You’re here because you love the images in my gallery, but you’re wondering how you actually curate time for candid photos on your big day? When you look back on your wedding pictures years from now, it’s usually all the in-between moments that make you smile most. Your best friend’s laugh during cocktail hour, your parents’ hands clasped as they watch you say your vows, the dance floor chaos that unfolds when the band starts playing your favorite song.
These are the images that take you right back.
That’s why one of the most important parts of planning your timeline is leaving enough space for those unscripted moments to naturally unfold. As a Baltimore Wedding Photographer, it’s part of my job to help you build a day that reflects that.
Here are my top tricks and tips for How to Curate Time for Candid Photos on your big day:
Plan For Breathing Room
When we design your timeline together, I always encourage buffer time between events. Whether it’s a few extra minutes after your ceremony to take a walk together, or padding your getting-ready schedule so you’re not rushing from one thing to the next, these quiet pauses create space for you to truly be in the moment. And that’s where the magic happens.
Plus, if someone is running late, or you hit any snags during the day, it’s much less stressful when you know you have built in wiggle room.
Prioritize Pre-Ceremony Photos
If you love the idea of actually enjoying cocktail hour with your guests (and not missing a thing!), plan to complete as many portraits as possible before your ceremony. Doing a first look and group photos earlier in the day allows you to fully relax once the celebrations begin, and just ride the wave of the moment. And that freedom translates beautifully into documentary style, joy-filled images.
Let Things Flow Naturally
Some of the best photographs happen when no one’s looking for the camera. When you’ve built a thoughtful timeline with breathing room and trusted your vendors to handle the details, you’re free to laugh, dance, and connect with your people. That’s when the real moments, the ones that feel most like you, happen effortlessly. As a wedding photographer, I have all the experience and expertise in my built (not to mention my hoard of cameras!) to capture and notice all those little moments.
Late Night Portraits
Golden hour portraits are amazing, but have you ever considered late night portraits? Sneak away from the party for 10 minutes and just get out under the night sky. Or into the moody lighting of the hotel lobby. Take a minute to pause and recognize that you’re living one of the milestone days of your life with your person. This can translate into some really special, candid photos.
Your wedding day should feel as genuine and joyful as the love you’re celebrating. So if you’re thinking through how to curate time for candid photos, I recommend considering these few ideas as you wade into wedding planning. Any questions for me? Reach out and let’s chat!
If you want to see some examples of candid photos, here are some from past weddings that I just absolutely love! What magical days I got to capture!
