Candid Wedding Photography

Candid wedding photos blend photojournalism and storytelling to make your memories even more personal. A candid wedding photographer will be your eyes throughout the ceremony, snapping shots of seemingly mundane activities and elevating them to an art form.

Where traditional photography relies on posed and staged settings, candid or photojournalistic photos take a more narrative approach. Some couples prefer to have candid shots versus traditional wedding photography because it lends a more "human touch" to the ceremony. Others may choose to have a mix of both traditional and candid photos for their wedding album.

A wedding photographer that will take candid photographs should ideally have experience in photojournalism and be capable of shooting a wide range of subjects in various settings and lighting. Your wedding photographer should be well-versed in both candid and formal photos, but some only specialize in one type of photography. Some couples choose to hire a photographer that specializes solely in candids for one set of photos and another photographer who specializes in formal photos for another set.

A wedding photographer specializing in candid photography will seek to create a story through photos. The photos can be taken randomly or in sequence - from you getting prepared to departing the reception - and it makes for a compelling presentation. Weddings are full of activity, and candid wedding photos can also capture the moments you miss.

Before your ceremony, work with your wedding photographer and ensure that he understands your vision. Explain what types of activities you'd like him to focus on, but don't necessarily limit the photographer's subject range. Keep in mind that candids are informal and, most importantly, real representations of your ceremony; some light editing may be needed, but it isn't necessary to completely retouch your photos.

Your wedding photographer should have a long zoom lens on his camera, so he can shoot your ceremony from afar without being noticed. Additionally, make sure that he turns off the "click" sound on the camera when a photo is taken, as well as the flash, which can also be distracting.

Candid wedding photos can be shot at home, during the ceremony, at the reception and even at your rehearsal dinner; the sky is the limit to the number of photos you want taken. The key to candid photography is spontaneity, and your wedding photographer will likely be flitting about throughout your ceremony and reception - try your best to ignore the camera completely so your photos remain candid.