spontaneous moments that make weddings so unique, what is your typical wedding day schedule?

Every wedding is different, so I remain flexible and flow with the day as it happens.

Do you photograph in color or black & white?

Most weddings have a mixture of black & white and color. However, I have had weddings that requested all black & white. I like black & white especially for the shots of the bride in the dressing room. Black & white has a romantic feeling about it and I feel it best reflects this time in the wedding day.

Do you strictly focus on wedding photojournalism or can you incorporate some traditional photography into a couple's wedding album?

Each wedding needs a series of formal photographs. Usually six or seven plus any that the bride or parents may request. This usually takes no more than 15 or 20 minutes, then the bride and groom can go back to the festivities of the day. I try to keep even the traditional photographs a little less "traditional" by using different areas of the church or enviroment and letting people be a little more relaxed. This renders photographs that are typically more fun and natural.

It seems that black and white wedding photography has become the latest trend. Why do you think it has gained so much popularity within the last few years?

Our generation has grown up with color and I think it is a desire for something different and more artistic. Black & white also has more of a timeless value to it, unlike color images.

Although your business is based in St. Louis, are you available for weddings outside Missouri?

Yes. I have found that quality wedding photojournalism is in high demand these days, which takes me all over the U.S. and sometimes outside the country.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.