How to Actually Get Candid Wedding Photos

getting those dream Documentary-style wedding photos

Almost every inquiry I receive includes some version of this:

“We really want candid photos.”

Good news: ME TOO.

But here's something I think couples should know when they're looking for a candid Pittsburgh wedding photographer:

"Candid" doesn't necessarily mean your photographer hides in a bush with a 200mm lens and never speaks to you.

Some of the most natural-looking photos happen because I gave someone just enough direction to stop thinking about being photographed.

Movement is your best friend.

If I stand you side-by-side and say, "Okay! Be candid!"

...we are all going to have a bad time.

Instead, I'm probably going to get you moving.

Walk. Bump into each other. Pull someone closer. Dance terribly. Run. Spin. Do something that gives your brain another job besides OH GOD SOMEONE IS TAKING MY PICTURE.

Movement creates reactions.

Reactions create actual smiles.

And suddenly we're making photographs that look like you instead of two people trying very hard to look natural.

Be affectionate in the way that's normal for YOU.

You don't need to become a different couple because there's a camera around.

If you're super affectionate normally, fantastic. Give me all of it.

If you're not? Also fantastic.

Maybe you're the couple constantly roasting each other. Maybe you're quieter. Maybe one of you makes the other laugh constantly.

That's what I want.

I don't want to manufacture someone else's relationship for your gallery.

Stop checking whether the photographer is getting the shot.

We are.

Promise.

One of the easiest ways to get more candid wedding photographs is to stop looking for the camera.

During cocktail hour, talk to your guests.

During dinner, laugh with your friends.

When you're walking together, look at each other instead of me.

My job is to pay attention.

Your job is to have a wedding.

Leave enough time to actually experience things.

This is a big one.

If your timeline has you sprinting from one scheduled event to another all day, there isn't much room for candid moments to happen.

Some of my favorite photographs come from the in-between.

Your mom seeing you dressed for the first time.

Someone fixing your veil.

Your friends losing it over something during cocktail hour.

Your grandpa on the dance floor.

The two of you having a tiny "holy crap, we're married" moment when nobody else is around.

You can't schedule those photographs.

You can only give them enough space to happen.

And yes, sometimes I'll create the opportunity.

There is a difference between faking a candid moment and creating an environment where a real one can happen.

I might put you in beautiful light and tell you to walk together.

I might tell your wedding party to squeeze in.

I might ask you to dance for 30 seconds while I back away.

Then I watch what happens.

The combination of ‘direction when you need it and space when you don't’ is a huge part of my photography style.

I want you to look amazing.

But more importantly, I want you to look like yourselves.

That's what candid wedding photography means to me.

If you're planning a Pittsburgh wedding and want colorful, joyful wedding photos without spending your entire day posing for them, I'd love to photograph it.