What is meant by Candid Photography?
Candid photography is a style of photography that captures moments spontaneously, without the subjects being aware of the camera. In Chennai weddings, where traditions blend seamlessly with modernity, candid photography plays a crucial role in preserving the authentic emotions and essence of the occasion. Here are some tips to improve candid photography in wedding which elevate your craft and capture memorable moments more effectively.
As you are aware, candid wedding photography has become an indispensable element of the wedding photography package. This is due to the preference for capturing genuine moments without posing, resulting in a more natural aesthetic. Particularly in Tamil Nadu weddings, where a myriad of emotions is showcased, candid photography holds significant importance, offering timeless memories cherished by clients. From joyous laughter to heartfelt tears, candid shots preserve every authentic moment, allowing couples to relive their special day with genuine warmth and nostalgia.
Candid Photography Tips for Wedding Photographers
1. Get the Right Equipment
To start improving your candid photography one needs to understand the required equipment for the shoot. We can do candid photography with any camera but for wedding photography we need a camera with better technology since its going to get printed as album. Whether it’s a Sony, Canon or Nikon, use full frame camera which has better low light performance because candid moments can be anywhere we can’t expect light everywhere so we need a best camera to capture the moments.
Choose the right lens for candid photography. Lens plays a vital role in the overall photography especially in a wedding we need to choose the lens wisely. For wedding candid photography most photographers prefer to have telephoto lens like 70-200mm but most of the photographers think like a telephoto lens is a must require one but it’s not. Actually, we can do a candid photography only with a 85mm lens, it’s totally depends on the location of the wedding. For a temple wedding or an engagement ceremony in a party hall not required a telephoto lens to capture candid moments.
As a candid wedding photographer, it’s important to know your camera settings really well. You have to be quick to adjust them because the lighting can change a lot at the wedding. You need to be ready to capture moments fast, so keep your fingers near the settings buttons.
What are the Lens we can use for Candid Wedding Photography?
- Telephoto Lens 70-200mm Canon/Sony/Nikon
- Prime Lens 85mm Canon/Sony/Nikon
- Prime Lens 50mm Canon/Sony/Nikon
- Zoom Lens 24-70mm Canon/Sony/Nikon
2. Get to Know the Wedding Rituals Well
Understanding the wedding rituals is an essential one for a candid wedding photographer. In Indian weddings, rituals are considered as the most sensitive element which nobody won’t skip or remove from their wedding. So, its a responsibility for a photographer to understand the ritual of the wedding you shoot and capture the moments naturally.
As you know there are different traditions in Tamil Nadu weddings even if we take a Hindu wedding there are varies types of rituals followed by different parts of the state. Its better to have a discussion with your client to understand their traditions or rituals so you can prepare your shots in prior before the wedding.
Check out Different Rituals of Tamil Weddings
3. Meet the Bride & Groom: Understand their Priorities
This should be the first step once the order has been confirmed. This initial step is essential for understanding their preferences and ensuring that your photography aligns with their vision for the big day. By engaging in open communication, you can establish rapport and build trust, making the couple feel comfortable with you as their photographer.
During this meeting, take the time to listen to their thoughts and ideas, and share your own insights to collaborate effectively. It’s important to discuss their priorities regarding who they want to include in their family and friends’ photos, ensuring that no one important is left out.
Moreover, meeting the couple in person allows you to observe their dynamic and relationship firsthand. This insight is invaluable for planning poses and capturing genuine moments that reflect their connection and personalities.
4. Visit the Wedding Venue before Wedding Day
Since many candid photographers also serve as artistic photographers at weddings or receptions, it’s crucial to visit the venue beforehand or arrive early on the event day. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the location, aiding in planning couple shots or solo shots of the bride and groom. Also, you can capture the frames you like from the wedding venue in your mobile so you can easily guide the couple to the frame while shooting the couple shots at the end. Preparing in this way can significantly impact the outcome of your photographs. Once you have an understanding of your shots and frames, executing the shoot becomes more manageable, and you’ll have time to experiment with different shots towards the end.
For candid photography, it’s beneficial to determine the appropriate lenses for stage and audience shots. By scoping out the venue in advance, you can finalize the equipment you’ll use throughout the marriage or reception evening. Drawing from personal experience, visiting the location and planning shots beforehand helps maintain calmness and effectively manage any unexpected delays or time constraints during the shoot.
5. Don’t Shoot When They Pose for Traditional Photo
I’ve noticed some photographers taking pictures of people who are already posing for traditional group photos on stage. Personally, I don’t consider these shots as candid photos because the person isn’t engaged in any activity; they’re just posing.
For more genuine candid shots, aim to capture moments when people approach the stage to greet the couple or after the group photo when they interact with the couple on stage. This approach will capture natural reactions from everyone on stage, resulting in more authentic-looking photos. You’ll capture many heartwarming moments, like hugs between friends or laughter among the group.
6. Get in Position to Capture the Shot
As a candid wedding photographer, it’s essential to keep a close eye on everything happening around you. The magic of a marriage isn’t just on the stage; it’s scattered throughout the crowd and the moments shared between the couple and their loved ones. By paying attention to the guests’ actions and the couple’s interactions, you can anticipate beautiful moments before they even happen.
Let me give you an example: Imagine the bride and groom are pulled onto the dance floor by their friends. If you notice this happening, you can quickly position yourself nearby to capture the sweet moments as they make their way to the dance floor. This way, you won’t miss any of those precious moments that make a wedding day so special. Plus, it gives you a chance to get your camera ready and adjust your settings for the perfect shot.
In simple terms, it’s all about being attentive, anticipating moments, and being ready to capture the love and joy of the day as it unfolds.
Conclusion
Basically, candid wedding photography is all about being there in the moment, going with the flow, and feeling the emotions of the occasion. It’s about capturing real, heartfelt moments that show the true story of the couple’s love story. These are the memories that will stick with them for a lifetime. So, embrace the unexpected, get caught up in the joy of the celebration, and let your camera freeze those precious moments filled with love.