Skills For Capturing Candid Wedding Moments

Wedding photography is one of the most demanding genres of photography. It requires hard preparation, precision organisation, and creativity. A good wedding photographer should be able to deliver stunning results, and this often comes down to their experience, style, and the connection they have with the couple.

Couples should look for a photographer whose style resonates with their personal taste and who they feel they can trust and connect with. It's also important to ask for a full gallery of a real wedding to get a sense of the photographer's work.

Additionally, photographers should be well-prepared, organised, and professional. They should also be able to deliver a unique experience to the couple and their guests, whether that's through their creative use of technology or their ability to capture genuine and emotive moments.

Personality and connection

When choosing a photographer, it's crucial to consider their style and how well you get along with them. The photographer's personality and connection with the couple can greatly impact the overall experience and the quality of the photos. A good photographer should feel like a friend, not just a hired vendor.

To ensure a good connection, it's recommended to meet with the photographer in person or virtually before making a decision. This allows the couple to get a sense of the photographer's personality and ensure they mesh well. It's also an opportunity to discuss the couple's vision for the photos and any specific requirements or expectations they may have.

A great photographer should be able to put the couple at ease and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera, especially if they are camera-shy. This can be achieved through building a rapport and creating a friendly, relaxed environment.

Additionally, the photographer should be able to collaborate effectively with the couple and other wedding vendors. This includes wedding planners, videographers, and other professionals involved in the wedding. A photographer who can work well with others will contribute to a smoother overall experience and ensure that the couple's vision is achieved.

When evaluating a photographer's personality and connection, it's important to consider their level of professionalism, organisation, and timeliness. Reading reviews from previous clients can provide valuable insights into these areas.

Ultimately, choosing a wedding photographer is about finding someone who not only takes great photos but also enhances the couple's experience through their personality, connection, and ability to collaborate.

Experience and creativity

Experience is invaluable in wedding photography. A seasoned photographer brings a wealth of knowledge and skills honed over numerous weddings, ensuring that your special day is captured flawlessly. They have the expertise to handle any challenges or unexpected situations that may arise, ensuring peace of mind for the couple. Their experience extends beyond the technical aspects of photography; it encompasses understanding the flow of the wedding, effectively communicating with the couple and other vendors, and managing their equipment efficiently.

Creativity is what transforms wedding photos into works of art. A creative photographer can bend and break the rules, infusing their unique style and vision into the images they capture. They have an eye for capturing candid, spontaneous moments, as well as composing artistic shots that showcase the couple's personality and tell their love story. Creativity also extends to the use of technology. A forward-thinking photographer embraces new advancements, such as enhanced automated image-sharing tools, to provide a unique experience for the couple and their guests.

The combination of experience and creativity ensures that a wedding photographer can deliver stunning results, exceeding expectations and providing cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

When choosing a wedding photographer, it is essential to review their portfolio, assess their style, and ensure their creativity and experience align with your vision for your special day.

Preparation and organisation

First, it is important to book your photographer early. Photographers are often booked six months to a year in advance, and the best photographers will take on a limited number of weddings each year. It is recommended to book your photographer as soon as you secure a date and venue.

Next, you should spend time researching photographers and their styles. This will help you find a photographer whose work you feel connected to. Consider whether you want traditional, posed portraits, or a more documentary-style approach with candid shots. Look at their portfolios and ask to see a full gallery of a real wedding, so you can be sure of what to expect.

Once you have found a photographer whose style you like, get in touch to discuss the details. Ask about their equipment, insurance, packages, and turnaround times. It is also important to find out who exactly will be shooting on the day and to see examples of their work.

Finally, keep an open line of communication with your photographer in the lead-up to the wedding. Share all the details of your wedding plans, and keep them updated on any changes. This will help to ensure that you are both prepared and that your photographer can deliver the images you want.

Style and equipment

Wedding photography styles vary from traditional to fine art, editorial, documentary, and photojournalistic. A good wedding photographer will be able to adapt their style to the couple's preferences and may even offer a mix of styles throughout the day.

A traditional wedding photography style involves more posed and staged portraits, capturing key moments from the ceremony and reception, and creating a clear picture of the day. This style is timeless and classic, often reminiscent of a couple's parents' wedding albums.

Editorial wedding photography is more curated and magazine-like, with the photographer giving more direction to the couple to capture them in the best light and angles.

A documentary or photojournalistic approach focuses on capturing candid, spontaneous moments and treating the wedding as a story that unfolds naturally.

Fine art wedding photography is artistic and creative, using lighting, angles, and post-production techniques to produce timeless, ethereal images.

Additionally, some photographers offer aerial photography using drones, which can be a great add-on for outdoor weddings or capturing the wedding venue and scenery.

When it comes to equipment, a good wedding photographer will have a range of camera bodies, lenses, and lighting equipment.

A full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera body is ideal, with two camera bodies being preferable to easily switch between different lenses and settings. Nikon, Canon, and Sony are popular brands, with models like the Nikon D850, Canon EOS 20D, and Sony A7III being commonly used.

For lenses, a variety of focal lengths are needed to capture different moments throughout the day. A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or 35mm is great for wider shots, while a telephoto lens like a 70-200mm or longer is ideal for the ceremony. Prime lenses like a 50mm, 85mm, or 135mm are excellent for portraits, offering a shallow depth of field and beautiful background blur.

Lighting equipment is crucial, especially for low-light situations or receptions. External flashes or speedlights, such as the Yongnuo 560 IV, are commonly used, often with light modifiers like umbrellas, softboxes, or diffusers to create softer, more flattering light.

Other equipment includes memory cards, spare batteries, camera straps, tripods or monopods, and camera bags to protect the gear during transport.

Post-processing software like Lightroom and Photoshop are also essential to edit and deliver the final images to the couple.

In summary, a good wedding photographer will have a range of equipment and be skilled in various photography styles to capture the couple's special day in a way that aligns with their vision and creates lasting memories.

Communication and reliability

Communication is essential before, during, and after the wedding day. A good wedding photographer will keep the couple informed throughout the process, reassuring them that they will be there on the big day and providing clear information about their services and fees. It is also important for the photographer to ask the couple about their expectations and preferences for the photography, and to communicate with other wedding vendors to ensure a smooth collaboration.

Reliability is crucial, as the photographer needs to be trusted to capture the important moments of the wedding day. This includes being punctual, organised, and prepared, with all the necessary equipment and knowledge of the venue and shoot locations. A reliable photographer will also deliver the final images and products within the agreed-upon timeframe.

In addition to effective communication and reliability, a good wedding photographer should also have a unique style, creativity, and a good rapport with the couple. The photographer should be someone the couple feels comfortable with and trusts to capture their special day.

Frequently asked questions