How do you get candid wedding photos?

Candid photos come from real moments, so the best way to get them is to create the right conditions. Tell your photographer you want a documentary approach, with minimal posing and direction. Ask them to stay in the background and capture people as they are, laughing, crying, chatting and dancing.

Plan activities that naturally bring out emotion. A first look, reading letters, or a quiet moment together before the ceremony often produce genuine reactions. During the reception, let guests mingle without too many structured games. The more relaxed everyone is, the more candid shots you will get.

You also need to forget the camera is there. If you keep looking at the photographer or stopping to pose, you will miss the real moments. Trust them to do their job. It can help to have a short list of specific shots you want, like your grandmother laughing or your friends hugging, but then step back.

Finally, give your photographer access. Let them move freely through the crowd, and make sure they know the key people in your life. A good photographer will blend in and catch the small details, the tear on a parent's cheek, the toast raised, the children playing. The more you relax, the more candid and honest your photos will be.