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Editorial wedding and elopement photographer for the stylish and romantic. Based in Calgary, travelling worldwide with the goal of creating beautiful and meaningful photographs for you to love.

E: info@geoffwilkings.com

Person in a red jacket jumping jubilantly in snow with mountain scenery in the background, viewed between two blurred snow-covered legs in the foreground.

Best Tips For Candid Unposed and Posed Wedding Photographs

Best Tips For Candid Unposed and Posed Wedding Photographs

What is Candid Wedding Photography?

Candid wedding photography is about capturing genuine emotions and moments as they unfold. Unlike posed photography, it focuses on authenticity—showcasing laughter, love, and connection in their purest forms. Whether you’re getting married in Alberta, Banff, or Calgary, candid photography allows your story to shine naturally.

Why Candid Photography is Perfect for Your Wedding

Captures True Emotions

From heartfelt tears during the ceremony to bursts of laughter at the reception, candid photography immortalizes the moments that matter most. These photos remind you of the joy and love shared on your big day.

Reflects Your Unique Love Story

Every couple has a unique connection, and candid photography highlights those quirks and nuances. Whether it’s the way you look at each other or share a quiet moment, candid images reflect your relationship’s authenticity.

How to Feel Relaxed for Candid Wedding Photos

Smile Naturally

Smiling under pressure can feel awkward. However, the key to a natural smile is feeling at ease with your photographer. Investing in someone who understands your vision, like those featured in my wedding portfolio, ensures you feel comfortable on your special day.

Movement Brings Life to Photos

Static poses often feel stiff and unnatural. Instead, embrace movement—walk hand-in-hand through a meadow, share a spontaneous dance, or laugh as you run through the streets of Calgary. This creates genuine moments that translate beautifully in photos.

Touch and Connection

Connection is everything. Hold hands, share a hug, or touch your partner’s face. Physical closeness not only enhances your photos but also deepens the emotional resonance of the moment.

Explore Blog Posts From Geoff Wilkings Photography

Bride and groom holding hands on a wooden jetty by a mountain lake

Yaneth + Brian’s Gorgeous Mountain Summer Wedding

A bride in a long white gown with a trailing veil and a groom in a black suit holding hands by a serene mountain lake.

LeeAnne & Brady’s Elegant Canadian Mountain Wedding

Choosing the Right Photographer

Finding the right photographer is crucial. Look for someone experienced in candid photography who can guide you while allowing your moments to unfold naturally. Be sure to explore their wedding portfolio to see their style and expertise.

Tips for Candid Wedding Photography

Choose the Right Venue

The setting plays a huge role in candid photography. Whether you prefer a mountain wedding venue guide or a venue guide in Calgary, select a location that resonates with you. Relaxing in a place you love ensures natural moments will shine.

Collaborate with a Wedding Planner

Working with Banff and Calgary wedding planners can make the day flow smoothly. They handle logistics, letting you focus on enjoying the moment, which translates to more authentic photos.

Trust the Photographer’s Expertise

You don’t need to worry about poses or perfection. Trust your photographer to capture the best moments. Remember, minimal retouching is required when your photos are naturally beautiful. (Check out my blog: do photographers retouch wedding photos for more on this topic!)

Explore My Articles to Help Plan Your Celebration

Close-up of a bride and groom holding hands on their wedding day, with focus on their hands and elegant attire.

What does the average wedding photographer cost?

Two people hugging, partially obscured by a snow-covered ledge, with a breathtaking mountainous backdrop under a clear blue sky.

Best Engagement Photos Locations In Alberta & Surrounding Areas

A flat lay of wedding accessories including black shoes, plates with a floral arrangement, a bow tie, and rings with cufflinks, complemented by fresh flowers on a light background.

A Groom’s Guide To Planning A Wedding + Getting Ready

A bride and groom with their joyful wedding party, comprising bridesmaids and groomsmen, standing on a forest path, all dressed in formal wedding attire, sharing a laugh together.

Do I Need A Second Wedding Photographer At My Wedding?

Fun and Laughter: The Key to Great Candid Photos

Why Laughter Matters

Laughter brings joy to your photos and creates a relaxed atmosphere. A skilled photographer knows how to make you laugh, whether through prompts or fun activities during the shoot.

Highlighting Special Moments

From a groom getting ready guide to a bride getting ready, moments before the ceremony are filled with excitement and emotion. These are perfect opportunities for candid photos that tell your story.

