Ultimate tips for candid wedding photography


If you’re planning a wedding in Powys, you’re probably dreaming of fun wedding photo’s that tell the true story of your day. The want for candid wedding photography in Powys is on the rise because people want photo’s of real moments at their wedding not awkward posed stiff photo’s that give you no feels ever. 

Behind every great candid wedding gallery filled with all the moments you may of missed is a day that’s planned and timed to perfect to allow you to enjoy every second. From your morning prep to the hitting that dance floor, here’s your ultimate wedding photography checklist to make sure your photos are stress-free and full of personality.

Bridesmaids having a toast in black pj's
Morning toast before wedding at Stanford Farm
Two golden wedding rings rest on delicate floral patterned fabric against a rustic wooden surface at The Courtyard Venue
Five beige linen suit jackets hanging in a row on a white wall with dark floral wallpaper visible in the background.

Gather Your Details the Night Before


Little items matter. Rings, invitations, perfume, jewellery, shoes, cufflinks, any little bit’s that you have picked. Nothing is off the list, add what’s special to you. They’re all part of your wedding story. The night before, pop all your “bits & bobs” and accessories into one box (an old shoebox works perfectly). This means when I arrive, I can crack on with photographing those details away to photograph without interrupting you. You’ll stay in the moment, sipping fizz, chatting with your wedding gang and allow me to capture this as it happens without adding chaos.

Candid moments of a wedding day showing embracing and celebrating guests at The Courtyard Venue, Oswestry
Wedding guests socialise and celebrate during an elegant reception at Chester Zoo
A series of wedding photos showing outdoor venue details and bridal party in green dresses against a rustic stone backdrop at Wildelodge

Allow Enough Time for Your Drinks Reception


For the most relaxed, candid wedding photography of you and your guests mingling, time is your best mate. Not even kidding. Allow at least 1.5 hours (but ideally 2 hours) for your drinks reception. This gives you breathing space to greet guests, enjoy canapés (yes, have them and have a lot of them) and to get those all-important group photos done without feeling rushed and under pressure. Candid photography is about not having restricted time restraints and too many activities planned!

Two girls at wedding laughing and chatting at The Courtyard Venue
Bride and her granddad having an emotional moment during drinks reception at Wilde Lodge
Well-dressed wedding guests play garden games outdoor drinks reception at Rowton Castle.
Dogs playing on the lawn outside during a social gathering while being watched by people at wedding at Moat Hall Barns

Limit Group Photos to What Really Matters


To keep your wedding day flowing naturally, plan no more than eight group photos. There are no rules about who should be in them. Family dynamics are unique. Don’t feel obliged to include anyone you’re not comfortable with. Choose your “ride or dies” the people who truly matter most. I can capture everyone else candidly throughout the day. By keeping the formal list short, you won’t regret it ever. Honestly, in the years of doing this the least downloaded part of any gallery is always the group photo's. 

Wedding group photo outdoors with stone wall backdrop and white dog sitting at Wilde Lodge
A sequence of black and white wedding photos showing people walking through a brick archway at Chester Zoo
Wedding party poses in a rustic stone barn doorway wearing tan suits and formal attire for group portraits at The Courtyard Wedding Venue
Wedding party poses together wearing elegant white dresses and light gray suits in front of dark metal wall at Stanford Farm

Think Carefully About Your Top Table


It might sound obvious, but the location of your top table can make or break your reception photos especially during your speeches. Ask yourself: what’s behind you? (Be aware of signs & fire extinguishers) Sitting in front of a window often causes a “blown out” background (bright white light) while leaving your faces poorly lit. Instead, choose a backdrop that complements you. Maybe like a floral arch, draped curtain or your venue’s architecture. This small decision dramatically improves the look of your candid wedding photos during speeches. 

Wedding reception speech during dinner under white tent with string lights and green backdrop at Walcot Hall.
Wedding reception venue decorated with soft string lights and tables set for celebration with guests seated around tables at Lyde Court
Elegant rustic wedding reception setup with wooden table, floral arrangements and candlesticks under wooden beamed ceiling at Stanford Farm
Wedding guests laugh and smile during a joyful moment surrounded by white floral decorations and stone walls at Tortworth Court

Schedule Portraits Later in the Day


We’ve all been to a wedding where you come straight out of the ceremony and the couple have been taken off for photo’s for ages instantly and don’t even get to say hi to anyone. I am not about this. Scheduling a little time for portraits of the two of you later in the day especially between May and October. The light is softer in the late afternoon, yep, that sexy “golden hour”, which creates dreamy, flattering images. This also gives you both a chance to step away, breathe and reconnect away from everyone else. You’ll return refreshed and energised ready to party!

A newly married couple embraces in a golden sunlit meadow at sunset during their wedding at Wilde Lodge
Newly married couple in matching white suits share a joyful moment while sitting in a green rowboat near reeds by a pond at Moat Hall Barns
A wedding couple stands silhouetted against golden sunlight filtering through autumn leaves in a romantic outdoor scene at Stanford Farm
A series of playful wedding photos showing a couple in formal attire posing and interacting on a pathway outdoors at Chester Zoo

First Dance Lighting Matters


Your first dance is one of the most emotional dances you may ever have. Ask your band or DJ to stick to white lighting only during the first dance. Colourful lights may look fun in person, but in photos they can leave you green or purple and you don’t want to look radioactive in your first dance photo’s or you may just have a load of black and white photo’s of that dance! Once the dance ends, bring on the disco lights for the party.

Newlyweds share their first dance on ornate parquet floor beneath elegant carved ceiling as wedding guests look on at Crewe Hall
Romantic newlywed couple shares an intimate first dance moment at their wedding reception at Chester Zoo
Wedding couple performs an energetic dip during their first dance under twinkling lights at their reception at Wilde Lodge
Two brides share a tender dance moment together on a wooden dance floor at their wedding reception at Tower Hill Barns

Communicate with Your Photographer


It’s not just about giving me a timeline it’s about sitting down together and going through your itinerary and planning it together. The more I know as a candid wedding photographer, the more smoothly they can work and capture your day as authentically as I can.

Wedding celebrations unfold with candid moments between guests and the wedding party during an indoor reception.
Wedding guest pointing and laughing during wedding reception
2 children playing on a checkered dance floor before first dance.
A wedding candid moment of guest celebrating win at Wilde Lodge

Build Flexibility into Your Schedule


Even with the best planning, sometimes thing’s can be delayed. Leave small buffers between bits of the day so you’re not rushing. This also gives me the space to capture spontaneous, unscripted moments, the laughter, tears and hugs you’ll treasure forever.

Gran at a wedding riding a train in Buxton Town Park
Bride hugs flower girl during wedding drinks reception at Stanford Farm
Group of guests in summer clothing dance outdoors on a sunny day with rolling hills in the background during drinks reception
A black and white photograph shows contrasting scenes of people in various candid moments with couple kissing during drinks reception

Trust the Process


On the day, let go of control and immerse yourself in the experience. The best images happen when you’re relaxed, not when you’re worrying about what I’m doing.

Wedding guests jumping on a bouncy castle during drinks reception