Candids at Weddings

A big part of a wedding photographers day is capturing natural, real, candid moments as they happen. Interestingly enough this wasn’t always the case. Back when photography was only film, a wedding photographer would shoot much less than they do today and most of what they shot would be key wedding moments (vows, the kiss etc..) and posed family/couple photos. That slowly started to change in the 90’s even before digital fully arrived and by the time digital became the standard in the early 2000’s wedding photography had radically changed. Today a wedding photographer will easily shoot in the 4 digits as opposed to maybe 200 photos back in the day and a good portion of it are photos that would probably not have been made or looked for in other times.

While I do a mixture of posed shots (family, wedding party, couple etc) and candids, the majority of the day is really more of a behind the scenes approach for me. During a wedding day I probably spend an hour or so taking photos where I am guiding the subjects that are being photographed. That part of the day, the group shots, is in and of itself a very important part of the day that requires that the photographer have not only great technical knowledge but also skills in working with and organizing large groups of people. I cannot emphasize enough how important that is. Time is usually tight and a photographer must know how to communicate and work well with people so that little time is wasted yet at the same time nobody feels rushed or under pressure. It is a fine skill that only experience gives you.

But for the rest of the 7 or 8 hours that I am there I am mostly observing what is going on around me in real time and capturing that photographically. Being unobtrusive is paramount to capturing real moments and emotions. One (of many) great benefit for the couple is that when they get their photos they will be surprised by seeing so many moments they had no idea was being captured. Here are some recent shots that I have taken in a candid fashion throughout different parts of a wedding day.

Some of the best candids can happen in between posed group shots…

At receptions the majority of the photographic coverage is candid, behind the scenes. Looking for emotions, fun and moments like this.

The couple joins the band for some late evening fun…

… and the crowd gets into it!

These moments happen really fast, the photographer has to be ready at all times.

Shooting from a distance one can capture great moments without the subject being aware of it.

When possible I get slightly more elevated than the crowd which also help in capturing candid moments from further away.

Later in the evening it’s normal for the party to get a little wild,.

Cheers!!

Moments like this are fun to catch!

Selfies can also be fun to catch…

Dancing fun!

The Bride Changed into something more comfortable later in the evening

A shot of the drummer at a recent wedding.

Mother and Son Dance at the Olde Mill Inn.

Amanda gets a hug from a guest at the Church

Mother and Son dance at the wedding reception at the Fiesta in Woodridge

I photographed this couples wedding 2 years ago and then was glad to see them again at their friends wedding.

Liz and her Dad share a Dance

The Best Man as the ceremony is about to start

Bride’s Dad see her in her dress for the first time.

The Bridal party has some fun as the bride gets ready

Father-Bride dance at the Columns in Avon by the Sea

Mother-Son Dance

Selfie Moment

Ned having a great time at his wedding

Party Time at the Crystal Plaza, view from the balcony.

Jaclyn having fun at the reception

Groom and Mom share a dance

You never know what to expect during the Toasts

Kids being kids at the wedding

These beautiful and colorful effects are done specifically in camera with certain photographic techniques I use.

Party time at the wedding!

Guests having a good time

Groom was having a blast!

Waiting for the Bride

The Band Brian Kirk & the Jirks took the house down!

a slightly different angle

Party time at the Brownstone in Paterson

A final hug for the night.

About the Photographer: Louis Schroder has photographed over 500 weddings in the Tri-State area and is also available for family portraits, events and other photographic projects. Please email or call me for inquiries.  

Louis Schroder – Photographer