5 top tips for authentically candid wedding photography
When you look through your wedding photographs, what do you want to see? A beautiful curated collection of perfectly styled images, or a document of the real and raw moments that tell the true, emotional story of the day? There's no right answer of course as we can be drawn to different photography styles, but the latter is more likely to evoke the genuine magic of your wedding day when you flick through your photo album for years to come.
It's no surprise that we love natural film photography here at Wedding Sparrow but how do you ensure your photographer captures those authentic moments that tell the true story of your wedding day in an artistic way? We asked California wedding photographer and Fine Art Curation member Amanda Callaway to share her top tips for getting beautifully candid wedding photography.
"I recently came across a caption on Instagram along the lines of 'less posed laughter, more belly laugher' and it really struck a cord with me," says Amanda. "Isn't that what it's all about? A great wedding photographer will capture these moments of joyful emotion for you to treasure forever."
Understand what true candid photography is
Candid photography captures moments that aren't staged. They're the pictures that are snapped right there in the moment - often when people don't even realise. Candid wedding photography produces images that capture the real you, the relationships behind the scenes, the fleeting special moments that make your wedding, marriage and family unique, wonderful and imperfect. This style of photography isn't for everyone so spend time browsing potential photographers galleries to ensure that you like what you see and feel comfortable with your day being captured in this way.
Trust is key to natural wedding photographs
Trust is key in any relationship between a couple and their wedding photographer but it's particularly important to achieve brilliant candid wedding photos. A strong connection with your photographer and trust in their skill will help you feel comfortable and confident enough to relax in front of the camera.
Meeting your photographer in person is always preferable to a phone or video call, and I advise arranging an engagement shoot too. If you can't totally relax in your photographer's presence, they're going to struggle to capture the natural, unguarded moments that tell the true story of your wedding day.
Invite your photographer behind the scenes
Some of the most beautiful intimate wedding moments are ones that happen outside of the ceremony and reception; in a quiet moment sharing a laugh with your bestie or receiving words of wedding wisdom from grandma. Introducing your photographer to your close family and the wedding party, and inviting them along to the preparations is a great way to document these relationships.
Movement is great for candid wedding photos
One of the best ways to give your wedding photography a natural feel is to keep moving. You're less focused on the photographer's presence, how to pose or how to hold your hands, which allows for more relaxed and candid shots.
Capture real reactions
There are many magical moments throughout your wedding day and capturing yours and your guests' genuine reactions on film is so fun to look back on. Your first look with your father, bridesmaids, and of course, your fiancé, always evoke emotional reactions, while the speeches, dance floor moves and any planned surprises are sure to bring those joyous belly laughs.
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