When you think of event photography, two styles typically come to mind – candid and posed. This blog post gives you an in-depth look at these two well-established styles in event photography. After reading this, you’ll know which style suits your upcoming event best.
Distinguishing Between Candid and Posed Photography
Candid Photography
Candid photography is spontaneous and natural. The photographer’s aim in candid photography is to capture moments as they actually happen, without drawing attention to the camera. The subject is often unaware, resulting in genuine reactions and emotions. This style is commonly used in weddings, parties or any event in which you want to capture authentic interactions and raw moments.
Posed Photography
Posed photography involves deliberate planning and arrangement of the subjects. The photographer instructs subjects on how to pose, where to look, and even what to feel at times. Posed images can truly be stunning, and provide a more controlled aesthetic. This style is often favored for formal events or where a specific narrative is desired.
Candid Vs. Posed: The Pros and Cons
Below is a simple comparison between the two photography styles for your event:
Candid Photography – Pros & Cons
- Pros: It captures genuine moments and raw emotions, resulting in unique and personal photos. Perfect for social events where interaction is the main focus.
- Cons: There’s an element of unpredictability. Not all moments are picture-perfect, and there’s a possibility some essential moments might be missed.
Posed Photography – Pros & Cons
- Pros: It gives a polished look to the photos and ensures that all key attendees are included. Perfect for corporate events or formal occasions where a particular image needs to be projected.
- Cons: They can feel artificial and may not capture the actual vibe of the event. It might also disrupt the flow of the event as time needs to be set aside for posed sessions.
Which Style is Best for Your Event?
Knowing the nature of your event is key to choosing between candid vs posed photography. If it’s a corporate launch or a formal portrait session, you might lean towards posed photography. While for a lively party or a wedding, candid photography may be the best choice to catch the excited atmosphere and spontaneous moments.
The styles of event photography don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Most event photographers use a mix of both to fully capture the event. , having a discussion with your photographer about the ratio of posed to candid shots for your event could be beneficial.
In Conclusion
With this, you not only understand candid vs posed event photography but also how to choose between them based upon your event needs. Whether you choose candid, posed, or a blend of both, what matters most is that your photographs capture the essence of your event beautifully and creatively.