I'm Tyler Jordan Soucy, a documentary wedding photographer based in Connecticut, who works with couples worldwide. I believe that weddings are meant to be lived, not performed. This journal is where I share some of my quick insights as a documentary photographer, and I hope that you find something useful or inspiring here.
I've witnessed firsthand the growing demand for candid wedding photography among couples. This trend, characterized by its authenticity and desire for real, unfiltered moments, is driving a significant shift in how weddings are perceived, experienced and shared.
Let's take a dive into why candid photographs, the basis of photojournalism and documentary photography, is becoming increasingly popular and why it might be the perfect choice for your big day.
[READ: WHAT IS DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?]
Documentary photography has its roots in storytelling, capturing events as they naturally unfold without any intervention. While something like editorial photography may look similar, it’s very intentional when it comes to staging photographs to tell a story.
Authenticity: Couples value authenticity over perfection. They seek genuine moments that reflect their true emotions and relationships, rather than staged poses. Candid photography allows for a raw and unfiltered look at the wedding day, preserving the real atmosphere and emotions.
Storytelling: Every wedding has a unique story, and using candid wedding photography excels in narrating this story through a series of raw and spontaneous shots. These moments create a compelling visual narrative that traditional posed photography often misses.
Emotional Connection: Candid photos evoke stronger emotional connections. When you look back at your wedding album, you’ll see real smiles, genuine tears, laughter and embraces. These images bring you back to the real moment, making you feel it all over again.
Trend Towards Natural Beauty: In an era where social media often showcases overly edited images, there's a refreshing appeal in natural beauty. Couples appreciate the imperfect and the spontaneous, preferring images that reflect their true selves and the reality of their wedding day.
Capturing Unscripted Moments: The beauty of candid photography lies in its unpredictability. The spontaneous moments—like a shared glance, a burst of laughter, or a secret whisper—are the ones you’ll treasure most. These fleeting moments are often the most memorable and heartfelt. The more time spent posing for Pinterest photos (not that there’s anything wrong with that), the less time there is for these moments to naturally unfold with your friends and family.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Posed photographs can sometimes feel stiff or uncomfortable, especially for those not used to being in front of the camera. Candid photography allows you and your guests to be yourselves, resulting in more relaxed body language and natural images.
Comprehensive Coverage: A documentary approach ensures that no moment goes unnoticed. From the preparations to the ceremony, and all the way through the reception, candid photography captures the essence of your day in its entirety, providing a complete and honest portrayal of your wedding.
Artistic Expression: Candid photography offers a unique artistic expression, as it involves a keen eye for detail and timing. It’s about being in the right place at the right time to capture moments that tell a story.
Couples value experiences over material possessions and seek to document their lives in a way that is genuine and relatable. Candid wedding photography aligns perfectly with these values, offering a way to capture their wedding day in an authentic, story-driven manner.
Moreover, with the rise of influencers and the constant presence of cameras in their lives, couples are savvy about photography. They recognize the difference between a forced smile and a genuine moment of joy, and they prefer the latter. They want their wedding photos to reflect their true selves and the real emotions of their day.
As a wedding photographer, my goal is to create a visual narrative that captures the spirit of your wedding day through candids. Whether you're getting married in the charming venues of Connecticut, the bustling streets of New York City, or the eclectic landscapes of Los Angeles, candid photography ensures that every moment is preserved in its true nature.
