One of the first questions couples ask me is about the balance between candid and posed shots on their wedding day. Each approach has its unique qualities and charm, and both play an essential role in capturing the full story of your day. As a wedding photographer, my goal is to create a blend that captures the magic and authenticity of your celebration, giving you timeless photos that feel uniquely yours.

Let’s explore what candid and posed shots bring to your wedding album and how each type adds something special.

The Beauty of Posed Shots

Posed shots are carefully curated images that ensure everyone looks their best and that specific moments are captured beautifully. These shots are especially helpful for capturing key elements like the couple portraits, family photos, and bridal party images. With posed photography, we have more control over lighting, angles, and composition, which means we can ensure each detail aligns with your vision.

1. Classic and Timeless:

Posed shots capture you, your partner, and your loved ones at their best. These images are styled to create beautiful compositions, and they give you the chance to look directly into the camera, creating powerful, timeless photos.

2. Essential Family Portraits:

Family photos are typically more structured, as we want to capture everyone clearly in a more organized setting. These images become cherished keepsakes, preserving memories of all the important people in your life in one frame.

3. Bridal and Couple Portraits:

During your portrait session, posed shots can bring out the elegance and romance of the moment. We’ll take time to capture you both in stunning, well-composed frames, creating beautiful, artistic images that highlight your love story.

The Magic of Candid Shots

Candid shots are all about capturing genuine moments as they unfold, without intervention. These photos reveal the laughter, emotion, and personality of your wedding day, bringing a storytelling quality to your album that posed shots can’t quite replicate.

1. Capturing Emotions Naturally:

From the tear in your partner’s eye during your vows to the laughter shared with friends at the reception, candid photography captures the raw emotion of the day. These moments aren’t staged, and that authenticity adds depth to your album.

2. The Unexpected Moments:

Some of the most unforgettable photos are the ones you didn’t plan for. Maybe it’s your flower girl spinning in her dress or a stolen glance shared between you and your partner. Candid shots capture these beautiful, spontaneous moments that can’t be replicated.

3. Reliving the Atmosphere:

Candid shots are like a visual diary of your day. They include moments you may not have even noticed, like your parents smiling at each other during the ceremony or friends enjoying a laugh at the cocktail hour. These photos bring the energy and feel of your wedding to life.

Balancing Candid and Posed: Finding Your Style

Most couples want a combination of both styles, as each brings something different to the table. During your wedding day, we’ll capture key posed moments while also blending in candid shots that tell the story naturally.

1. During Prep and Getting Ready:

In the getting-ready phase, I like to take a few classic posed shots of you with your wedding party, followed by candid moments that capture the excitement and anticipation. This combination shows the emotion leading up to the ceremony while still creating frame-worthy images with your friends and family.

2. Ceremony Moments:

The ceremony is one of the best times for candid photography. I’ll be there to capture the look in your eyes as you walk down the aisle, the emotions during your vows, and the reactions of your loved ones. These unposed, emotional shots are invaluable in capturing the atmosphere of your day.

3. Couple Portraits and Sunset Shots:

This is when we take some time to capture the beauty of the venue and the romance between you two. While I’ll guide you into poses that flatter, I’ll also encourage natural interaction so we get some unplanned, joyful moments as well.

4. Reception and Party Vibes:

The reception is where candid shots really shine. From toasts to dancing, the celebration is full of movement, laughter, and joy that can’t be staged. I’ll capture friends and family letting loose, laughing, and enjoying the night, giving you photos that reflect the fun and connection of the day.

Why You Don’t Have to Choose

The beauty of combining candid and posed shots is that you get the best of both worlds. Posed shots give you those timeless, refined images to frame and display, while candid shots capture the spontaneous joy and emotion that make your day uniquely yours. Together, they create a rich, diverse wedding album that tells your full story—from the quiet, intimate moments to the energy and excitement of the celebration.

Conclusion

Both posed and candid photos have an important role in wedding photography, and by blending the two, we can capture the magic, beauty, and spirit of your day. Whether you’re sharing a tear, a laugh, or a romantic kiss, every moment matters. With a thoughtful mix of styles, your wedding album will reflect the unique journey you and your partner are embarking on, preserving memories you’ll cherish for years to come.