Why “Candid” Wedding Photos Aren’t Always What They Seem

If you've been searching for a wedding photographer, you've probably seen the word candid pop up a lot. It’s become a bit of a buzzword in the wedding industry — and for good reason. It sounds relaxed, natural, and fuss-free. But here's a little insider truth: most of those “candid” shots you see in portfolios? They’re not quite as off-the-cuff as they appear.

The Myth of the Purely Candid Photo

In reality, “candid” is often a marketing term — one that makes couples feel more at ease when booking. No one wants to feel like they’ll be awkwardly posed or forced into cheesy smiles all day. So, calling photos candid is a way to say: “Don’t worry, you’ll feel comfortable, and your photos will feel like you.”

But let’s be honest — those beautiful, cinematic moments with perfect light and dreamy composition? They rarely happen by accident. Most of the time, there’s a little nudge, some gentle direction, or a well-timed prompt behind them. The laughter is real. The moment is real. But I’ve helped set the stage so you can feel relaxed enough to be yourselves.

Direction Without the Drama

My job as your photographer isn’t to choreograph your every move — it’s to create an atmosphere where you feel confident, natural, and completely in the moment. That might mean giving you a simple prompt like, “Whisper something silly to each other,” or asking you to walk hand-in-hand and just chat. It’s not about forced poses; it’s about guiding you so the real moments can unfold naturally and beautifully.

And yes — there will be a bit of direction, because that’s how we make sure you end up with those stunning photos you’ll want to hang on your wall for years to come. You deserve to look and feel your best, and sometimes that means a little behind-the-scenes magic to help everything fall into place.

So What Is Truly Candid?

Candid photography does exist, and it’s incredibly special — you’ll see it in your guests’ reactions, the spontaneous laughter during speeches, your mates tearing up the dance floor, and those fleeting, unscripted moments that happen when no one’s looking. These are the true candids: the ones that can’t be planned or posed, and they’re a vital part of the full story of your day.

But the wall-worthy, magazine-style images? They’re often a collaboration between you and me — part art, part direction, part genuine connection.

The Bottom Line

So when you see “candid wedding photography” splashed across websites and social media, take it with a pinch of salt. It doesn’t mean the photos aren’t real — it just means there’s usually more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye. And that’s not a bad thing.

My approach is all about keeping things relaxed, fun, and authentic. We’ll laugh, we’ll chat, and you’ll never feel like you’re “on display.” You’ll just feel like you — and that’s when the real magic happens.