Photo Style Preferences and Camera Confidence
What Do Clients Really Want?
As a photographer, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my craft and create an experience my clients truly love. Lately, I’ve noticed a major trend in my wedding inquiries: couples are increasingly asking for candid, documentary-style photography. It’s clear that people are drawn to the raw, authentic emotions captured in candid photos, but it got me wondering—how does this growing preference align with how comfortable people actually feel in front of the camera?
To answer this question, I recently polled my Instagram followers about two key aspects of their photography preferences:
- What kind of photos do they prefer in their gallery (candid, directed poses, or a mix of both).
- How confident they feel in front of the camera.
The results were eye-opening and highlighted an interesting gap between what clients think they want and what they actually need to feel comfortable and confident during a session. Let’s dive into the findings and what they mean for your wedding (or next photo session)!
What Kind of Photos Do People Want?
Here’s how my followers voted:
Candid only: 18%
Directed, movement-based posing: 5%
A mix of both: 77%
It’s clear that the vast majority of people (82%!) want directed, movement-based poses or a balanced gallery with a mix of candid and directed photos. This makes sense—candid moments bring out natural emotions and connections, while a touch of direction ensures everyone looks their best.
How Comfortable Are People in Front of the Camera?
Confidence levels were split as follows:
Very confident, I love it: 4%
Somewhat confident, I’m not too worried: 17%
I need some direction or else I feel awkward: 49%
I need a lot of direction, where do I put my hands?: 30%
What stands out here is that only 4% of respondents feel completely at ease in front of the camera. The remaining 96% rely on the photographer to provide some level of direction or guidance.
Candid vs. Directed Photos: Bridging the Gap
The results revealed an interesting dynamic:
Candid photography is in high demand (based on how often this is requested in my inquiries)
But most people need guidance to achieve those candid moments.
This makes me wonder: Do clients really know what candid photography means?
Read this blog post for more on What Candid Photography REALLY means.
True candid, documentary-style photography involves little to no interaction from the photographer, capturing moments as they naturally unfold—like the quiet exchange of vows, the spontaneous laughter shared during a first dance, or a tearful embrace during the ceremony. It's during these moments when I know to step back and document your story as it unfolds.
However, achieving those authentic, candid moments can be challenging when clients feel awkward or unsure in front of the camera, especially during posed moments like family photos or bride & groom portraits. For example, a couple may feel unsure about where to put their hands or how to stand, leading to stiff or forced expressions. This is where gentle direction and movement-based prompts come in. By encouraging you to walk hand-in-hand, share a laugh, or lean in for an embrace, I help create space for those candid interactions to happen naturally. It’s not about stiff, static poses but about guiding you into moments of connection and movement that feel authentic and comfortable.
Why "A Mix of Both" is the Sweet Spot
The poll results reinforce what I’ve always believed: the best galleries strike a balance between candid and directed moments.
By guiding my clients with movement-based prompts, I can help them feel comfortable and confident while still capturing the authentic emotions they’re hoping to see in their photos. This approach ensures your gallery includes the genuine laughter, tender touches, and heartfelt moments that make your story unique—without the awkwardness of trying to “act natural” on your own.
For Your Wedding Day
If you’ve ever worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera, you’re not alone—and you’re exactly who I’m here for. My goal as a photographer is to create a relaxed, enjoyable experience where you don’t have to think about where to put your hands or how to smile. Through gentle direction and movement-based prompts, I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can focus on being present with your loved ones.
It’s interesting to see how the trend of asking for candid, documentary-style photography aligns with what my research revealed. While candid moments are incredibly popular, they often need a little help to come to life—especially since most people don’t feel entirely confident in front of the camera. That said, weddings are full of naturally candid moments that don’t need any prompting: a tearful exchange of vows, the laughter spilling out during a heartfelt toast, or the joy of a packed dance floor.
By combining these naturally candid moments with movement-based prompts and a mix of candid and directed posing, I can deliver galleries that feel as authentic as the candid style couples are drawn to, while ensuring everyone feels comfortable and at ease.
Because at the end of the day, the most important thing isn’t whether a photo is candid or posed—it’s that it feels real to you.
Ready to book your wedding photographer? Reach out today, and let’s plan a gallery that’s perfectly you!
