Wedding photography has undergone an overhaul in the past decade. Gone are the requests for traditional and formal shots, instead modern couples want candid photo memories of their happy day.
While there will always be a place for a handful of images that depict the newly married couple, their bridal party, and close friends and family, more couples are opting for natural shots that show the true emotion, love, and laughter of their wedding day.
Here are 5 tips to make the most of candid photography on your big day:
- Hire Two Photographers
While this is a more expensive option, it’s something to think about if imagery from your special day is important to you.
One photographer will only be required to take the more formal images, so the other can focus on taking discrete and candid shots.
- Choose a Photographer with Candid Skills
If two photographers aren’t an option, make sure the photographer you do select has a flair for the more candid style. Looking through a photographer’s portfolio before selecting who to go with is very important, but if more natural photographs are what you’re after, make sure the one you choose is well practised and skilled in this style. Capturing candid in a flattering way is not as easy as it seems.
- Give Your Photographer the Details
If you plan to spend time walking around the room greeting guests at your reception before the meal, if you have hired a surprise act, or if there is something of interest that will happen, make sure and let your photographer know so they can be prepared and on-hand to capture the energy and emotion.
Even if you think your day has a “normal” structure, give your photographer an itinerary of sorts so they will be ready for action when the best candid photos can be taken.
- Cameras Everywhere!
Whether you choose to have disposables available for guest use, or simply create a hashtag so you can easily find the images that guests take with their camera phones and post on social media, you can make every guest feel like they are part of your big day while also providing some crucial photography services. Your professional shots are likely to be better, but guests often capture a real gem or two.
- Hire a Photobooth
Photobooths have become massively popular, and for good reason! Not only do they provide guests with a form of entertainment, but they are also an amazingly fun way to get informal photos from your wedding day. Many also offer the option of keepsake mementos, such as keyrings, which guests love.