Candid Couples Photography
The art of candid couples photography requires more than just technical knowledge. It requires stepping outside of the box and getting creative – think about when you were a kid.
Albert Einstein once said, “To stimulate creativity, one must develop the childlike inclination for play.”
The process of getting back into childlike creativity might be frustrating, but eventually, it’ll get easier. Candid couples photography provides authentic and storytelling photos that tell a full story. It is becoming more popular as couples opt for more candid photos over cheesy posed ones.
Want to know how to improve your candid couples photography? Keep reading and discover 5 wonderful tips for couples’ candid photography!
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#1 Get to Know Your Couple
One of the most important pieces in the process of photographing a wedding, elopement, or couples photos is getting to know your couple. The purpose of this is so you can photograph their story as authentically as possible.
For example, maybe one of your couples is more reserved and serious; you wouldn’t want to force them into poses that are completely outside of their comfort zone. If your couple is really outgoing and goofy you can direct them to do more energetic poses like picking each other up, dancing, etc.
Send your couple a questionnaire to learn more about how they met, what they enjoy doing together, if they have any quirks as a couple and their favorite things about each other.
If you live nearby the couple, you could even meet up with them in person for drinks to get to know each other and discover even more about what their personality is like. You can also ask your couple what the most important parts of their wedding are. Some couples might have special moments during their wedding day like privately reading their vows, a private last dance, etc. This will allow you to tell their story authentically!
#2 Pay Attention to Composition
No matter how you decide to take your photos even if they are candid or posed the photo has composition. Even though there are certain rules in photography like the rule of thirds, storytelling is an art, so you get to break out of any rules and get creative.
During a candid couples photography session, you can use objects like a leaf, a flower, or even string lights at a wedding to hold in front of the camera for a unique perspective, we call this compositional tool framing.
If you’re shooting a wedding, go on the balcony/2nd story to photograph the reception or ceremony for an interesting point of view. Pay attention to shadows of people and things as well.
You can also use motion blur by putting your shutter speed to 1/50 and shaking the camera for some fun blurry photos. This will give you unique photos that tell a different story. Thinking outside of the box and being on your toes is key to creative composition.
Read More: 4 Essential Principles of Composition in Photography
#3 Play with Light
Knowing how to use lighting in your photos is an important aspect of candid couples photography and can take a good photo to great.
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Most photographers love golden hour and while that’s a great time to take photos, the blue hour can make your photos stand out even more. You can have your couples hold lanterns or lights to add a flair to the photos. If you’re in a dimly lit room, you can opt to use an off-camera flash.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Mastering Natural Light Photography
#4 Photograph the Details
When photographing a couple or a wedding make sure you don’t miss out on photographing the details of the day to bring the full story together. For example, if the couple is staying at a cute Airbnb or house make sure to photograph that.
Even any of the details inside like cute decor, maps, plants, chandeliers, or anything that stands out. The couple’s wedding invites, attire, and accessories are particularly important to get different perspectives. Try to get close and fill the frame for a variety of perspectives.
When you’re photographing the wedding dress, try to find an area outside or inside to photograph the dress with an interesting background like a landscape to gain another perspective. If you’re photographing a traditional wedding, make sure to focus on guest reactions so your clients can look back on those special moments.
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#5 Direct More, Pose Less
In order to get authentic reactions and photos you want to try to direct your couples more instead of forcing them into specific poses. Before you start your session with them, have them relax, take a few deep breaths and just be present in the moment.
This will allow them to loosen up and be more of themselves. Draw out the connection that your couple has by getting them to look at and hold each other.
Read More: 8 Top Tips for Expressive Portrait Photography in the Outdoor
Final Thoughts
The key to candid couples photography is to get in tune with your childlike creativity so don’t forget to have fun with it. If you take all these tips into account you’ll take some great documentary-style photos!
Share your thoughts on candid couples photography in the comments section below! Do you prefer candid or do you like posed photos?
Do you want to find out more about Tiffany? Check out her website Tiffany Woerz Photo.
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