Candid Wedding Photography – My approach.

Candid wedding photography is all about capturing the heartfelt, unscripted moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours. My approach blends this authentic, natural style with more planned, editorial photography to create a collection of images that are both timeless and artistic. In this blog, I’ll show you how these two styles work together to tell the story of your day, with examples and comparisons to help you see the beauty and balance of both approaches. Whether it’s spontaneous laughter or a perfectly composed portrait, every moment is crafted to reflect the magic of your wedding.

Bridal Prep: Connecting, Engaging, and Capturing Authentic Moments.

I love arriving early for bridal prep as it’s a great opportunity for me to connect with the couple’s close friends and family members. By being present and fully engaged, I become part of the wedding day, helping everyone feel at ease around me. This approach is key to capturing candid wedding photography at its best—authentic, natural, and full of emotion. I chat with everyone while shooting, blending seamlessly. By capturing moments as they happen, rather than waiting for the “perfect shot,” I create timeless memories through candid wedding photography techniques.

Group Photos with Ease: Relaxed, Natural Shots That Capture the Moment.

I always recommend keeping group photos to a maximum of 10. This keeps the couple from being away from their celebration for too long, and with my tried-and-tested technique, I can have these done in just 20 minutes. To keep the group shots relaxed and natural, I use prompts to ease any stiffness or add dimension by layering people at different levels. I also keep my camera ready between the formal shots—that’s when the magic often happens, embodying the essence of candid wedding photography.

Cocktail hour is one of my favourite parts of the wedding day to photograph because it offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can truly unwind and be themselves. As they mingle, laugh, and enjoy their drinks, it’s the perfect opportunity to capture candid moments that showcase the joy and excitement of the celebration. Whether it’s a funny exchange between friends, a heartfelt conversation between family members, or the laughter shared over a toast, these moments tell the real story of your wedding day. I’m always on the lookout for those unscripted interactions that highlight the fun and authenticity of the event, ensuring that every guest is part of the beautiful memories I’m capturing. These spontaneous moments add depth to the overall narrative of your wedding day, creating a collection of photos that reflect the genuine connections and happiness shared among your loved ones.

Couple Portraits: a customised approach.

My approach to couple portraits blends subtle guidance with candid moments, ensuring the photos feel both beautiful and authentic. I encourage you to step away from the hustle of the day and enjoy a quiet moment together. This time is kept brief—typically 20-30 minutes—so it feels relaxed and natural, rather than staged. I’ll take the lead when needed and I’ll also focus on capturing your genuine connection, allowing you to interact freely and authentically. This approach results in couple portraits that are both intimate and true to who you are as a couple.

My top tips for Candid Wedding Photography

• Get Comfortable with Your Photographer: The more I learn about your personalities and dynamic, the better I can capture authentic, meaningful moments. This connection is the foundation of exceptional candid wedding photography. Plus, the more comfortable you feel around me, the more natural your photos will be.
• Relax Around the Camera: To your guests: If you see me with my camera, don’t worry! It just means whatever you’re doing looks fantastic. Keep enjoying the moment—those natural, unposed interactions are what make for the best candid wedding photography.
• Allow for “Breathing Time” in Your Schedule: Consider leaving plenty of wiggle room in your wedding timeline. This gives us space to capture candid moments as they naturally unfold, without feeling rushed or stressed. It’s in those pauses that the magic often happens!
• Trust the Process: It’s easy to feel like every moment needs to be perfectly planned, but trust me—some of the most beautiful and memorable shots happen spontaneously. Relax, go with the flow, and let the day unfold naturally.
• Stay Present: It’s your wedding day—soak it all in and immerse yourself in the joy of the moment. Whether you’re laughing with friends, crying happy tears, or dancing your heart out, your genuine emotions will shine through in the photos.
• Get Lost in Each Other: Throughout the day, steal a few quiet moments together. These little pauses, where it’s just the two of you, create opportunities for intimate and heartfelt photos that reflect your connection. You’ll forget I’m there, and that’s when the magic of candid wedding photography happens!

If you love the idea of capturing your wedding day through a blend of candid and editorial photography, I’d love to hear more about your vision. If you’d like to discuss how I can bring my approach to your wedding day, don’t hesitate to get in touch or enquire about availability. Let’s make sure your special day is documented in a way that truly reflects the magic and emotion of the moment.