My View on Posed Wedding Photography

I recently had a potential client ask to see more “candid” images from my portfolio as she compared my work to another wedding photographer. She is looking for a photographer for her wedding next fall, and does not like the idea of “posed” images. While I did provide additional images for her to view, I also encouraged her to view a complete set of proofs in the client area of my website. Viewing these photos is the only way for a bride to truly evaluate the manner in which I cover their wedding. I do not miss a single moment. 

Most images captured during a wedding are candid, in that the photographer does not intervene to create the shot.  So what she may be really asking about is more of what I describe as “moment within a moment” shots. I create these shots by capturing real moments like the tear streaming down a father’s cheek as they dance, or the groomsmen pranking the groom.  The bride in a special moment with her maid of honor may be completely missed by another photographer, if he is too focused on making things appear natural. As a wedding photographer, to catch the perfect moments you need to be at the right place at the right time.

Moments like that are priceless and I am always on the lookout for those opportunities. Although, I have to say that throughout most of the day these moments can be few and far between.  Think about it, a wedding is a totally planned, orchestrated event! Everything is scheduled: getting ready, the ceremony, the dances, and toasts from your loved ones. Even the cake cutting, bouquet or garter toss, and formal exit are planned ahead of time, and are often predictable.  This does not leave much room for spontaneity.  

My view is not to interfere, but rather, create opportunities for moments to arise during the times I interact with the couple. I take idea of the moment and make it happen without appearing cheesy or corny; sometimes magical moments reveal themselves that never had a chance to blossom on their own.  Maybe I ask the groom to whisper something to his new bride or I ask the father of the bride to pause before going down the aisle.  I might just ask a bride to simply look at her ring. While the idea is set up, the pose and facial expression come naturally from the flush of emotions. These photos appear candid, even though they were originally planned out.

Also, because I generally shoot with a second shooter, that photographer is tasked with getting unusual angles of classic opportunities; she is also an extra pair of eyes, allowing her to anticipate the “next move” while I am focused on a shot. To help a potential client work through this, I will share a group of images and ask her to pick those that are posed and those that are not posed.  They are all posed to varying degrees by me but that is usually quite a surprise to the potential client.

Look for a photographer that appreciates getting those “moments within a moment”, make sure that you hire the photographer from the beginning to the end. Consider hiring a photographer that has at least a second shooter or even a third.  This prevents missing special moments, candid or not!