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Tips for Candid Wedding Photography in 2020

Updated: Jan 19

Wellington Wedding Photographer


Kent Chua Wedding Photographer + Elopement Photographer


Everyone knows that taking great photos at weddings is a fun and enjoyable way to make a living, but it can also be a little difficult. While most of the people involved in the wedding will happily pose for portraits and some shots, you also need to be prepared for candid wedding photography. The bride and groom don't want to stop cutting the cake

or sharing their first dance because you can't get the right shot! They are very busy and distracted during weddings and receptions, and they need to pay attention to their friends and relatives as well as to each other. The skill of the photographer is what makes those shots memorable and unique. Sometimes candid wedding photography is like trying to take action shots at a sporting event, with all the commotion and activity going on at the reception!


Realizing this might give you the first clue how to improve your candid wedding photography. Go to a sporting event, a family reunion, or any other place where there's activity and practise taking action shots. Even spending some time in the pool of your apartment complex or in the local public park can mean some great shots. Think about how quickly you need to get set up when working with different angles and learn how to actually use your camera. Action means you need to anticipate what other people are going to do and be ready for action! Sometimes candid wedding photography means thinking ahead, anticipating in the same way.


Remember that candid wedding photography isn't always as candid as you might think.

You know, the couple are going to cut the cake, share the first dance, run to the limousine after the ceremony, and so many other things. Very often candid wedding photography means preparing for each of these events or "legs" of the journey and making sure you 're prepared. Being in the right place at the right time is not always a matter of chance! Think ahead even before the wedding begins, and take some time to check out the ceremonies and reception sites.


You can also ask the bride and groom to pose for some so-called candid wedding photograph. They can be caught running along the beach, sharing a quick kiss, toasting each other at the buffet table, or turning to the last wave as they head off after the reception. For these shots, just ask them to pause for a moment or check with them in advance to schedule these photos sometime during the festivities.


Other tips for candid wedding photography include being prepared with different angles and positions. Try using a small step-by - step tool to get those overhead shots or position yourself crouched down to take a picture of the bride and groom 's entrance. Get creative with these shots and make sure you 're skilled with your camera, and you're sure to make some amazingly memorable photos.

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