candid wedding photography
the art of
In order to truly get those beautiful candid and emotional 'full of life' images on your wedding day, you have to set real expectations and provide time for those moments to actually happen and unfold naturally.
While it is important to work with a photographer who understands capturing people in a documentary style as well as being able to anticipate human nature and know how to get those candid shots. There are other things in a wedding day that can lead to creating an inviting environment that encourages expression.
Imagine walking through your wedding day and all the events you have planned. How is it from a guest's point of view? How does it feel from your point of view as well? It is so important to take time to logistically walk through the whole day and see what the flow might feel like. And what kind of environment are you creating.
The Art of Candid Wedding Photography
definition : a "candid" photo is an unposed, natural, and often un-staged photograph captured without the subject's knowledge or active awareness of the camera—raw emotion, real-life moments, and authentic interactions.
What is a Candid Photo?
TIP: Guests need guidance, and at times permission to relax and let loose a bit. Hence why dance floors tend to be so lively and freeing. Often guests feel like they have be more reserved through most of the day, which limits enjoyment and celebration until after dinner—the main space you know you are allowed to loosen up.
Having space for guests to do different things during the day's events helps give them something natural to focus on and interact with, all while creating a very comfortable and positive environment. This can range from cocktails/drinks and a photo booth upon arrival, to yard/table games or smaller interactive activities during the reception. Things such as polaroid guest book, scavenger hunt, "get to know everyone" table convos, etc.
If guests are able to let their guard down and become fully immersed in the moment, it provides a safe space for genuine interactions with everything around them. As well as happy candids for your gallery!
03. Options & space
TIP : Remind your family and wedding party that this day is to celebrate and not perform. So if they see the camera pointed in their direction, just ignore it and lock in, lol!
Trust me, natural interactions are way better than stoping and giving a huge 'CHEESE' smile every single time the camera comes by.
If the camera is around you, try to breathe, relax, and be less 'camera aware'... stay as you are in your space with what you are doing and who you are interacting with. Try to pretend the camera is not there. At first it can be hard to do, but the more you relax and go with the flow, the more you forget about performing for the camera and being present in the moment.
02. just relax
TIP : Family and loved ones shouldn't be running around setting things up, missing all these special moments... you want them to look back on the day and feel like they celebrated too! And, if you have a tight timeline make sure to work out a second shooter with your photographer. That way the second shooter can be capturing all the things happening in the background.
It is really important to make time on your wedding day for candid interactions to happen. Here is why...
If you have a tight timeline, with events back to back, people will not be able to relax enough to allow for those candid moments to naturally happen. They will be too worried about where they need to be and what they have to do next. So, make sure to provide enough time for everyone to be fully present and enjoy each event, without feeling rushed. This also applies to you as well!
Also, with a tight timeline you are not giving your photographer any time to capture any family or guests in candid moments that may be happening around you. Being busy rushing from event to event where you are the main focus, leaves little space for your photographer to wander away from you and get any of those other geunine moments or guest interactions.
01. Make time
Ways to Create an Inviting Environment for Candids
Candid photos can be especially challenging with family or guests who aren’t naturally emotive, don’t participate in events or games, stay on their phones, or actively avoid the camera. Because of these behaviors, and the aspects listed above, images may reflect blank expressions, minimal reactions, or fewer candids overall, as people often turn away when they notice a camera.
When this happens, I’ll switch to a longer lens to help guests feel less “on display,” but there’s only so much that can be done if that’s the overall tone of the day. I’ll also try to capture small groups smiling for the camera, since posed group photos can feel less invasive and more comfortable. That said, it’s more common than you’d expect for guests to decline when asked if I can grab a quick photo.
Capturing Guest Candids---the Reality of the Day
important Final note about candids
Be realistic with yourself and the energy of those attending your wedding.
+ are your guests an interactive group?
+ does the wedding party know their roles?
+ how do family react in react in
emotional/ surprised situations?
+ do you and your partner need things to run perfectly in order to enjoy things?
+ are guests dancers or talkers?
+are your guests an interactive group? +does the wedding party know their roles?
+how do family react in emotional/surprised situations? +are guests dancers or only talkers?
+do you and your partner need things to run perfectly in order to enjoy things?
We often see other peoples wedding photos, or even romantic films, and want that—carefree candids, running through fields, laughing with loved ones, effortless joy. But here’s some gentle tough love: is that actually you and your partner? Does that vibe fit your venue, the season, and the way your family naturally celebrates with each other?
If those emotions and interactions don’t come naturally, then forcing a candid free-spirited energy may feel awkward for you and your guests, and it will show in your photos. A photographer can guide you toward candid moments, but if that style doesn’t align with how you truly connect, the images may feel performative and hard to relate to later.
And that’s completely okay. This is your permission to embrace a more posed, structured, or styled day if that feels more authentic! Your wedding should be joyful and immersive, not a performance. How you naturally interact... whether you’re expressive and carefree or more reserved and intentional—directly shapes what your photographer can document. If being candid isn’t your norm, it won’t magically appear on your wedding day.
The takeaway: choose a wedding style that reflects who you truly are, even if that means a more posed and intentional approach. And know that it’s just as beautiful.
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documentary weddings + lifestyle portraits
based in seattle, wa
