Candid vs Posed Shots - A Guide

As a photographer, you have probably heard ALL the opinions. You may find yourself wondering whether you should take candid shots or posed shots or when to use each. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and what you choose at any given time will depend on the specific situation you find yourself in. In this post, we'll explore the pros and cons of candid and posed shots and discuss what situations are best for each method.

Candid Shots

Candid shots involve taking pictures of people when they're unaware of the camera or are caught in a natural moment. These shots can be beautiful and authentic, capturing the essence of the moment. Here are some pros and cons of candid shots.

Pros:

1. Authenticity: Candid shots are authentic and capture real moments, which can make them more emotional and powerful.

2. Creativity: Candid shots can be more creative than posed shots because you're not limited to certain poses or settings.

3. Variety: Candid shots can provide a lot of variety in a photography session, as you can capture different moments and emotions.

Cons:

1. Unpredictability: Candid shots can be unpredictable, and you may miss important moments if you're not paying attention.

2. Lighting: Candid shots can be challenging in low-light settings, as the lighting may not be ideal.

3. Quality: Candid shots may not always be of the highest quality, as you may not have time to adjust settings or focus on the shot.

Best situations for candid shots:

1. Weddings: Candid shots can be particularly useful at weddings, as they can capture the emotions and moments that make the day special.

2. Family portraits: Candid shots can add a personal touch to family portraits, as they can capture the relationships between family members.

3. Any photoshoot where the aim is to document a memory or a special event.

Posed Shots

Posed shots involve directing your subjects to specific poses and locations. These shots can be beautiful and formal, capturing intensity or the essence of the moment in a more controlled environment. Here are some pros and cons of posed shots.

Pros:

1. Control: Posed shots give you more control over the lighting, background, and composition of the photo.

2. Quality: Posed shots are often of higher quality, as you have more time to adjust settings and focus on the shot.

3. Reproducibility: Posed shots can be reproduced easily, making them useful for marketing materials and other commercial uses.

Cons:

1. Lack of spontaneity: Posed shots can lack spontaneity and authenticity, which can make them less emotional and powerful.

2. Stiffness: Posed shots can feel stiff and unnatural, which can make them less interesting to look at.

3. Limitations: Posed shots can be limiting in terms of creativity, as you may be limited to certain poses or settings.

Best situations for posed shots:

1. Weddings: Posed shots are great used in moderation at weddings to bring a sense of intensity or spice to a photo.

2. Studio portraits: Posed shots are perfect for studio portraits, as they allow you to control the lighting and background.

Both candid and posed shots have their importance and place but in my book candid beats out posed shots as the producer of more emotion. Candid shots are more authentic and creative, while posed shots are more controlled and provide their own vibe. Knowing when to use each method will allow you to create beautiful and meaningful photographs that capture the essence of the moment.

The best practice is often a well-balanced, rounded use of prompts that spark spontaneous candid moments and poses.

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If by chance you are getting married you will definitely need those memories have have to look back on. If you value the preservation of your memories, I’ve served a great deal of couples, helped plan countless dreamy weddings, and have completely dedicated myself to my craft. To get a wedding photographer checked off your to-do list, you can submit an inquiry and I’ll be in touch with you right away!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I’m Vance Doeden - a wedding & elopement photographer based in Wichita, KS while serving the midwest & beyond. God, nature, and real deep emotion are my inspirations for capturing these memories.

Tying the knot? Check out my work & reach out to learn more about capturing the moments that matter.