My favourite moments to capture are the ones where my subjects are genuinely having fun. Candid photos are so popular right now, but sometimes it’s hard to capture them! Candid couples photography can be even more challenging because there are two faces to worry about! But trust me, it is possible ☺️
Preparing yourself to take photos can make the whole process that much easier! It’s definitely not necessary for you to prepare, but if you want to go above and beyond, keep reading! These are some of my top tips as a photographer on how to get those candid photos you’ve been dreaming about! Featuring a favourite candid couples photography session of mine on sunset beach, Manitoba. Brooke and Josh were a blast to capture 🤗
Tip #1 – Think of a joke or idea that makes your partner laugh.
This will take a bit of energy on your part… but hear me out! If you brainstorm for 5 minutes on the car ride to your photo session, you can think of at least one thing that would make your partner laugh. If I have learnt anything as a photographer, it’s that you can’t fake a real laugh. Yes, you can fake laugh until you real laugh… but not everyone can do it on demand (; Especially in an unfamiliar setting like a photo session!
The BEST smiles to capture are the genuine ones where the love of your life is making you smile ear to ear. 🥰🤗 I LOVE capturing that kind of laughter. So TRUST ME, coming to your photo session ready to make your partner giggle will make those candid images 10x more real!! And we can have some funnn!! Yes, taking photos can be fun, I promise 😆
Tip #2 – Candid moments happen with motion 🍃
If you look at most of these photos you’ll notice almost all of them have some sort of motion to them. Not only does motion eliminate stiffness, but it also gives you something to do and takes the focus off the camera. Even if you’re going to be standing still, it helps to do something with your hands, or with your heads! For example, you can tickle each other’s hands, or nuzzle your noses together. Yes, it sounds a little cheesy, but trust me, it’ll look SO much cuter than just staring awkwardly into the camera 😄
You might be thinking, wellll… what about the classic photos where you DO just stare straight into the camera? And to that I would say, take the “candid” photo first, and then turn to look into the camera a couple seconds later. You’ll feel less stiff and perhaps have a more genuine smile on your face after doing something silly with your hands or faces. Because yes, we all need the classic “grandma’s fridge photo”. But there is a better way to do it 😉 And this is where it does help to have a pro-photographer guiding you along hehe.
Tip #3 – Mentally prepare yourself and your partner to have a good time!
This comes back to tip #1 – let’s have a grand ol’ time 🤠
I know with a lot of couples, one person will normally be more excited about than the other… Well! By the end of 99% of my photo sessions, BOTH parties are having fun! So let’s have a good time from the very beginning! The best part about taking photos as a couple, is that it’s basically a date. So please, feel free to get as excited to take photos as you do to go out with your love 💕 Yes, it won’t be quite the same 😄 but have you considered, maybe it will be better? It would depend on the date I suppose 😅 but we are going to HAVE FUN. So come prepared for that (; Candid couples photography is basically capturing a joy in action. It makes it tricky when the the mood is down 👀
Tip #4 – Your photographer should be someone you’re comfortable with.
You would not believe the difference it makes to have someone kind and encouraging taking your photos! It’s like getting a needle… you need to relax your arm for it not to hurt. Your photographer should NOT stress you out! You will have a more relaxed and genuine disposition if you like the person taking your photos (: I’m not saying you have to hire me… although I have been known to make people feel comfortable 😉
Even having that friend who makes you feel pretty and comfy in your own skin vs. a friends you’re less familiar with, makes a HUGE difference. Candid photos happen when you’re having a good time! Your photographer should be someone who can make you laugh 😁 (I am hilarious btw)
Tip #5 – Make your space safe.
It all comes back to being comfortable. As a shy person I 100% understand feeling embarrassed about having my photos taken. I can get in my head about what other people are thinking about me while I’m having my photos taken. It affects the way I act and look! Sometimes, if you’re shy like me, it’s easier to work in a quiet and familiar space.
Photo sessions should be a time where you feel free to be yourself and have fun! I love working with couples who have zero photography experience because I get to show them how awesome taking pictures can be!! I used to be very awkward and tense in front of the camera, but now that I choose spaces and people that make me feel comfortable I have wayyy more fun taking photos. AND I get those candid images because I can be myself!
So if you’re quiet like me, take the extra time to choose a comfortable and safe space with your photographer. It’ll make the moment so much more enjoyable for you 🥰 And that’s the goal! Candid couples photography should be fun to capture. For both of us!
Wowza 🤩 You made it to the end! Thanks for reading!
I hope this left you feeling more prepared, and not overwhelmed. Keep things simple! To sum everything up, candid couples photography is best captured when you are…
- Comfortable
- Having fun
So when your goal is to get candid images, focus on those two points 🫶🏻
If you are looking for a professional photographer, you can inquire with me here! Lets make some memories 😉
And if you’re just looking for tips for your next photoshoot, I hope you guys have the best time ever! I would LOVE to see how the photos turn out! You could always share them with me on instagram if you so desire!
Until next time ✌🏻
