THE ART OF CANDID WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: CAPTURING GENUINE MOMENTS
When it comes to wedding photography, many couples love capturing genuine, unscripted moments.
This is where candid wedding photography shines. But what exactly is candid wedding photography, and how does it create naturally timeless images.
Let’s dive in!
![candid wedding photography](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/OAvWMo5/untitled-486-a1fe9241-300.jpg)
NATURAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
![candid wedding photography](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/lRb01Lm/untitled1-338-890be1de-300.jpg)
THE IN-BETWEEN MOMENTS
I was recently inspired by an exhibition of Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of my favorite photographers, who is a master of capturing decisive moments. His work emphasizes the beauty of spontaneous, authentic interactions. I strive to incorporate this approach in my wedding photography, blending candid shots with a few staged images to create a complete narrative. There's such beauty in being caught off guard—it's the true art of photography!
Candid wedding photography is all about capturing the spontaneous and authentic moments of your wedding day. Unlike traditional posed photos, candid shots focus on the real emotions and interactions between you, your partner, and your guests.
![candid wedding photography Bourton hall](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/pQGWb8E/ScarlettShellisPhotography-154-7864ea87-300.jpg)
![candid wedding photography](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/OAZOEOw/ScarlettShellisPhotography_BredenburyCourtBarns-245-424ee775-300.jpg)
HOW I CAPTURE CANDID MOMENTS
As a wedding photographer, my goal is to blend into the background and let the day unfold naturally.
However, I also provide gentle direction to ensure we get the best shots possible. Here are some of the techniques I use to capture those perfect candid shots:
- Observation and Anticipation: I pay close attention to the flow of events and the interactions between people. By anticipating moments before they happen, I’m ready to capture them as they occur.
- Using Natural Light: I prefer natural light for its softness and authenticity. It helps in creating photos that feel warm and true to the moment.
- Gentle Direction: While I aim to capture moments as they happen, I sometimes provide subtle guidance. For instance, I might ask a couple to move closer to the light or shift to a more scenic spot. It’s during these transitions that the magic often happens – the stolen glances, the spontaneous smiles, and the tender hand-holding.
- Engaging with Guests: Being friendly and approachable allows me to blend in and capture guests when they are most relaxed and unaware of the camera.
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![candid wedding photographer](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/lRDyX43/untitled-17-99310dca-300.jpg)
![moxhull hall wedding photography](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/nKDaww0/ScarlettShellisPhotography_BredenburyCourtBarns-32-928c7cd8-1000.jpg)
![moxhull hall wedding photography](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/nKDaww0/ScarlettShellisPhotography_BredenburyCourtBarns-45-c1feb83b-1000.jpg)
![bredenbury court wedding](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/nKDaww0/ScarlettShellisPhotography-33-d8a05abc-1000.jpg)
![candid wedding photography](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/nKDaww0/ScarlettShellisPhotography-43-9a2bd79c-1000.jpg)
![French wedding photographer](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/nKDaww0/ScarlettShellisPhotography-280-521c95ac-1000.jpg)
![myth barn wedding photography](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/nKDaww0/untitled-3-f075ece0-1000.jpg)
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/nKDaww0/ScarlettShellisPhotography_BredenburyCourtBarns-48-169a6799-1000.jpg)
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![Blackwell grange wedding](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/nKDaww0/ScarlettShellisPhotography-16-a39e5201-1000.jpg)
BLENDING CANDID & EDITORIAL STYLES
FOR TIMELESS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
I also have a deep love for editorial wedding photography. I strive to create a balanced mixture of candid and formal shots, including group portraits that are important keepsakes for family and friends.
Inspired by fashion photography, I know how to capture my brides and grooms in their best light by suggesting different positions and gestures. This approach not only highlights their natural beauty but also results in stunning photographs for their gallery.
![red house barn wedding](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/6x1G4Z1/RedHouseBarn_ScarlettShellisPhotography-8-6b59f759-300.jpg)
WHY CANDID PHOTOS ARE TIMELESS
Candid photos are timeless because they capture real emotions that never go out of style. The joy of a father seeing his daughter in her wedding dress, the laughter shared between friends, and the tears of happiness during the vows – these are the moments that define your wedding day. When you look back at these photos years later, they will bring back the genuine feelings of that day.
![bredenbury court wedding photographer](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/QXZpP6Z/ScarlettShellisPhotography-32-9b82cd22-300.jpg)
WHAT MY COUPLES SAY
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is hearing from couples who felt comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. Here are a few testimonials from my wonderful clients:
Scarlett made us both feel so relaxed.
"We're not naturals in front of the camera, but Scarlett made us both feel so relaxed, and helped us with poses that were natural and unforced. She has such a brilliant eye, and puts together amazing compositions - we were so overwhelmed when we received our photos, they were so beautiful and were such a lovely record of every aspect of our day. Scarlett is an absolute professional, and her photography is really beautiful." Eleanor & James
We were a camera shy couple, but Scarlett put us at ease and captured our day beautifully.
"Scarlett was so incredible to have around on our wedding day! We were a camera shy couple, but Scarlett put us at ease and captured our day beautifully. We’re so happy with the photos and will treasure them forever." Amy & Ashley
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Choosing a wedding photographer who can capture candid and formal photographs means choosing to capture the true essence of your wedding day.
While not every shot you see may be as candid and unstaged as it seems, those moments in between setting up the shot that capture the genuine you are the best part. It’s about trusting your photographer to find those beautiful, unscripted moments that reflect the love and joy of your celebration. If you’re looking for photos that are natural, genuine, and timeless, having a mixture of candid and editorial wedding photography is the perfect choice.
Every smile, every tear, and every shared glance tells a story. These moments are not just captured; they are preserved for you to cherish forever. I believe in creating images that evoke emotions and memories, ensuring that your wedding day is remembered exactly as it felt.
If you’d like to know more about my approach to capturing formal and candid moments or to discuss your upcoming wedding, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to be a part of your special day and help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/aKwVOA4/untitled-1295-ae574584-300.jpg)
Wedding Photography taken at the following wedding venues in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Cotswolds and beyond:
Bourton Hall
Swancar Farm
Coton House Farm
Mythe Barn
Blackwell Grange
Hyde House
Hampton Manor
Moxhull Hall
Bredenbury Court
Red House Barn