Setting the Stage for Candid Images

Out are the days of looking straight into the camera and smiling a toothy, fake smile...In are the days of looking natural and letting your emotions tell your wedding story (otherwise known as “candid” photos). Being a photographer, I know candid shots are difficult to capture and the typical wedding day doesn’t allow enough time for me to wait with the camera to my eye, hoping the right moment comes along for me to click the shutter. I sometimes have to create the moment, almost staging the shot to reveal a candid expression or style. The staging starts very early in the day, with the “detail” shots (putting on the tie, the jewelry, etc.). The first thing I do is  look around the room and decide where the best light is coming from, then I position the bride/groom there and proceed to guide them as I take the images.  For instance, if I want images of the groom getting ready, I’ll ask him to to act like he’s putting on his tie or position him a specific way before he puts on his cuff links, maybe even pausing him when his hands fall a certain way, therefore setting up the shot. When it comes to the couple, I usually position their bodies and then start narrating a story, making them laugh or look into each other’s eyes..until I get the reaction I’m looking for.  By doing this, they get relaxed and their true personality comes to the surface. It may feel a little silly at first, but after a few minutes I usually don’t have to prompt them anymore and they are “posing” themselves perfectly. This type of posing usually works in most situations from the couple, the bride getting into her gown, to the groom laughing with his groomsmen. If I sat back and waited on amazing images to create themselves, it would rarely happen.