Candid and documentary-style wedding photography is growing in popularity, and for good reason. Couples are drawn to the raw, emotional moments that unfold naturally throughout the day. But with so many moving parts on a wedding day, candid photos don’t always happen organically—and that’s okay! If you hire a strictly documentary photographer, you may miss out on those timeless, posed portraits that will become heirlooms for generations.
But what if you value both? Weddings are full of details, from the big emotional moments to the tiny, fleeting ones, and your photographer will be capturing it all. So how do you ensure you get those stunning posed portraits and the genuine, candid shots that capture the heart of your day?
That’s where balance comes in. We’re big believers that while documentary-style photography is gorgeous, a balanced wedding gallery is key to getting truly timeless images. By blending candid storytelling with classic portraiture, we can create a gallery that feels both emotional and timeless—a true reflection of your love story in all its beauty. Let’s dive into how to make that happen!
Quick Guide: If you don’t feel like reading the entire post, here are some key takeaways:
1. Hire a Professional Wedding Coordinator
A coordinator (different from a venue coordinator) keeps everything running smoothly, so your photographer can focus on capturing real, candid moments instead of managing logistics and answering non photo related questions. They handle any issues, ensuring you’re free to enjoy your day and your photographer is free to watch for moments that lead to candid photos.
2. Stay Affectionate
Hold hands, steal kisses, and show affection throughout the day. These natural, loving moments create the best romantic candids.
3. Trust the Process
Trust your photographer to handle the technical details. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the more authentic your photos will be.
1. Hire a Professional Wedding Coordinator
One of the best ways to free up your photographer to capture candid moments is by hiring a professional wedding coordinator—not to be confused with a venue coordinator (read more about the difference here). Without a coordinator, much of the logistical responsibility often falls on the photographer, even if a well-meaning friend or family member steps in. While helpful, it’s just not the same as having someone well-versed in the flow of a wedding day. A professional coordinator ensures that everything runs smoothly, answering questions and solving problems quickly, so you can stay focused on your day. This allows us to focus on capturing those candid moments that make your wedding story unique.
2. Stay Affectionate Throughout the Day
If you want romantic candid moments, the key is to stay affectionate throughout the day. Hold hands, steal kisses, and lean into one another often. These tender interactions create the most intimate and heartwarming photos. The more connected you are, the more those soft, romantic moments will naturally unfold. Don’t be shy about showing your love—it’s your wedding day, after all!
That said, if you’re not naturally a touchy-feely couple, candids might not happen as organically. You have to be intentional about creating those moments, but be mindful that overly prompting candid moments can sometimes feel contrived. It’s important to find a balance that feels authentic to you both.
3. Trust the Process
One of the best ways to capture candid moments is to trust your photographer completely. When you trust us, you can focus on simply being in the moment. Instead of worrying about how you look or if the lighting is perfect, let us handle the technical side. The more comfortable you are with us, the more likely you are to let your guard down, which is when the most authentic moments happen.
4. Focus on Each Other
Your wedding day is about the love you share with your partner, so lean into that! Instead of worrying about where the camera is, focus on each other and the emotions of the day. Whether it’s a quiet moment before the ceremony or dancing together during the reception, when you’re truly present with each other, the candid shots will naturally follow.
5. Enjoy Your Guests
Some of the best candid shots come from interactions between you and your guests. Be intentional about spending time with the people you’ve invited to share this day with you. Hug your grandma, laugh with your childhood friends, or dance with your nieces and nephews. Those moments of joy are where the magic happens, and we’ll be there to capture it all.
How to Get Candid Photos on Your Wedding Day
6. Don’t Worry About the Camera
Sometimes couples can feel a little self-conscious with a camera nearby, but don’t let that be a concern! We’re experts at being invisible when needed. We move around quietly and use long lenses to capture intimate moments without intruding. It’s not about posing perfectly but about living fully in each moment, trusting that we’re documenting it all without you even noticing.
7. Plan Unscripted Moments
While you can’t “plan” candid photos, you can create space for them. We love when couples set aside some time for unstructured activities during the day, like a spontaneous walk after the ceremony or a relaxed cocktail hour. These are perfect opportunities for natural interactions to occur, and they give us a chance to capture real moments of joy, love, and laughter.
8. Give Yourself Time
Time plays a huge factor in capturing both candid moments and timeless portraits. If your wedding day schedule is too tight, it can be hard to relax and be fully present, which makes it more difficult for those natural, candid moments to unfold. To strike the perfect balance, having enough time built into the day is essential. In our experience, around ten hours of coverage is ideal. This allows for a smooth flow without feeling rushed, giving us time to capture everything—from the posed portraits to the spontaneous moments of joy and emotion.
9. Embrace Imperfection
Life is full of imperfect, beautiful moments, and your wedding day is no different. Maybe it rains during your outdoor ceremony, or maybe there’s a spontaneous dance-off on the reception floor. Whatever happens, embrace it! These moments, when you roll with the punches and laugh through it all, will be some of the most treasured images from your day.
10. Be Present
Finally, and most importantly, be present. It’s easy to get caught up in the schedule, making sure everything runs smoothly. But the more you can focus on soaking in each moment—holding hands with your partner, taking a deep breath before walking down the aisle, sharing quiet glances during the vows—the more genuine your day will feel, and the more candid moments we’ll be able to capture.
At the end of the day, your wedding is a celebration of love, connection, and joy. It’s not about being perfectly posed but about living in the moment. The candid photos we capture are the real, unscripted moments that reflect the heart of your day, and we can’t wait to tell your love story through them.
