Candid wedding photography

Wedding Photography

beautiful intimate candid moments between the couple with nature background

Hey there!


If you’re diving into the planning stages of your wedding and find yourself drawn to photography that feels as real and heartfelt as your own love story, then candid wedding photography might be your perfect match.

As a wedding photographer who thrives on capturing those unscripted, intimate moments that really tell the story of your day, I’m here to guide you through embracing this beautiful, natural style of photography.

Let’s explore how candid moments can bring a unique, personal touch to your wedding photos, especially if you cherish depth, authenticity, and a bit of creative flair.

What is Candid Wedding Photography?

Candid wedding photography is all about capturing the essence of your special day without posing or direction. It’s for you if you value the beauty of real emotions and want your wedding photos to reflect the genuine interactions and joy of your celebration. This style aligns perfectly with those who are intuitive and feeling-oriented, as it captures the depth of your relationships and the unspoken love in the air.

romantic moments between the bride and groom @Emerald Photo UK

Mastering the Art of Candid Shots

Mastering candid shots in wedding photography involves a blend of intuition, skill, and technical prowess. It’s about capturing the essence of the moment while being almost invisible as a photographer. I focus on the subtle interactions and fleeting emotions that occur naturally throughout the day.

candid wedding moments as a strand of the bride's hair is blown by the wind
the bride leans against the groom's back on their wedding portrait session

Whether it’s the quick smile exchanged between the couple during a speech, the tears of joy from relatives during the ceremony, or the laughter during the reception, my approach emphasizes discretion and sensitivity. By staying alert and moving quietly, I ensure that these authentic moments are captured without the subjects feeling conscious of the camera, thus preserving the natural flow of the wedding.

Techniques for Capturing Authentic Moments

It’s all about anticipation and presence to nail those candid moments. I stay constantly on the move, blending into the background to catch those fleeting expressions of laughter, tears, and joy that happen naturally. Whether it’s a whispered joke between old friends or a quiet moment of reflection, these are the touches that bring the candid style of wedding photography to life.

natural wedding moments between the wedding couple on their wedding portrait session

The Ideal Settings for Genuine Expressions

Lighting plays a huge role in candid photography. Natural light is always preferred—it’s soft, flattering, and brings a warm, romantic quality to your photos. I also make a point of understanding the day’s flow so I can be at the right place at the right time, ready to capture the magic without intrusion.

honest intimate moment between the bride and groom in the forest
funny wedding portrait with newlyweds

Embracing the Black and White

Sometimes, the most powerful wedding photography candid shots are those taken in black and white. Removing the distraction of colour can deepen the emotional impact of a photo, highlighting the expressions and atmosphere in a timeless, classic way that resonates deeply with those who appreciate the nuances of art and emotion.

wedding portrait under the bride's veil with the wedding couple

Choosing the Right Equipment for Candid Wedding Photography

Selecting the appropriate equipment is crucial for capturing the spontaneous and intimate moments characteristic of candid wedding photography. I rely on a combination of high-quality DSLRs or mirrorless cameras that offer quick autofocus, high ISO performance for varied lighting conditions, and silent shooting capabilities.

candid moments between the wedding couple
wedding portrait photo session with amazing lights and shades

Lenses are equally important; I typically carry a range of lenses, including a fast prime lens for sharp, beautiful bokeh in portraits and a versatile zoom lens that allows me to capture a variety of angles without intruding on the personal space of guests. This setup not only allows for the flexibility required to adapt to the dynamic environment of a wedding but also ensures that the photographs capture the authentic, unscripted moments with clarity and depth.

Cameras and Lenses

The choice of camera and lens can make a huge difference in candid wedding photography. I prefer using high-quality DSLRs or mirrorless cameras with a variety of lenses. A fast lens is essential, not just for technical reasons like low light capabilities, but because it allows for quick, discreet shots that capture the essence of the moment without the subject becoming self-conscious.

hungarian wedding

Documentary Wedding Photography: Telling Your Unique Story

Documentary wedding photography is a cousin to candid photography but with a broader scope. It involves a narrative approach, capturing all parts of the day to tell the complete story of your wedding. This style is perfect for those who see their wedding as a series of interconnected moments, each with its own significance and beauty.

bride's wedding shoes with shades
Challenges in Candid Wedding Photography

Even with the best intentions, candid photography can come with challenges, such as unpredictable lighting or guests who are camera-shy. However, with creativity and a deep understanding of your vision and needs, these challenges can be turned into opportunities to create stunning, evocative imagery that reflects the true spirit of your day.

the bride and the groom is walking towards to the camera in the forest
bride is turn around with her beautiful lace wedding dress and her rose bouquet

And there you have it—a little peek into the world of candid wedding photography from my lens to your heart. If you’re dreaming of wedding photos that capture more than just how things looked, but how they felt, then let’s connect and discuss how we can bring your unique vision to life, making sure every glance, every laugh, and every tear is captured for you to remember forever.

DO YOU HAVE SOME QUESTIONS?

Let me answer them!


Candid photography at a wedding focuses on capturing spontaneous and genuine moments as they naturally occur throughout your wedding day. Unlike traditional photography, where subjects are often posed and directed, candid photography aims to document the real emotions, expressions, and events without any intrusion from the photographer.

As a candid wedding photographer, I blend into the background to minimize my presence. I use long lenses that allow me to shoot from a distance, and I’m always observing, ready to capture those key moments as they happen naturally, ensuring that the experience remains uninterrupted and genuine for you and your guests.

I use high-quality DSLRs or mirrorless cameras equipped with features like a silent shutter and fast autofocus, which are essential for candid shots. My lens selection typically includes fast prime lenses for depth and low light situations and zoom lenses for flexibility, ensuring high-quality images across all settings and lighting conditions.

Absolutely! While my speciality is candid photography, I understand the importance of traditional posed photographs in a wedding album. I’m happy to accommodate a mix of both candid and posed shots, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive collection of images that capture the essence of your day.

I am well-prepared for all types of lighting and weather conditions. I bring additional equipment, such as external flashes and diffusers, to handle low-light environments. For outdoor conditions, I have experience in adapting to and making the most of the available light, whether it’s using natural light creatively or setting up artificial lighting when necessary.

I approach photography with sensitivity and discretion, especially around guests who may be camera-shy. My aim is to capture everyone in their most natural and comfortable state, using techniques that allow me to photograph from a distance, and focusing on moments when people are naturally engaged and least aware of the camera.

the wedding couple is holding each other on their wedding day in the shades

READY TO

Capture Your Love Story?

Your wedding day deserves to be remembered just as you imagine it, with every heartfelt detail captured beautifully. If you’re ready to include your dogs at weddings on your special day and want those moments immortalized, let’s connect.

Not ready to book yet? No worries!

I understand that planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and choosing the right photographer is a big decision. If you have any questions or need more information, I’m here to help.

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