Imagine looking back at your wedding album years from now. You see the beautifully posed portraits, of course, but what truly brings a smile to your face are the spontaneous moments – your grandparents wiping away tears during the ceremony, the joyful hugs with your siblings, or the pure wonder in your niece’s eyes as she watches you walk down the aisle. These are the moments that tell the real story of your wedding day: these are candid photos.
More than just snapshots, candid wedding photos are about capturing genuine emotions and unscripted moments. They offer a complete picture of your celebration, encapsulating the joy and love you experienced. As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing these authentic moments. If you’re wondering how to get the best candid photos at your wedding, read on for my top tips based on years of experience.
1. Create a Flexible Timeline for Natural Moments
Flexibility is your friend when it comes to candid wedding photography. A relaxed timeline allows you and your guests to ease into each part of the day without feeling rushed. This extra breathing room creates more opportunities for those natural, unposed moments to unfold organically. When you’re not stressed about sticking to a rigid schedule, you’re more likely to be yourself and enjoy the day – and that’s when the best candid photos happen. A flexible timeline not only leads to better photos but also a more enjoyable and relaxed wedding day experience overall. It’s a win-win!
Groom adjusts his jacket and smiles at the bride during their wedding day candid photography session.
Bride and groom laughing together during their candid wedding photoshoot, showcasing natural joy.
2. Embrace a First Look for Intimate Candid Shots
For couples who prioritize candid wedding photos, I often recommend a first look. This is also ideal if you want to maximize your time together on your big day. A first look is a pre-ceremony moment where you and your partner see each other for the first time, privately. This allows us to dedicate a relaxed block of time for portraits before the ceremony, rather than squeezing them in later and missing cocktail hour. Beyond logistics, a first look helps ease pre-wedding jitters, allowing you to feel more at ease and present throughout the day.
The more relaxed you are, and the more time we have, the more space there is to get creative and capture those beautiful, spontaneous moments between you and your partner. These intimate interactions often result in some of the most cherished candid photos of the day.
Bride walking towards the groom for a first look, anticipation and excitement captured in candid wedding photo.
Groom turning around to see the bride during their first look, a genuine reaction beautifully captured in a candid shot.
3. The Advantage of a Second Shooter for Comprehensive Candid Coverage
Having a second photographer is invaluable for capturing a wider range of candid moments. While I focus on the main events and the couple, a second shooter can concentrate on capturing smaller details and interactions happening simultaneously. Think about it: as I’m photographing the ring exchange during the ceremony, my second photographer can capture your parents’ emotional reactions in the audience. Or, during family portraits at cocktail hour, they can document your friends’ laughter and toasts.
These seemingly small moments often become some of the most treasured candid photos of your wedding day. You won’t want to miss these genuine interactions! Two photographers simply mean double the opportunity to document all the moments as they naturally unfold, big and small, ensuring a complete and authentic visual story of your wedding.
Wedding guests joyfully celebrating at the reception, captured in a wide candid shot by a second shooter.
Candid photo of wedding guests raising their glasses in a toast, capturing the celebratory atmosphere from a unique perspective.
4. Choose a Documentary Style Photographer to Capture Unposed Moments
It might seem obvious, but selecting a photographer whose shooting style aligns with your vision is crucial. If you value candid photos, seek out a photographer who specializes in documentary wedding photography. This style prioritizes capturing authentic moments as they happen, rather than heavily posing or staging shots. Documentary wedding photographers blend into the background, observing and anticipating moments, allowing you to be yourselves and enjoy your day without constant direction.
To further enhance your comfort in front of the camera, I always recommend an engagement session before the wedding. This helps you build rapport with your photographer and feel more relaxed on your wedding day. It becomes more like having a friend capturing your wedding, which, in my opinion, is the best approach for truly candid and natural photos.
Bride and groom sharing a tender, candid moment during their wedding ceremony, captured by a documentary style photographer.
Candid photo of the groom wiping away a tear during the vows, showcasing raw emotion captured by a skilled documentary wedding photographer.
5. Be Present and Immerse Yourself in Your Wedding Day
Finally, and most importantly, be present! Make a conscious effort to soak in every moment and truly experience your wedding day. Try to forget the cameras are even there and focus on your partner, your loved ones, and the joy of the celebration. When you are genuinely engaged in the moment, your emotions and interactions will be authentic, and that’s when the most beautiful candid photos emerge. Remember, your wedding photos should be a reflection of your day, not the other way around.
The day will fly by. By allowing yourself time to relax, be present, and enjoy every second, you’ll naturally create the space for those genuine, candid moments to be captured and cherished for years to come.
Bride and groom holding hands and walking through their wedding venue, captured in a natural, candid style.
Candid photo of the bride laughing joyfully during her wedding day, showcasing genuine happiness and emotion.
Ready to Capture Candid Moments at Your Wedding?
If you’re looking for a documentary-style wedding photographer to capture the authentic moments of your special day, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch through my contact form. You can also explore more examples of my documentary wedding photography in my recent work here.
