If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest trying to figure out what kind of wedding photography you love, you’ve probably come across two terms a lot: candid and posed. But what do those actually mean? And how do you know which is right for your day? And what in the world is prompting? (Hint: that’s my favorite haha). Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, and I’ll share how I blend both styles to create a wedding gallery that feels like you.

What Is Candid Wedding Photography?

Candid wedding photography (sometimes called documentary-style) focuses on capturing real, unposed moments as they naturally happen. Think of it like visual storytelling, where the little glances, big belly laughs, happy tears, and spontaneous hugs take center stage.

As a Boston-based documentary wedding photographer, this is the heart of how I approach your day. I quietly observe, keep an eye out for emotion, and photograph the moments that you didn’t even realize were happening.

Some examples of candid moments:

• Your dad fixing your veil without saying a word
  
• Your partner tearing up when you walk down the aisle
  
• Your best friend laughing mid-speech
  
• The flower girl twirling during cocktail hour

These are the moments that you don’t plan, but that make your wedding feel like your wedding.

What Is Posed Wedding Photography?

On the flip side, posed photography involves more direction and setup. This could mean:

• Formal family photos
  
• Portraits of you and your partner
  
• Group shots with the wedding party
  
• Editorial-style photos with specific posing instructions

There’s absolutely a time and place for posed photos (and trust me, you do want a few of these!). I gently guide my couples through portraits with relaxed prompts and light direction, always aiming to make things feel natural and true to who you are, not stiff or overly stylized.

How I Blend Candid + Posed for the Best of Both Worlds

The truth? Most weddings need a blend of both. You want those authentic, blink-and-you-miss-it moments that happen naturally throughout the day, but you also want that beautiful shot of you two looking your best in good light.

Here’s how I do it:

• During portraits: I’ll offer prompts to help you move, laugh, and interact so your photos look candid, even if I gently guided the setup. An example could be telling you to plant a bunch of kisses on your partner’s temple, or whisper to them how beautiful they look, etc… The goal is to get you genuinely laughing and smiling.
  
• During the day: I step back, observe, and let things unfold. I’m not staging your ceremony or re-doing your first look. I’m capturing it as it happens.
  
• During family photos: I’ll take charge to keep things organized, efficient, and easy for everyone (especially your grandparents!).
  

So no, you don’t have to pick just one style. But knowing what kind of experience you want, laid-back and real, or more editorial and directed, can help you find the photographer who’s right for you.

So… Which Is Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to feel present and in-the-moment, rather than being directed all day?
  
• Do you care more about how your day felt than how it looked?
  
• Do you want to look back and recognize yourself in the photos?
  

If you answered yes, then candid or documentary-style photography might be the right fit for you.

And if you’re still figuring it all out, that’s totally okay. I’m always happy to talk through what you’re envisioning and share examples from real weddings so you can get a better sense of the experience.

Some Examples of Posed, Candid, and Prompted Photos!

Looking for a wedding photographer who blends real emotion with beautiful storytelling?

You’re in the right place. I specialize in candid wedding photography in Boston and throughout New England, and I’d love to help you tell your story in a way that feels like you.

Reach out here to get started! Can’t wait to hear from you!

Rachael