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Nine Lessons I Learned About Candid Portrait Photography from Shooting 500 Wedding Photos


Bride places a flower crown on groom's head at a table surrounded by forest

Only a few times in one's life are photographers given the opportunity to capture something that is not only aesthetically beautiful but also deeply meaningful to them. Births, holidays, engagements, weddings.


That's why I was so incredibly elated when one of my lifelong friends welcomed me shooting her wedding day with my Canon camera.


While I've been taking photos for years on my travels, many of which being candids and portrait photography, weddings felt like a different brand of pressure. I was photographing a fleeting day, one that would be held close for years to come. My goal was to capture raw moments that showed the overpouring personality of the radiant bride and groom, as well as the aura of love that congregated around them.


Invest in a portrait lens

A close-up of a Canon 50mm lens, featuring its smooth black finish and clear glass, with detailed focus markings around the barrel. The lens sits on a plain surface, highlighting its compact design.

I've been shooting with the same basic lens set-up that came with my Canon Rebel five years ago. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't the high-quality, focused portraits I wanted to capture at this wedding.


To ensure I capture the best wedding photos possible, I invested in a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens. Unlike my standard lens, the 50mm didn't have zoom capabilities, so I had to use my body's movement to bring the frame into focus. However, it did have exceptional portrait capabilities and this little lens far exceeded my expectations.


Lie in wait with the camera ready to capture special wedding moments 


A bride hugs her mother, both smiling warmly and closely.

A big part of the candid game is the art of anticipation. Paying attention to when key moments were about to happen was the main tool that allowed me to snap real, emotion-filled exchanges. The photo above was one of my favorites for this reason.


Either be undetectable or personable to get a natural reaction 

Three people helping a bride put on wedding gown

As a portrait photographer hoping to capture candid wedding and bridal photos, there are two main strategies for eliciting natural shots. The first is blending into the background. Becoming one of the crowd, melting into camoflouge. That way you can simply capture the moment as it unfolds in real-time without the awkward gaze of the camera.


When blending isn't possible, the alternative is turning on your personable side. This was easy at this particular event because I am practically a professional at making Mariah laugh specifically. But, you could usher out a positive, organic reaction just by asking questions, chatting, or giving them a few encouraging words.


Try to capture flashes of movement & don't be afraid of a little blur

Slightly off-focus photo of a girl with roses in her hair laughing

Many people fear the out-of-focus photo and I can appreciate that sentiment. However, there is something wholesome and nostalgic about a slightly blurred frame that captures a moment of movement. For instance, I adore this shot of the bride mid-laugh.


Focus on loved ones

Two women hugging as loved ones watch smiling

While the bulk of photos at a wedding should hone in on the bride and groom, there is a core group of people around them that are also an enormous part of the memory. I tried to make it just as much of a priority to catch moments with these loved ones as well.


Don’t delete anything until you go through photos after the event

Bride with roses in her hair walking toward groom in the forest

I wasn't the biggest fan of these woodsy photos when I initially saw them on my camera's display. Yet I obeyed the cardinal rule of keeping everything until I had time to review them. When I finally got the chance to go through everything, I was beyond thrilled that I kept it all because I found several gems, like the one above.


Sometimes the best photos require a little editing to bring out their full potential


The unaltered shot of Mariah walking feels like it might be a throwaway from first glance. The car and figures in the background are way too noticeable and it makes the shot feel ungraceful. But, I loved the way the light-drenched veil looked with the roses in her hair peeking through.


With just a touch of editing, the eye is pulled to the foreground subject and the distrations face away. Giving the final product an ethereal nature.


Have fun with it

Bride and groom standing with champagne in the forest

Photography isn't a daunting task for me, it's something I do when I want to have fun. I think that energy of loving the act emanates through the finished product. That's the real garnish on the top of a good candid photo.



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