I think candid photos are awesome. I prefer them 100x’s over a posed studio shot simply because of the “memory” factor. Most posed studio photos are beautiful, no doubt about it. Typically, the end result is a photograph that depicts the subject in the best possible light, the most suitable clothing, and groomed closest to perfection as possible. How often does that happen in real life?
When I look at wedding or engagement photos, I’m still most attracted to the candid (those that aren’t quite so obviously posed) images. Believe it or not, I’m not a “selfie” hater IF they are taken to create a snapshot of a memory — like an Indiana couple with an ocean backdrop, or group of friends obviously having a good time. I HATE those selfies that say to me, “here I am in a bathroom posing in front of a mirror with my iPhone,” or “here I am with pouty lips and a headband.” Give me FUN, candid photos.
Having said that… candid photos aren’t so easy when your subject wears glasses. The tips to get rid of glare are pretty darned hard to apply without posing or missing that memory altogether:
- Glasses lower than the light
- Glasses not on the same reflective plane
- Try backlight
- Forget about catchlight
- Etc.
The best option is to just move YOU and not your subject. And if you get some glare it’s not the end of the world. I would rather have glasses glare and remember Coco coloring family portraits and her excitement when they were complete than to have missed it because my lighting wasn’t ideal.
