Why is Candid Wedding Photography so Popular?

I’m finding couples more often are requesting a candid and documentary style for their wedding.

As a wedding photographer, my primary responsibility is to photograph your wedding day as it happens. The “as it happens” part is what candid wedding photography is all about, photographing your day in it’s truest form.

For contrast, there are terms like a “Pinterest Wedding” or “Instagram Wedding” where wedding decor and details are heavily influenced by these types of social media sites. This includes photo checklists with the wedding party, guests and of course the couple themselves based on these curated social media posts.

This candid wedding photo will likely surface on this little one’s future wedding day.

The photographer in me truly appreciates the effort, planning and excitement for their wedding photos however, as a wedding photographer with many years under my belt, I would caution couples to use these sites in moderation. Be sure to not lose sight of what makes you, you. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of amazing ideas on Pinterest, or get caught up in the latest Instagram trend.

But that’s just it, these are often just trends. They’re also someone else’s idea of the perfect day, not necessarily your own. Instead, consider you and your partners history, your interests, your values etc. What makes you, you. Start with that ‘you’ base and then sprinkle in some fun, inspirational ideas you may find later.

Here's why I believe candid wedding photography should be a key ingredient for couples looking for a photographer…

Authenticity

Candid shots are authentic, genuine… true to the moment. They capture the real emotions, reactions, and interactions of couples, their families and their guests. There's a purity in these unscripted moments that just can't be replicated in posed images.

Intrusiveness

My approach is to blend into the background, as if I was a guest with a fancy camera. I travel light, so not a lot of gear. This allows my couple and their guests to enjoy the day without the feeling of being in the crosshairs of a camera throughout the day - even though they totally are. When people are relaxed and truly in the moment, that’s when some of the most memorable photos emerge.

These kinds of days leave you a funny tale to tell for years to come.

Room for Real

When we leave time available for guests to mix and mingle, it’s inevitable that emotion will bubble to the top. Spontaneous laughter, kids being kids, stolen kisses, warm hugs between family and friends. These candid, unguarded moments tell the real story of your wedding day.

Choose the Right Photographer

The right photographer will have years of experience with candid wedding photography. It’s something that can only be learned through shooting many, many weddings. This experience brings with it a talent for anticipating moments, understanding the flow of a wedding and reading the room with respect to how best to capture these moments.

A great wedding photographer has your interests as their principal goal, not their portfolio. They know when to stand back and shoot the candid moments and when to step in and take charge when some guidance and posing is needed. Striking that balance is what an experienced photographer provides you.

Candid wedding photos tell the story of your day, as it really happened. They serve as a return ticket to one of the most important days in your lives. Let’s show off your version of you.

My introduction to the “Shoey”.