Capturing candid moments is one of the most rewarding aspects of wedding photography. It allows you to capture genuine emotions and create images that evoke a visceral response in the viewer. However, capturing these moments is easier said than done.
This is hands down my favorite part of being a wedding photographer. I love being able to create images that will build a bridge to moments, helping the viewers relive one of the best days of their lives.
Why Candid Moments Are Powerful
Candid moments are powerful because they capture genuine emotions. When you capture someone in a the moment, you are capturing a moment that is unscripted, unposed, and raw. These moments are often the most authentic and meaningful. They allow you to tell a story and convey a message that is more powerful than any posed portrait could ever do.
Tips for Capturing Candid Moments
Be Patient
Capturing candid moments requires patience. You have to be willing to wait for the perfect moment to present itself. You can’t force these moments, they have to happen naturally. Be patient and keep your camera ready. You never know when that perfect moment will happen.
Be Observant
To capture candid moments, you need to be observant. You need to be aware of your surroundings and anticipate when a moment is about to happen. Pay attention to body language and facial expressions. Often, these non-verbal cues can tell you when a person is about to do something interesting. Weddings are often very scripted. Making it a lot easier to capture candid moments. Watch the people who matter most to the Bride and Groom. They will often be the ones involved in the most powerful moments
Be Invisible
This is one of the weirder parts of capturing candid moments. While you would expect that you would need a long lens and to stand far away. I find that if you are around your subjects, taking pictures, they will often forget you are even there. This allows you to quickly take photos when your subjects aren’t paying attention. The best way to be invisible. Take photos. As soon as you stop taking pictures, that’s when people start to notice you.
Be Prepared
To capture candid moments, you need to be prepared. You need to have your camera ready and set up for the shot. Use a fast shutter speed and a wide aperture to freeze the moment and create a shallow depth of field. This will help you isolate the subject and create a more intimate image. When seeking to capture candid moments I recommend shooting in manual. This allows you to take complete control and not have the camera drop the shutter speed or underexpose an image at an inopportune time. Moments only happen once. You need to be ready!
Get Closer To The Subject
The best images always have the most emotion. By moving in closer, you can capture the nuances of their expression and body language, which can add more depth and meaning to the image. Don’t be afraid to get up close and personal. Normally when I am photographing a wedding I will use a 24mm lens. While this may seem odd at first, the images always carry a lot more punch. By being in the moment with the subject, you can create more intimate and emotional images that truly capture the feeling of a moment. It may be scary to get close, but it is always worth it!
Know Your Gear
Finally, you need to be ready to adapt. Sometimes, the perfect moment happens when you least expect it. You need to be ready to change your camera settings and adjust your position to capture the moment. Know when your camera will fail you. For me, it’s the camera’s autofocus. I use a Lumix S5, which is definitely a bit of a quirky camera. It always drops the ball in low light. This means I need to use artificial light and manual focus to compensate for the camera’s weakness. While it may be inconvenient, sometimes the best images come about when you are faced with limitations. You are forced to be creative and the results are worth it
In Conclusion
Capturing candid moments is a powerful way to create images that evoke emotion and tell a Wedding story. By being patient, observant, stealthy, prepared, and ready to adapt, you can capture these moments and create authentic and meaningful images. Remember, these moments are often fleeting, so keep your camera ready and be ready to capture the perfect moment when it presents itself. Happy shooting
Web: charlesmoll.com
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Facebook: @charlesmollphoto
Charles Moll
May 2024
Elevate Your Vision
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