Your guide to finding the perfect photographer for fun, natural, and meaningful wedding photos or elopement photos đ¸
Table of Contents
- Why Candid Wedding Photography Matters
- What Makes a Great Candid Photographer?
- My Approach to Capturing Weddings Naturally
- Real Wedding Moments: What Candid Photography Looks Like
- FAQs from Couples Looking for a Candid Wedding Photographer
- How to Know If Weâre a Good Fit
Why Candid Wedding Photography Matters
Your wedding day isnât a performanceâitâs a lived experience. And the photos you walk away with? They should feel like you. Thatâs where candid photography comes in.
Candid wedding photography captures the real, raw, and joyful moments that unfold naturally throughout the dayâfrom the quiet nerves as you get ready, to the full-body laugh during the best person’s speech.
Unlike traditional posed photos, candid shots tell a story. Theyâre:
- Emotionally rich
- Unscripted and unique
- Authentic reflections of your big day
These are the photos youâll return to again and againânot just because theyâre beautiful, but because theyâre real memories with your loved ones.
What Makes a Great Candid Wedding Photographer?
Anyone can take a photo. But capturing genuine emotion in real time? That takes skill, patience, and a very specific approach. Here’s what to look for when choosing a candid wedding photographer:
| Trait | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Observational skills | Great candid photographers anticipate moments before they happen. |
| Discreet presence | They blend into the background, letting you be completely yourself. |
| Storytelling ability | Every photo contributes to a bigger pictureâyour love story. Their photos evoke specific emotions. |
| Great use of natural light | Enhances mood and keeps images soft, flattering, and timeless. |
| Comfort with movement | Candid photographers are always on the move, adjusting to the action unfolding around them. |
đĄ Tip: When researching photographers, ask to see full galleries, not just highlights/ portfolio shots. This shows you how they document a wedding from start to finish.
My Approach to Capturing Weddings Naturally
Hi, Iâm AlyâI’m a wedding photographer based in Victoria BC on Vancouver Island, and I specialize in candid, joyful, and authentic wedding photography đ
Hereâs what working with me feels like:
- No stiff posing. I gently guide you when needed but focus on letting real interactions shine.
- Lots of laughs. I’m basically your unofficial hype person, helping you feel at ease.
- Thoughtful storytelling. Every wedding is differentâmy goal is to capture your version of the day, not a cookie-cutter version of someone elseâs. My process involves getting to know you before the big day, so I can really show off your personalities in the photos.
Natural light is my best friend. Iâm always looking for the kind of light that wraps around you gently and flatters skin tonesâwhether it’s golden hour magic or the soft glow of a cloudy BC sky.
Real Wedding Moments: What Candid Photography Looks Like
You might be wondering: What does candid wedding photography actually look like? Here are just a few real moments from a wedding at Langtry Walk (P.S. this is such an underrated wedding venue!), in Saanichton:
FAQs for Couples Looking for a Candid Wedding Photographer
“Will you still take family and group photos?”
Yes! While candid photography is my specialty, I absolutely include family photos and wedding party portraits. I keep these sessions relaxed and utilize ‘prompts’ (over poses) between the classic shots, so you get some fun candid-feeling photos too.
“Do I need to know how to pose?”
Nope. You donât need any modeling experience! Iâll guide you with natural prompts that focus on connection and movement rather than formal posing. Think walking hand-in-hand, slow dancing, whispering something funny, or embracing during a quiet moment together.
“Can you capture our special day even if weâre camera shy?”
Definitely! Most of my couples start the day a little nervous in front of the lens. It is 100% normal. My approach is calm, friendly, and low-pressure. Within minutes, youâll forget Iâm even taking photosâand thatâs when the best photo moments happen.
“How many photos will we receive?”
It depends on your amount of coverage time, but typically my couples receive 400â600 edited, high-resolution beautiful photos for a full wedding day. Youâll get a storytelling mix of candid moments, emotional highlights, and classic portraits.
“Do you offer sneak peeks?”
Yes! I always send sneak peeks within one week of your weddingâperfect for reliving the day right away and sharing a few favourites with friends and family.
“What happens if it rains?”
Ahhhh, the West Coast, hehe! I always recommend having a flexible plan for wet weather. Some of my favourite images have been captured in a light drizzle or under clear umbrellasâit adds a moody, romantic vibe.
“Do you travel outside Victoria BC?”
Yes, I do! While Iâm based in Victoria, I regularly travel across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and beyond for weddings. Travel within Greater Victoria is included in all wedding packages, and I can provide a custom quote for other locations. Contact me for details!
“Can we meet before booking?”
Absolutely! If fact, this is really important to me. I offer complimentary consultations (via Zoom or in person if you’re in Victoria) before booking so we can talk about your wedding plans, photography goals, and how you’re hoping to remember your day through images. It’s a great chance to make sure weâre the perfect fit.
“How do we book you?”
Once weâve chatted and youâre ready to move forward, Iâll send over a contract and booking retainer invoice. Once both are complete, your date is officially reserved!
“Are your packages customizable?”
Yes! I know every wedding is different, so whether you’re planning an intimate backyard celebration or a full-day event, we can adjust coverage to suit your plans. I also offer add-ons like engagement sessions and film photography.
Still have questions? âĄď¸ Reach out here and I’ll be happy to answer any!
How to Know If Weâre a Good Fit
You might be my kind of couple if:
- You care more about the feel of your day than perfect glamour shots
- You love golden light, windblown hair, and real emotion
- You want a photographer who feels like a calm, cheerful presenceânot a bossy director
If that sounds like you, letâs make some magic together! â¨
Letâs Chat â Book Your Wedding Photography Consultation
Choosing your wedding photographer is a big dealâyouâre trusting someone to document one of the most meaningful days of your life.
I offer free consultations where we can:
- Talk about your vision
- Go over your timeline
- Chat about how I work and whatâs included
- Make sure weâre a great fit
đ Contact me about availability and pricing, and let me know if you have any questions!
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Looking for a Candid Wedding Photographer in Victoria BC?
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