Do I take candid photos at the weddings that I photograph?
Yes, yes, YES! I love taking candid portraits! That is literally my favorite part of the job :) Aside from the formal portrait time (during which I will provide directional posing assistance) , I'm not inclined to ask my couples to stop what they are doing to "get the shot" or ask their guests to "smile and say cheese" during the wedding reception because I feel like this would be interfering in the natural flow of my couples once in a lifetime day.
To go one step further, lol, in a perfect world I wouldn't have to "pose" my couples at any point while taking pictures on a their wedding day, but I have realized that most couples appreciate a little help in setting up their hero portraits which is why I am absolutely happy provide a bit of "hands-off-direction" to make sure that my clients are able to relax so that they will feel happy and confident knowing that they will look their best, especially during their couples portrait time or during their engagement session.
Is that a 100% approach to capturing candid pictures? No, of course not. I just think that the best way to capture flattering portraits in a limited amount of time, requires a bit of assistance from a professional someone, (like me!) who cares about your final image looking the best that it possibly could. After all, isn't that the point of you guys hiring me in the first place?
:)
Yes, you will definitely still see some of the couples portraits which will look "posed" or more "formal", because that is a part of the service I provide. That being said, I firmly believe that the posed shots are like chapter markers, the candid photos are the actual story so most of what you'll see in my portfolio is a nice balance of candid, thoughtfully captured photographs with a creative, yet (lightly) directed twist.
When all is said and done, I want your to LOVE your wedding photographs. This is your day and I will only get one shot to make you happy. You deserve the very best that I (or any other photographer) can offer.
Nothing short of that standard is acceptable.
~Sally