As an Auckland wedding photographer, I often get brides feeling nervous about how to pose for photos. Should couples go for posed, staged and perfectly orchestrated shots? Or is the magic of a perfect wedding album determined by candid, natural moments.
While we believe that the best wedding photos come from raw emotion, those fleeting snapshots that occur when when a couple is fully immersed in the love and joy of their special day. But the truth is, there is still a place for both.
Why Candid Moments Matter For The Perfect Wedding Album
When you think about your dream wedding, what do you think you will remember? Spending an hour or more taking coordinated group photos with your bridal party, while everyone else begins the festivities, the intimate first dance, the moment you look into each other’s eyes for the first time as husband and wife, or the chaos of the dance floor with your friends and family. For me, as an Auckland wedding photographer, the most powerful photographs are always those unscripted moments that tell your real story.
From the separation of the ladies and gentlemen in the bridal party getting ready together, the (hopefully) tears as you see each other for the first time, the speech that made everyone laugh or the speech that made everyone cry. These are the moments that make the most memorable wedding albums. Emotion. Connection. Memories that can’t be recreated.
The nervous excitement during the getting ready process, the tears of joy as you see your partner for the first time, the spontaneous laughter shared during the speeches, or the quiet tenderness during the first dance.
There Is A Place For Posed Photos
Posed photos are a time for coordinated family photos, a special kiss from the bride & groom, or even other couples attending the event under the arch - these posed photos have their place at a wedding, they allow both the bridal party and guests to get photos with their loved ones that are composed and more sophisticated than the candid shots.
As a photographer, I’ll direct you through these shots to ensure everything looks natural while still allowing you to shine.
Why Being “Seen but Not Heard” is Key to Great Wedding Photography
As an Auckland wedding photographer, I’ve learned that the best photographs come when couples aren’t thinking about the photographer at all. Instead, they’re living in the moment, fully immersed in their wedding day. This means that, as much as possible, I try to be a quiet observer—capturing those candid, intimate moments without interrupting or directing too much.
This approach allows the natural flow of the day to unfold without distraction. These are the instances that tell the real story of your wedding.
While I’ll guide you through a few posed moments (for the family photos, for example), my goal is never to have you feel like you’re performing for the camera. Instead, I want you to feel free to be yourself, letting your emotions and personalities shine through in every shot.
How Candid Photos Can Tell Your Story
When I take candid photos, I focus on moments of connection: your glance at your partner during your vows, the joy in your best friend's face as she sees you walk down the aisle, the gentle touch of your parents’ hands as they offer their blessings. These are the true gems of a wedding day—the moments that matter most.
Trust Your Auckland Wedding Photographer
As your Auckland wedding photographer, my role is not just to take pretty pictures, but to capture the spirit and emotion of your day. I’m here to be a silent observer, capturing all the raw, real, and beautiful moments that will make your wedding album one you’ll treasure for years to come.
In the end, it’s not about having a thousand perfectly posed shots—it’s about having a handful of images that bring you back to your wedding day, that take you right back to the joy, the laughter, and the love that made your day unforgettable. So, while we might take a few posed shots for tradition, remember that the most meaningful moments are the ones that unfold naturally, without anyone ever needing to say “smile.”
Contact Woollie Weddings Today
If you’re planning your wedding in Auckland, trust your photographer to capture the day the way it happens: full of laughter, love, and life. When you look back at your wedding photos, you’ll want to remember how you felt—not just how you looked.
So, when the time comes for photos on your wedding day, try not to stress about being perfect. Instead, focus on being in the moment. Because when you live your wedding, you get the best photos—candid, beautiful, and real.