Candid wedding photography has become increasingly popular over the past decade. Unlike posed, formal wedding portraits, candid photography is more relaxed and aims to capture authentic unplanned moments as they unfold throughout the wedding day. Candid shots reveal raw emotions and interactions, documenting the wedding as it naturally happens. This style offers an honest glimpse into the event.
What is Candid Photography?
Candid photography is unposed, unplanned, and unrestrained. It’s meant to be natural, capturing subjects as they are in real life. The goal is to take authentic photos without artificially creating or interfering with moments. This allows emotional interactions and spontaneous events to be documented just as they happen.
With candid wedding photography, the photographer quietly blends into the scenery, letting real moments emerge while guests and the couple naturally relax and enjoy themselves. The emphasis is on telling the true story of the wedding as it unfolds.
Benefits of Candid Wedding Photography
There are many advantages to incorporating candid shots into your wedding photo collection.
- Captures authentic emotions and reactions
- Allows natural moments to shine
- Creates a fun, casual mood
- Shows genuine connections between guests
- Documents wedding details candidly
- Produces unique, unscripted images
- Focuses on real personality and joy
Candid wedding photos provide you with real memories you might otherwise miss – the look on the groom’s face as he first sees his bride, the laughter between friends during speeches, your grandparents whispering quietly in the corner. This style tells the true story of your wedding day.
Tips for Candid Wedding Photography
Certain techniques help photographers master the art of candid wedding photography.
Blend In
Rather than drawing attention, candid wedding photographers dress professionally but casually. They avoid loud cameras and distracting equipment. By blending in, they capture more natural moments as guests ignore the camera’s presence.
Connect With Couple Beforehand
Meeting the couple prior builds rapport. Understanding their vision ensures you capture candid moments aligned with what matters most to them. Be sure to understand locations, timelines, and key guests.
Scout Locations
Arriving early to scope out spots allows you to move through venues fluidly while preventing obtrusive maneuvering later. Look for angles that provide an immersive view without being in the way.
Wait Patiently
Hanging back and observing patiently is key. Avoid interfering or posing people. Remain engaged but detached, ready for spontaneous moments without forcing anything unnatural.
Master Your Equipment
Since candid photography depends on catching quick moments, your tools should feel like extensions of you. Practice ahead of time with camera settings and lenses until operating equipment is second nature.
Enlist a Second Shooter
A second photographer provides more perspectives and flexibility. One person can capture the couple while the other focuses on guests in a seamless, non-disruptive manner.
Focus on Emotions & Interactions
Prioritize capturing authentic emotions and connections. Focus on the moments that reveal personality – laughter, tears, whispers, glances. This requires awareness and lightning reflexes.
Shoot Fast Bursts
Candid moments happen quickly, so machine gun speed is key. Rapidly shoot bursts of images to capture subtle facial expressions and body language otherwise missed.
Move Stealthily
Avoid drawing attention by moving discreetly around the periphery. Glide gently from spot to spot, like a quiet ninja photographing from the shadows.
Posing vs. Candid Photography
Both posed portraits and candid shots are important for preserving wedding memories. They serve different purposes.
| Posed Portraits | Candid Photography |
|---|---|
| Planned, directed shots | Natural, unplanned moments |
| Controlled lighting and staging | Available natural light |
| Artificial, performative | Genuine, authentic |
| Emphasizes aesthetics | Captures real emotions |
The best wedding photographers blend posed and candid techniques to document the event comprehensively. Posed portraits provide idealized artistic shots of the couple and main events. Candid photos tell the behind-the-scenes story.
Typical Candid Wedding Shots
Certain moments during a wedding lend themselves to fantastic candid photos.
Getting Ready
Photos of the bride and groom getting ready with their wedding parties capture anticipation and camaraderie. These unguarded moments add context.
First Look
The first time the couple sees each other on their wedding day offers a wealth of emotional reactions – joy, tears, excitement. Documenting this moment candidly provides a treasured memory.
Ceremony
During the ceremony, grab shots of guests reacting, the couple exchanging glances, etc. Pay attention to moments between ceremonies too.
Reception
The reception is full of candid opportunities – the couple’s first dance, cake cutting, laughter during dinner, emotional speeches, friends mingling.
Portraits
Adding candid shots between posed portraits keeps things light and comfortable. Capture playful moments of the couple relaxing together.
Equipment for Candid Wedding Photography
The right camera equipment allows you to seize candid moments discreetly.
Camera Body
A full frame DSLR or mirrorless camera provides fast performance for catching moments instantly. Some top options are:
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Nikon D850
- Sony A7R III
Lenses
For candid wedding photography, ideal lenses include:
- 24-70mm f/2.8: Standard zoom lens perfect for candid photos during ceremonies and receptions
- 70-200mm f/2.8: Telephoto zoom to discreetly capture emotional moments from afar
- 35mm or 50mm prime: Fast prime lens excellent for candid portraits and photos in low light
Flash
Add an external flash for extra light when needed. A flash with a tilt/swivel head provides directional light discreetly.
Memory Cards
Carry plenty of high-capacity, high-speed memory cards. Since you’ll shoot heavily in bursts, you don’t want to stop to change cards.
Monopod
A monopod allows you to hold the camera steadily for long periods without drawing attention to yourself.
Post-Processing Candid Wedding Photos
Post-processing enhances candid wedding photos’ natural style.
Cropping
Cropping creates more intriguing composition by removing distracting elements and focusing on essential interactions and emotions.
Black & White Conversion
For truly candid moments, black and white conversion directs emphasis to emotion and connection by removing the distraction of color.
Adjustment Brush
Using a Lightroom adjustment brush to selectively alter color, exposure, clarity, etc. draws attention to points of interest within a candid photo.
Film Grain
Adding a subtle film grain overlay lends an authentic analog look consistent with the candid photography style.
Vignette
Applying a slight vignette darkens edges to further focus the viewer on the subject’s emotion and connections.
Conclusion
Today’s wedding photographers leverage the emotional power of candid photography. Natural shots of real moments tell the story and capture the essence of the celebration. Candid wedding photography depends on the photographer’s ability to blend in and remain invisible while swiftly seizing authentic interactions and reactions as they spontaneously unfold. With proper techniques and top-notch equipment, photographers can expertly employ this photojournalistic approach to produce memorable images any couple will treasure for a lifetime.
