Today the wedding catchword is CANDID. Since I see this term thrown around a lot lately I thought maybe I should expound on what makes a candid photograph.

Candid is absolutely NOT posed by the photographer. There is no re-creation of a moment such as proposals, the kiss, etc. That is not candid. The true meaning of candid is very well defined here:

can·did
ˈkandəd/
adjective

1.
truthful and straightforward; frank.
"his responses were remarkably candid"
synonyms: frank, outspoken, forthright, blunt, open, honest, truthful, sincere, direct, plain-spoken, straightforward, ingenuous, bluff; More
2.
(of a photograph of a person) taken informally, especially without the subject's knowledge.
synonyms: unposed, informal, uncontrived, impromptu, natural
"candid shots"

Applying this to wedding photography there are, in my opinion, two areas of candids. First, the true definition of candid as it applies to the subject being unaware of the camera. The second is a bit more generous. While I don't pose my clients, they do pose themselves so technically these are not candids because the subject is aware of the camera and photographer.

However, in-between those POSED moments there is this interaction between couples as they decide HOW to pose and what to do. Often those in-between moments are true glimpses of the beautiful connection between two people as they work together to create their poses. See what I mean? The photographer still is NOT interfering even during the 'posed' shots. So even though there is a camera and photographer present, that the couple is aware exist, they still morph into this private true candid mode between the poses that reflects how they communicate and the real beauty of their connection and love. 

I hope this helps you understand how the term candid is being used today. It's really important, because if you don't understand most likely the photographer won't either. To be clear, any manufactured moment by a photographer is NOT candid EVER. It has to be about YOU, between you both - the real stuff. Even if you are having a portrait session it doesn't mean that every shot has to be manufactured and manipulated by outside sources (photographer, friends, etc). Many can truly be candids. 

Lastly, that brings another aspect of candids that is more esoteric. Editing. The photographer or whomever they pay to do it for them chooses what files stay and which ones you receive, editing out the remainder. That person(s) MUST understand those moments as MANY can be edited out because in the person editing's eyes they aren't perfect vignettes and he/she doesn't really connect or understand the importance of those little moments. We are not perfect therefore receiving lots of perfect setup shots with a few 'snapshots' of the party but missing all the in-between glimpses that are occurring around you is an incomplete picture of your day and WHO you two are now as you join to continue your life's journey as a couple. 

This is just my opinion. Check out some of these in-between moments and candids. Give me a call to chat about your plans if you want your wedding photos to best reflect the day and you two together. 504-920-8703