Additional Tips for a Memorable Photo Experience

Celebrate with an Engagement Shoot

Wondering what is the point of an engagement shoot? It’s the perfect opportunity to build rapport with your photographer, celebrate your love, and practice being in front of the camera. Plus, many of the best engagement locations are stunning backdrops for heartfelt photos.

Hair and Makeup Tips

The top reasons to hire a hair and makeup artist professionals go beyond beauty—they ensure you feel confident and camera-ready, enhancing the natural appeal of candid photography.

Plan for Wall Art and Albums

Candid photos are perfect for displaying as wall art and fine art albums, capturing memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. Many of my couples purchase an incredible piece of Wall Art collection or and a Fine Art Album for their home as these are truly spectacular.

Explore Blog Posts From Geoff Wilkings Photography

A man and woman holding hands and walking with their dog in a field with a backdrop of towering mountains and a clear sky.

An Evening Engagement Shoot in Banff with Maya and Peter

A couple embracing on a rocky riverbank with a cairn in the foreground and dense forest in the background.

A Canyon Engagement Shoot In Banff With Trina & Victor

Debunking the Need for a Second Photographer

You may wonder, do I need a second wedding photographer? With the right photographer, one expert is enough to capture every moment without compromising quality or coverage. My approach ensures no detail is missed, offering a seamless experience from start to finish.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Wedding Day Unforgettable

Candid photography celebrates love in its purest form. It’s about capturing your unique connection, genuine emotions, and the moments that make your day extraordinary. Whether you’re planning your wedding in Calgary or the Rockies, remember that the key to stunning candid photos is trusting your photographer, embracing the moment, and having fun.

For more inspiration, explore my ceremony ideas for small and large weddings or learn what does the average wedding photographer cost to plan your perfect day.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is candid wedding photography?

Candid wedding photography captures spontaneous, unposed moments during the wedding day, reflecting genuine emotions and interactions without directing the subjects.

How does candid photography differ from posed photography?

While candid photography focuses on natural, unplanned moments, posed photography involves directing subjects into specific positions to achieve a desired composition or aesthetic. Yes, with a great photographer, you can have both naturally posed and photographed in a candid way.

Why is candid photography important in weddings?

Candid photography authentically documents the emotions and atmosphere of the wedding day, preserving genuine expressions and interactions that posed photos might not capture.

How can we ensure a good mix of candid and posed photos?

A skilled photographer will balance both styles, capturing essential posed shots and being attentive to candid moments throughout the day.

BEHIND THE LENS

Hi, I'm  Geoff.

With the eye of an editorial photographer, I craft timeless images that capture both emotion and beauty. Since 2005, I’ve specialized in luxury weddings, offering personalized service to ensure my clients fully enjoy their day.

Learn More

Bride and groom holding hands on a wooden jetty by a mountain lake

 01

Nestled within Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake Lodge offered an unforgettable setting for Yaneth and Brian’s intimate summer wedding. With the turquoise waters of Emerald Lake and majestic mountain peaks as their backdrop, the day was filled with natural beauty and heartfelt moments. The celebration began at the iconic Point Cabin, where the couple prepared […]

A bride in a long white gown with a trailing veil and a groom in a black suit holding hands by a serene mountain lake.

02

LeeAnne and Brady, esteemed Calgary master builders, hosted a truly unforgettable celebration at the stunning Malcolm Hotel in Canmore. Surrounded by the breathtaking Rockies and over 200 of their closest friends and family, their wedding was a perfect blend of sophistication and heartfelt connection. With a focus on family and meaningful moments, they created an […]

A couple holding hands on a rocky overlook with a hazy mountain sunset in the background.

03

Hannah and Connor’s engagement session unfolded in the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park. As a Calgary based wedding photographer specializing in the Rockies, I’m always inspired by the connection between my couples and the stunning landscapes we explore together. For Hannah and Connor, they envisioned a day that felt natural and reflective of their […]

Bride and groom holding hands on a wooden jetty by a mountain lake

featured

Nestled within Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake Lodge offered an unforgettable setting for Yaneth and Brian’s intimate summer wedding. With the turquoise waters of Emerald Lake and majestic mountain peaks as their backdrop, the day was filled with natural beauty and heartfelt moments. The celebration began at the iconic Point Cabin, where the couple prepared […]

Geoff was an incredible professional —

with great attention to detail. He’s compassionate, humorous

and makes everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. His work is stunning, and we were truly impressed and grateful for his presence.
Thank you, Geoff!

kristen & Dyon