What exactly is a Candid Photographer?
And why are they important?
When looking for a wedding photographer, an important thing to know is that all photographers have a different style when it comes to photographing their subjects. (This blog post is not talking about editing styles.)
Some popular photographing styles are:
- Documentary
- Editorial
- Fine Art
- Candid
Candid photography focuses on capturing the real and authentic moments. Think of grandma tearing up as you're coming down the aisle or your best man cracking a laugh during your vows to each other. Candid photographers act as fly on the walls, waiting to capture those little special moments. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.
Documentary Photography and Candid Photography are sometimes confused with one another. Documentary photography is fully letting go and letting the day go by in the most natural way. Candid photography is similar but it involves finding the best moments that are organically happening.
With that being said, Candid Photography and Editorial Photography are also pretty similar. A great wedding photographer should be able to mix between both of these styles.
A huge part of photographing weddings is documenting the things that are happening, which I would consider the literal candid parts of the day. Your guest reactions, your first kiss, how you both get ready and who you're with, etc. The editorial parts of the day normally include your couple portraits and family portraits.
Plus, while you might love a vibey, editorial portrait, Mom really just wants one nice photo of you smiling at the camera. These are what I call the “Mantel Photos”.
Here are some of my favorite candid moments taken from Alena + Derek’s wedding at Meadowbrook Hall in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
