Wedding photos come in all sorts of styles. Some are incredibly curated and staged, whereas others are emotional, natural and tear-jerking. Some of the most popular wedding photo styles are candid ones—and for a good reason too! It captures the emotions in the moment felt by the couple, and for many people, such pictures tell excellent stories that are remembered forever.

That said, candid photos, despite looking natural and relaxed, can be quite tough to get right—even for the ones in front of the camera. After all, there is a fine line between a candid picture that looks beautiful and heartfelt and one that puts a damper on the event because of any forced reactions.

4 Tips to Help You Get the Best Candid Wedding Photos

To help you get the best candid wedding photos possible from your day, here are some tips on how you can do it right. For broader guidance, see Adelaide wedding photographers.

Be yourself

Perhaps the best tip to get the best candid wedding photos we can ever give you is to be yourself. Do not stress out about looking good or posing. While they both certainly are beneficial to a good photo, it probably will not happen if you worry too much about it! For that reason, you should simply enjoy what is happening around you for the best candid photo.

Plus, when you finally see yourself in the picture, you truly know that the emotions you felt are genuine and true at that moment in time. Whether that be tears or laughs, what you truly feel during the wedding will be what is reflected in the picture.

A big reason why I like to be as hands off as possible while shooting a wedding – particularly before the ceremony is that nerves play a big part in how people act. There is nothing worse than a photographer telling you want to do on one of the most emotional days of your life! The emotion captures in a photo is key to the best candid wedding photos, so I like to take photos of things that are happening – not things that are too forced.

Grab a drink

Whatever it is you like to drink, be it wine or beer, then go ahead and grab a bottle! Alcohol does fantastic things to make people more talkative, happier, and show their true emotions.

Of course, you should not be going overboard, as that will only end in tragedy. Just a drink or two is enough to get you relaxed and emotional, setting yourself up for a perfect candid photo. Even if you do not drink, simply holding a cup can make you feel all the more relaxed. So, for the sake of a candid photo, hold a cup at the very least! There is a reason why it’s sometimes called ‘liquid courage‘.

Put on your outfit

There will be a moment during the wedding that you will have to put on the best clothes to present yourself to your loved one. While it may seem a little counterintuitive to take pictures before you wear your dress or suit, it is one of the best times to do so! This is because, during this time, there will be plenty of emotions in the air. From friends making jokes and you simply looking happy, possibly a little nervous, these moments are perfect for stunning candid photos.

Set a schedule

We all know that time is money, and more often than not, you are too busy rushing things to sit down and take a photo. This is fatal to candid photos, so it is always recommended that you plan everything with enough time to be relaxed. When you are not stressing about time, you are far more likely to be yourself and look like you are enjoying your time!

With that in mind, take the time to create a detailed timeline, preferably with the photographer to ensure you have enough time for photos, candid or not.

Claire and Jacob embracing between dark rock formations on a Kangaroo Island beach

While there is a place for formal photo-taking sessions, candid pictures are just on a whole other level. It captures the true essence of the wedding and the emotions felt by each individual in the picture. If you are interested in having such photos for your wedding day, then remember the tips above. They go a long way in ensuring this special day is captured in its best light, providing you with the best candid wedding photos possible to remember the wedding for years to come.

If you are looking for the best wedding photography services, then we’re the ones you’re looking for! At Sven Studios, our mission is to provide you with the best services that will capture this special moment in the best way possible. Connect with us today to book us for your event!