The Art Of Taking Carefully Candid Wedding Photographs

Some of the best images that are captured during a wedding are the moments that happen by chance and in natural harmony as everyone is enjoying the celebration of a union. But every so often we find ourselves marvelling over a candid photo thinking “How do they look so good?”

You May Also Like: Essential Photographs To Have In Your Wedding Album

While natural photographs look effortless, only the photographers who take the masterful pictures know the hard work that goes into capturing the joyful images. We imagine photographers must have secret intel on when to press the button and capture a moment or spidey senses that alert them to when the bride and groom will gaze into each other’s eyes as they’re about to take the pheras.

Whatever it is, one thing is clear, only a wedding photographer can answer this question. The question of how the perfect candid comes into existence. Which is why we ventured out on a mission to ask six photographers how they take the perfect candids of the couple set to get married.

You May Also Like: Photographers And Videographers On Their Journey To Capturing The Big Fat Indian Wedding

Read on to know what we have discovered:

What Goes Into Taking The Perfect Candid Photographs

Comfort over everything

Comfort is usually numero uno for most photographers. It’s important to create an atmosphere that can help the clients or the couple feel comfortable. Founder of photography studio Reels and Frames, Anand Rathi also believes in the same. “Before we start shooting, I always spend some time with the couple to just chat. It helps dissolve the camera-consciousness and creates a more natural comfort zone. Often, the best candids happen when people forget there's a camera on them,” he tells us.

You May Also Like: Posed PDA In Wedding Photographs: Cringe Or Cute?

So much of wedding photography is also about connecting to the clients to help them feel comfortable. “It’s important to immerse yourself in the moment, and encourage the couple or the people you are taking pictures of to do the same. Enjoy the wedding rituals, crack some jokes,communicate with each other,” says Gurugram-based wedding photographer Parikshit Suri, CEO and managing partner of PK Suri Worldwide Studios.

The show must go on

Founder of 1Plus1 Studio, Manvi Gandotra explains that it is essential to keep things moving. This will help create ease and flow. “Keep the conversation going. We talk a lot during shoots. Whether it’s sharing a funny behind-the-scenes story or reminding them why this day is so special — conversation helps break stiffness. When a couple feels emotionally connected and seen, the comfort shows on camera.”

Not only is moving important in terms of conversation, but also literally and physically.“When it comes to the couple sessions, I like to keep things simple. I’ll say, ‘Walk slower, talk about your first date,’ or ‘Whisper something silly in their ear.’ One couple ended up giggling so hard they couldn’t stop—and those photos turned out beautifully natural,” saysPallab Golui, of The Kettle and Co.

“Static poses can stiffen people. We often encourage couples to take a walk, twirl, or simply interact with each other—like fixing each other's outfits or whispering something funny. Movement helps create organic expressions,” adds Anand Rathi and emphasizes the importance of keeping things on the go

You May Also Like: Celebrity Photographers Share Tips To Combat Photobombers At A Wedding

It is all about being fully present in the celebration

Photographers are as much a part of the wedding celebrations as the family of the couple, but they’re also on the job and always on the lookout for the perfect photographic moment. This does require some camouflaging. “I try to blend in with the crowd, staying alert for genuine emotions that arise during the ceremonies. Whether it’s a mother wiping away her tears or a child dancing freely during the reception, tears in the groom's eyes, my team and I are always ready,” shares Pallab.

As a photographer, being a part of the wedding, while also trying to capture the beautiful moments requires some strategic communication. Mumbai-based photographer Rohan Shinde shares that sometimes, photographers have to gently guide their clients to achieve the perfect image. “It’s important to direct without directing. Sometimes, I give gentle guidance to help couples feel more natural in front of the camera. For example, I might say, ‘Let’s walk together’ or ‘Share a quiet moment.’ This way, they still feel relaxed and natural, but I get the shot I need,” he shares with us.

You May Also Like: Lens Of Love: Best Wedding Photographers And Filmers To Know

Taking on an emotional lens

Weddings are an emotional occasion. So much transpires during the event. After all, it is a celebration of two people coming together romantically. Which is why connecting to the couple emotionally can result in some wonderful photographs. “We rarely use the word ‘pose’ with our couples. Instead, we gently guide them into a scene or emotion. We might ask them to walk toward us while talking about their fun plans. That always sparks laughter or some sweet glances. Our aim is to create the environment and then let the moment unfold naturally,” says Apoorv Mohan Shrivastav and Sanyogita Sao, founders of Plush Affairs.

In fact, this seems to be Manvi Gandotra’s thought process too. “Let the pause do the magic. Sometimes, the real moment happens right after a prompt — that shy giggle, that glance. So we hold space and let things linger. We don’t rush to click, we wait for the afterthought,” she shares with us.

You May Also Like: Wedding Photographers Reveal The Secret Behind The Perfect Shot

It’s important to be emotionally intelligent and patient enough to capture a moment where even the subtlest emotion is shown.

Reading the cues

Of course it is important to be a great observer and spot the cues that can lead to a great photograph.“Candid shots often rely on timing. I try to anticipate special moments, like a laugh or a tear, and be ready to capture them. This way, I can get a genuine, unposed shot that feels authentic,” says Rohan Shinde.

“Some of our best shots happen in the moments between the ‘main’ frames—right after a laugh or while they’re adjusting themselves. We always stay ready for those tiny, transitional moments,” shares Anand Rathi, making it clear that a wedding photographer can never truly set the camera down.

But being ready to capture a good moment can also mean rolling with the punches. Sometimes reading the cues is about being patient and tapping into the natural chemistry the couple shares. “We had a funny incident right at the very first shoot of a wedding we were covering. It was with the couple inside the bar of a hotel in Puri, Odisha. The couple got into a small quarrel that quickly turned into a big fight because of a disagreement. They ended up leaving the premises, and we were all left there awkwardly.

What made it funny was how the situation evolved. The groom spent the next two days trying to impress the bride and apologize to her. She acted all pricey and dramatic, which gave us a lot of cute moments to capture throughout the wedding. Their interactions turned into beautiful content, and despite the rocky start, we ended up with some really memorable footage,” recounts the founders of of Plush Affairs.

Clearly, capturing a candid shot is not as relaxed or easy-going of a task as it may seem. One must be alert, emotionally intelligent, ready to find beauty in the chaos and direct the couple in gentle and subtle ways. Who knew so much thought and work can go into something that looks so very laid-back!