When planning your wedding, choosing the right photography style can make all the difference in capturing the essence of your big day. Among the most popular options are candid photography and traditional photography—each with its own unique appeal. So, which style best suits your wedding? Let’s explore the characteristics of both to help you decide.
1. Understanding Candid Photography
Candid photography is all about capturing moments in their purest, unposed form. It emphasizes authenticity and emotion, freezing moments exactly as they happen. The goal of candid photography is to blend into the background, allowing people to be their natural selves without the pressure of posing.
Some of the best candid photography shots happen when the subjects are unaware of the camera, resulting in genuine smiles, laughter, and sometimes even tears. From the bride’s joy as she prepares for the ceremony to the quiet look shared between the couple, candid photos tell the story of the wedding day in a beautifully raw and unfiltered way.
Pros of Candid Photography:
Captures real, unscripted emotions and interactions
Reflects the atmosphere of the day authentically
Provides a visual story of the wedding through spontaneous moments
Cons of Candid Photography:
Requires a skilled photographer who can blend in and anticipate moments
Some guests may not be comfortable with being photographed without posing
2. Traditional Photography: The Classic Choice
Traditional photography, on the other hand, is a structured approach that captures formal, posed images. This style often includes planned shots, where the photographer directs the couple and guests to ensure everyone is positioned perfectly. The classic family portraits and the timeless couple poses you’ll find in traditional wedding albums are the hallmarks of this style.
While candid photography captures moments as they happen, traditional photography gives you beautifully composed images that can be framed or added to family photo albums. It’s perfect for couples who want well-posed and polished photos of key moments.
Pros of Traditional Photography:
Provides organized, timeless shots suitable for framing
Ensures every important moment is captured clearly and professionally
Offers family-friendly portraits, perfect for formal wedding albums
Cons of Traditional Photography:
Lacks the spontaneity of candid shots
Poses can sometimes feel less authentic or stiff
3. Which Style Suits Your Wedding?
The choice between candid and traditional photography depends largely on your personality, wedding style, and the kind of memories you want to capture. Here are some factors to consider:
Your Personality: If you’re a couple who loves to live in the moment and wants a photojournalistic feel, candid photography is likely the best fit. For couples who prefer classic, polished photos, traditional photography might be more your style.
Wedding Size and Setting: Candid photography shines at large, vibrant weddings where moments unfold naturally. It works well for outdoor and destination weddings, where spontaneity is part of the experience. Traditional photography, meanwhile, is ideal for structured, formal events where family portraits and posed group shots are a priority.
Balance Both Styles: Many couples now choose a hybrid approach, opting for a blend of candid and traditional photography. This gives you the best of both worlds—candid photos to capture the emotions and atmosphere, and traditional portraits to ensure everyone looks their best in key shots.
4. How to Find the Best Candid Photography and Traditional Photography Services
For couples who want the best candid photography, it’s essential to choose a photographer with a keen eye for moments. The right candid photographer will have a natural ability to anticipate emotions, blending into the background to catch every smile, hug, and look of surprise. On the other hand, a skilled traditional photographer will be great at directing shots, making sure that everyone is in place for that perfect family photo.
Check portfolios, read testimonials, and meet with potential photographers to discuss your vision and style preferences. The best candid photographers will have a portfolio filled with authentic, spontaneous images, while traditional photographers will showcase timeless, posed portraits.
Conclusion
Both candid and traditional photography styles bring something special to a wedding. Choosing one—or a blend of both—can add unique layers to your wedding memories, capturing both the raw and refined sides of your special day. Whether you prefer the emotional impact of candid photos or the elegance of traditional portraits, your wedding photos should reflect the true essence of the celebration.
At Marigold Memories, we specialize in both candid photography and traditional wedding photography, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds. Get in touch to explore our wedding photography packages and see how we can make your wedding memories unforgettable.