How I Capture Real Moments, Not Just Poses, on Your Wedding Day
While looking through various wedding photographer’s portfolios, you might find yourself gravitating towards photos that feel, well, real. Maybe it’s a couple caught in a fit of laughter, or sharing a flirty glance, or tears filling up in a parent’s eyes. If you’ve been imagining a wedding album filled with these authentic, unscripted moments that reflect your unique love story, then you’re in the right place!
Most of my couples tell me they feel awkward in front of the camera, or they “hate posing.” And those are some of my favorite couples to work with! The most beautiful, genuine photos often happen when you forget about the camera and focus on the moments and your natural emotions. That is what I aim to create and capture for all my couples.
More Than Just Poses: It's About Connection and real emotions
Rigid smiles and uncomfortable poses aren’t really my thing. My goal is to create photos that capture your genuine connection and love for one another. During my sessions I’m always talking with my couples and putting them at ease with my laid back personality and approach. Ultimately, I want you to forget about the camera, and the photos all together, and simply enjoy the real moment. I might have you stroll hand-in-hand, dance in place, whisper secrets, or simply just be together and embrace. As you interact with your partner, you’ll naturally fall into your own rhythms, and that’s when the real magic begins. I mostly direct my couples to play off each other and have real feelings of laughter or passion. I’ll observe how you naturally interact and make slight suggestions to elevate the moment to the next level. I like to tell my couples that I don’t over-pose, but I will tell you if you’re doing something weird with your hands, and I’ll usually hear a sigh of relief or a light chuckle. It’s like a dance along a fine line between candid spontaneity and editorial guidance to create photos that feel both natural and refined.
The Art of Anticipation: Capturing the Unscripted
Every wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions and genuine moments are happening all around you, even if you don’t notice them in the moment. Moments like your mom tearing up as you’re getting into your dress, the groom belly laughing with his best friends, to the unforgettable moment when you see each other for the first time. These moments can’t be faked, but I have the experience and intuition to see these moments coming and to take the shot at the right time.
I’m not always just a fly on the wall, though. I’m part of the conversation and getting to know everyone, but I’m also constantly observing and ready to capture the important and heartfelt moments. I know when to step back and the let moments happen naturally, and I also know when to direct and subtly nudge along a beautiful moment or connection.
Other than the couple getting married, I’m also keeping an eye out for loving reactions from their parents and the wedding party, which are happening through the day. I also love capturing cute moments between other couples caught up in all the love, as well as the precious moments with the oldest and youngest generations in attendance. These moments add to the story and essence of your day and creating timeless photos that’ll be shared for generations.
Building Trust & Creating Art
I always insist on an engagement session before your wedding for a variety of reasons, but building trust is at the top of the list. It’s not just about getting more great photos, even though you will. It’s more about us building a relationship and by the time of your wedding day we’re like old friends, rather than awkward strangers. This trust and connection is the best way to ensure we get the most genuine and beautiful photos on your wedding day.
My goal is to create a wedding album that feels like a beautiful, honest reflection of your day—full of moments you'll cherish for a lifetime. If this approach resonates with you and your partner, I'd love to hear more about your day. Reach out and let's talk about your wedding!
