Candid Photography
Photography is more than just a way to document moments; it’s a way to tell stories, evoke emotions, and celebrate life’s beauty in all its forms. Among the many styles of photography, candid photography holds a special place in my life for its ability to capture the unscripted and authentic. Sometimes, it’s the fleeting glances between a couple, the laughter of guests at a wedding, or the quiet poetry of a city street. Candid photography reveals the magic in the everyday.
As a wedding, elopement, and couples photographer living in Rome, Italy, I’ve dedicated my craft to capturing love and connection in their most genuine forms. My approach blends reportage and documentary styles, influenced by my life as a flâneur—wandering streets, observing light, and reacting instinctively to the world around me. Beyond photography, I’m a published author who writes about slow travel. These passions enrich my work, allowing me to connect with people and their stories on a deeper level.
In this article, I’ll explore the art of candid photography, diving into its different forms and why it resonates so deeply with both photographers and viewers. I hope you’ll find everything you’re curious about regarding candid photography here.
What is Candid Photography?
Candid photography is the art of capturing unposed, genuine moments as they unfold naturally. It’s about observing the world—and the people within it—without interfering. Unlike staged or heavily directed photography, candid photography relies on spontaneity, instincts, and a keen eye for storytelling. The result is a collection of images that feel real and evoke emotion because they are steeped in authenticity.
To borrow from Susan Sontag, who famously wrote in On Photography: “To photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed.” In candid photography, we don’t seek to control or appropriate; we aim to honor moments as they are, raw and unfiltered. Whether it’s a fleeting glance, a burst of laughter, or the light catching someone’s face just so, candid photography celebrates the beauty of the unscripted.
For me, candid photography is a way of seeing the world—an extension of my life as a flâneur. Wandering the streets, observing the interplay of light and shadows, and tuning into the rhythm of the city inspires my work. Every corner holds potential, every face a story, and the magic lies in being ready to capture it—especially in Italy.
Candid Wedding Photography
Candid wedding photography has gained immense popularity for good reason: it captures the essence of the day without artifice. Weddings are rich with emotion—joy, love, nervous energy, and heartfelt connection—and candid photography weaves these moments into a tapestry that feels deeply personal and alive.
When I photograph weddings, I’m not just taking pictures; I’m bearing witness to one of the most intimate and transformative days in a couple’s life. My approach is rooted in observation and intuition. I’m drawn to the subtle moments—the tear a father quickly wipes away, the nervous clasping of hands before the ceremony, the unguarded laughter during toasts.
This style of photography doesn’t mean there’s no structure or direction. I blend in, moving among guests with a quiet presence, and step in only when necessary to ensure key moments are preserved. What sets candid wedding photography apart is its ability to tell the story of a wedding day as it truly happened. As the poet Mary Oliver said, “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” That’s exactly what candid wedding photography does.
Candid Portrait Photography
Candid portrait photography straddles the line between planned and spontaneous. While traditional portrait photography often involves carefully posed setups, candid portraits aim to capture the subject’s personality and essence without forced smiles or stiff postures.
I believe the best portraits are created when the subject feels seen, understood, and at ease. This is where my background as a WSET II certified wine enthusiast and author of slow-travel pieces comes into play. Spending time with couples, sharing stories, and discussing their favorite wines or food and wine pairings can help create a relaxed environment where they feel comfortable being themselves. It’s in those moments of connection that the magic happens.
I often take cues from the surroundings, whether it’s the golden light of sunset or the texture of a city street, to frame the subject naturally. Using light and space creatively, I’ll capture fleeting expressions and interactions that reveal who they are beyond the surface.
Candid portraits are less about creating a “perfect” image and more about telling a story—one that’s authentic, nuanced, and true to the individual.
Candid Street Photography
And finally, the term that is used everywhere by everyone (even though some of them don’t know what it means): street photography. I see street photography as the birthplace of candid photography, and it is where I find endless inspiration. Walking the streets of a city, camera in hand, I’m constantly on the lookout for the poetry of everyday life: a fleeting gesture, a dramatic play of light and shadow, or the way two strangers pass each other with unspoken stories.
Street photography teaches you to be present and to react quickly. As Henri Cartier-Bresson, the father of candid photography, famously said, “To photograph: it is to put on the same line of sight the head, the eye, and the heart.” This philosophy guides my approach, whether I’m photographing a bustling market, a quiet alley, or a couple sharing a tender moment on a city street.
What I love most about candid street photography is its unpredictability. The streets are alive, ever-changing, and full of surprises. As a photographer, my role is to dance with that unpredictability, adjusting to the light, the movement, and the energy of the scene. It’s a practice that has honed my instincts and refined my ability to see beauty in the ordinary—skills that I bring to every shoot, whether it’s a wedding, a portrait, or a stroll through the city.
Final Thoughts
My gifted mentor, JML, once told me that candid photography is more than a style; it’s a mindset. It’s about embracing life’s unpredictability and finding beauty in the unscripted. Whether it’s a wedding, a portrait session, or the vibrant chaos of the streets, candid photography tells stories in a way that is honest and deeply human.
For me, it’s also a way of connecting with the world. My work is informed by my love of the things I enjoy doing in my daily life. These passions allow me to bring a sense of depth and warmth to my photography, creating images that resonate on a personal level.
As you explore the world of candid photography, remember to embrace its imperfections. Life isn’t posed, and that’s what makes it beautiful. In the words of Leonard Cohen, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” And as a photographer, it’s my joy to capture that light.
Let’s Create Something Nice Together
This article is part of the “Experience” section because candid photography is more than just an approach I take—it’s an experience I share with every couple I photograph. Each session becomes an opportunity to connect, laugh, and create something deeply personal. My role is to be present, blending into the background while also guiding you gently when needed. You’ll find that the process feels as natural and enjoyable as the final images look.
Your shooting day is a celebration of love, joy, and connection. I aim to create images that not only document your day but also evoke the emotions and memories you’ll treasure forever. If you’re looking for photography that is artistic, authentic, and timeless, I would be honored to be a part of your journey.
Feel free to reach out to discuss your ideas or ask any questions—I can’t wait to hear your story!
How Does It Work?
- Take a look at my photography services and choose the one that suits you best.
- Contact me and then let’s schedule a call so we get to know each other by talking about your needs and my services in detail.
- Once we agree on terms I send you a confirmation email and ask you to pay the first half of the total agreed amount so I fix the date.
- You have fun and I take care of the rest with my camera.
Anything Else to Ask?
Check out the FAQ page I put together — I’ve done my best to answer all your possible questions about photoshoots and my work.
Your journey is special, and I’m here to help you capture every beautiful moment.
Get in touch with me
I’d love to hear from you and learn about your unique love story. Whether you have questions, want to book a session, or simply want to chat about photography, feel free to reach out.