Why Candid Wedding Photos Are Pure Magic

Caught in the moment - the case for candid wedding photography

As a wedding photographer, my primary responsibility is to photograph your wedding day as it happens - no staged drama or awkward poses. It’s about organic, genuine moments when love, laughter and maybe even a little chaos happens.

For contrast, there are terms like a “Pinterest Wedding” or “Instagram Wedding”. You know, the ones where every flower arrangement and seating chart looks like it was plucked straight from a curated social media feed. Let’s be honest, nobody looks back at their wedding photos and says, “Remember that perfectly staged shot of the centerpieces?”

Instead, it’s all about the unfiltered joy - the tears when Grandma first sees her granddaughter, the laughter friends share during cocktails and the spontaneous dance moves of that one uncle who can’t resist putting on a show.

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.

While there is a time for me to step in and take control with some guidance ie. family portraits, wedding party and some couples photos - reading the room is an important skill for any wedding photographer.

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.

When you’re not aware of the camera, you’re free to be your entire you.

Intrusiveness

With my approach I like to play the role of a sneaky guest with a fancy camera. I keep things simple and travel light, so my couples and their guests can fully enjoy the day without feeling like they’re under a spotlight - even though they totally are. When everyone’s relaxed and enjoying themselves, that’s when the best moments happen.

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, background 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, reading the room and how best use the environment to tell these stories.

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 guidance is needed. Striking that balance is what an experienced photographer provides you.

“A great wedding photographer has your interests as their principal goal, not their portfolio.”

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.

My introduction to the “Shoey”.

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