Most couples will agree that their wedding day goes by in a flash. It’s our job as wedding photographers to ensure that the photos tell the story of their day so that they can relive it for years to come. First, you need to know exactly what type of photography style your clients prefer. Most of my clients tell me, “We don’t want anything cheesy or posed. We want things to feel natural.” With this in mind, I have been able to fine-tune my candid approach over the years. Use the tips below to improve your candid wedding photography and take photos that your clients will cherish forever while also minimizing your level of stress.
Tips for Candid Wedding Photography
Come Prepared with Questions
As I see it, there are two types of candid wedding photography: moments that are entirely unplanned but noticed by the photographer, and those that need some gentle coaxing— otherwise known as the planned candid, or “plandid.”
While many couples say they want completely candid photos, they will still need a little encouragement and guidance. Whether it’s an engagement session, elopement, or 200-person event, I always have about five questions ready as a go-to photo trick. These are questions such as “Tell me about your first date” or “What is your favorite quality in your spouse?” These prompts can elicit a range of emotions from your couples. Within seconds, the nervousness of being in front of the lens dissolves and tender looks will come across their faces. While I take a step back to let them share their memories, I am able to capture some really beautiful candid moments.
Encourage a ‘First Look’
Every wedding photographer should listen carefully to what their clients want instead of pushing a certain agenda. I don’t consider “first looks” mandatory, but I do explain the advantages to my clients. A first look is a great opportunity for the couple to get some alone time together as their entire wedding day will be a whirlwind. It is a chance to slow time and really share an intimate moment of excitement about this big step. I stay away from poses that feel too staged or traditionally gendered. Instead, I focus on the couple seeing each other at the exact same time, all dressed up for their wedding day. Those few seconds of overwhelming emotions are priceless.
Learn to Read Body Language
If a couple is holding a pose awkwardly or not responding well to questions, this is not an invitation to just make it work. If I sense that a couple is uncomfortable, I move onto my next question or change the background. Our job as wedding photographers is to make this experience as memorable as possible. It is OK to put down your camera for a moment to ask your couple how they’re feeling. Checking in throughout the day will assure them that you’re on their side and will elevate their confidence in your ability to capture them at their best.
Use A Little Humor
The last thing I want people to feel on their wedding day is stressed or rushed to get their photos done. In fact, I want them to laugh and let go of any camera shyness as quickly as possible. Having some jokes and prompts for that is necessary.
During family photos, once the posed smiling photos have been taken, I ask family members to turn to each other and say hello like they haven’t seen each other in years. I say “Give each other a huge fake laugh” or “Pretend you like each other.” These types of silly prompts elicit genuine laughs. Suddenly, everyone forgets there is a camera there and you’ve managed to capture a moment of true happiness.
Documenting Candids
Once the wedding is underway and the shot list is taken, I want to be a fly on the wall documenting special moments without interrupting too much. This means developing an intuition for when to stay close to the couple and when to circulate the venue to capture the moments they’re missing. I want couples to be surprised later when they finally see their photos.
Move Around: Key Moments with the Couple
While I love to bend the rules, certain moments are never to be missed. Staying close to the couple during the ceremony, first dance, cake cutting and a few songs during the dance party is crucial. Very little directing or posing is needed. You should move around them, shoot from different angles, and quickly turn to get family’s reactions. This is imperative for capturing a wide range of candid photos. If you are working with a second shooter, this is a great time to send them to capture guest reactions while you focus on the couple.
Mingle & Linger with Wedding Guests
Some of my best candid photos are when I linger by a group whose energy or interactions are interesting. In the photo below, this group of college friends asked for a reunion photo and posed for a few shots. When the bride walked by, her newlywed husband grabbed her and gave her a huge kiss. All of his friends broke into wild cheering. If I had left right after the posed photos, I would have missed this great shot.
Take Care of Your Body
Yes, you heard that right. Somewhere along the way, it became taboo for wedding vendors to take a moment to take care of themselves. Weddings can be hard on the body: the days are long, the equipment is heavy, and the temperatures can be all over the place. Before your day starts, do some light stretching and eat a hearty meal. During the wedding day, stay hydrated, use the bathroom, and eat a real meal. This will do wonders for your mood and health and, in turn, improve the quality of your photos. This is a small conversation to have with your clients prior to the wedding. Nonetheless, the right couple will understand and want you to be well taken care of so that you can do your job to the best of your ability.
Candid wedding photography is equally daunting and exhilarating given the lack of control we photographers have over the day. A wedding day can throw any number of factors at you: unpredictable weather, traffic delays, and so on. Not to mention, everyone is on an absolute roller-coaster ride of emotions throughout the day. As the wedding photographer, you sometimes fill in as planner, life coach, friend, therapist, and of course— documenter of this enormous day. Phew. Although, all of these practices have dramatically improved my candid wedding photography over the years and I hope they improve yours as well!
