How to Get the Best Natural + Candid Photos for Your Family Session or Wedding Day
Whether you’re planning a family photo session or your dream wedding in Nova Scotia, you probably want photos that feel real—full of love, laughter, and natural moments. While posed photos are beautiful, it’s often the candid shots that become your favorites—the ones that capture genuine smiles, shared glances, and little in-between moments.
As a photographer, I want to help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera so we can capture those magical, unscripted moments. Here’s how you can help make sure your family or wedding photos are as natural and authentic as possible!
1. Relax and Be Yourself
I know I know, this is easier said than done.... but trust me, the key to beautiful candid photos is simply being yourself! If you’re tense or overly aware of the camera, or stressed that your kids are smiling at the camera, it can show in your expressions. Take a deep breath, focus on your loved ones, and trust that I’ll capture the best moments as they happen.
For family sessions, interact with your kids and partner as if I’m not even there. For weddings, soak in every moment of the day—don’t worry about posing, and just enjoy the experience!
2. Plan Activities to Keep Things Natural
One of the best ways to get genuine expressions is to have something fun or meaningful to do during your session. This could be:
- Walking along the beach together
- Playing a game with your kids
- Whispering something funny in your partner’s ear
- Dancing barefoot on the sand
- Wrapping each other in a warm hug
Instead of stiff poses, these activities create movement, laughter, and real emotion, making your photos look effortless and full of life.
3. Forget About the Camera
It’s natural to feel camera-shy at first, but the more you focus on each other instead of the lens, the better your photos will turn out. Engage with your family, talk, laugh, and interact naturally. Some of the best wedding and family photos come when you’re lost in the moment and not even thinking about being photographed.
4. Keep Moving!
Movement brings life to photos and makes them feel natural instead of stiff or staged. Instead of standing still and smiling, try:
- Walking hand in hand along the beach
- Twirling in your dress
- Running barefoot or playing a game with your kids
- Tossing your little one in the air
- Sharing little spontaneous kisses or touches with your partner.
By staying in motion, your expressions will be more relaxed, and your photos will feel effortlessly real. Don’t be afraid to touch, play, twirl, run, kiss, hug or sway—those little movements make all the difference!
5. Choose the Right Location
Nova Scotia is filled with breathtaking backdrops for natural, candid photos. Whether it’s the golden beaches of Lawrencetown, the rugged beauty of Herring Cove, or a quiet meadow in the Annapolis Valley, picking a place where you feel relaxed and comfortable will make a big difference in how your photos turn out.
Think about a location that means something to you—a favourite park, your family cottage, or a scenic spot where you love to take the dog on walks. Familiar places help you feel more at ease, which leads to more natural moments.
6. Wear Comfortable, Flow-y Clothing
What you wear can affect how relaxed and natural you feel in your photos. Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable, avoiding anything too stiff or restrictive. Soft, neutral tones and natural fabrics (like chunky wool sweaters!) photograph beautifully in Nova Scotia’s landscapes.
For family shoots, coordinating (but not matching) outfits in earthy or pastel colours can create a soft, timeless look. For weddings, consider how your dress and veil might move in the wind—flow-y fabrics add beautiful movement to candid shots!
7. Embrace the Unexpected
Some of the best photos happen when things don’t go as planned. A gust of wind, a child’s unexpected giggle, a spontaneous hug—these little surprises often make for the most memorable shots. Instead of worrying about perfection and constantly smiling at the camera, just embrace the moment, and trust that the most meaningful photos come from real, unscripted interactions.
8. Give Yourself Extra Time
Whether it's getting ready on your wedding day or loading kids into the car for a family session, giving yourself a buffer of time helps avoid last-minute stress. When you're rushed, it's harder to relax in front of the camera. A calm, easy pace lets you settle in and be fully present—plus, it leaves space for those quiet, beautiful in-between moments to unfold naturally.
9. Share Your Story With Me
Before your session or wedding day, I love learning more about you—how you met, what makes your kids laugh, your favourite weekend rituals, anything! These little insights help me look for the moments that really matter to you and tailor your session to reflect who you are.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Affectionate
Hugs, kisses, hand squeezes, forehead touches—those tiny gestures of affection are what make your photos feel alive. Sometimes people hold back because they’re not used to being that physically affectionate in front of a camera, but I promise, the more love you show, the more your images will reflect how you truly feel about each other.
11. Trust Your Photographer
As a photographer, my goal is to capture your genuine emotions in the most natural way possible. You don’t need to worry about how you look or what you should be doing—just focus on your loved ones, and I’ll take care of the rest!
I know when to step back and let moments unfold and when to gently guide you to create opportunities for those natural, beautiful interactions. If you’re ever feeling unsure, I’ll be there to offer simple prompts to help you relax and enjoy the experience.
Final Thoughts
The best candid photos aren’t forced—they come from real emotions, movement, and connection. By focusing on each other, choosing a meaningful location, and letting go of perfection, you’ll walk away with stunning, authentic images that you’ll treasure for years to come.
I’d love to help you capture those real, joyful moments—whether for your family, engagement, or wedding day. If you’re ready to book your session, let’s chat!
