Candid Photography vs Traditional Photography
Anyone who has attended an Indian wedding knows how many people attend such celebratory events. Indian weddings are a mixture of the old and the new. Many young couples nowadays like elements of modern methods of taking pictures as opposed to merely sitting down for traditional ones. However, this does not mean that the traditional means of taking wedding photographs is a thing of the past. On the contrary, in Indian weddings, where a rich and deep culture never fails to exert its influence within the very fabric of people’s everyday lives, anything that is traditional is accepted with open arms.
For those that want to know the difference between candid and traditional photography, the former involves the taking of pictures of subjects that are simply unaware that their photos are being taken. It brings a sense if natural spontaneity and realism to the composition of the image.The photographer moves around the wedding party and takes pictures of the events as they happen without any preparation at all. The great thing about the candid form of wedding photography is that it captures the moment as they happen. It is a known fact that a subject could sit down for a photo and the photograph may not be able to capture the essence of his subject the same way as when he takes the photo of the same subject candidly or without his knowledge.
By not knowing that a photograph is being taken, the subjects are able to convey true emotion without being conscious of the fact that they have to pose a certain way in order to satisfy conventional rules and mores.The latter which is traditional photography, involves a more formal approach to the way the images of the subjects are taken. Unlike candid photography where the photographer has to capture that perfect moment in order to create a magical shot, traditional photography offers a more valid way of showing the photographer’s subjects in their best moments.
One can have their makeup fixed, ties straightened, and stain from their teeth due to the sumptuous Indian banquet feast washed off prior to having their photos taken. It is the simple fact that that the subject knows that they are being photographed that gives them the opportunity to really show their best features.
Does using high quality gear makes a difference?
On a personal experience and with gear rates dropping, I have seen traditional photographers use similar equipments as candid photographers, but what makes a significant difference is technique and approach. E.g. there are many people who can afford to buy a Ferrari that does not mean that all will become Michael Schumacher one day. The difference between Candid Photographer Vs Traditional Photographer is based on following pointers
• How both of them see the same scene differently.
• Understanding the environment around you and adapting to it.
• How both will frame the same subject standing at same place differently. The Art of Composition.
• How they both see light falling on subject and how they plan to blend natural light with flash lights.
• Understanding the gear limits and then using it to get the best results out of the given scene.
• Understanding colours and what colour temp. To set your camera to shoot the scene.
• Lastly, how well will they do post processing on images to achieve the look they looking for.
In the context of an Indian wedding where a deep and rich culture is not only felt and seen but appreciated, certain parts of the wedding ceremony will benefit greatly with traditional photography while other more relaxed sections can do quite well with candid poses. It is the marriage of both old and new complementing one another as opposed to cancelling each other out. When the Indian wedding photographer inculcates both styles appropriately, the result is a glorious representation of a momentous and noteworthy event in the couple’s lives.
So which one do you choose?
Chose a photographer whose work you love, Never see only few pictures on social media, rather meet them , ask them to share a complete wedding picture gallery, if you love the frames they have captured, then select them otherwise look for alternatives. Certain functions like reception’s mainly demand only group pictures hence traditional photographer is a must. If you family members prefer having loads of group picture and you wish to have candid pictures, then hire a candid photographer who can also get a
traditional photographer team, so that they can work in sync and cover the wedding. Never make a mistake of getting a different candid & Traditional team as most of the times they will end up fighting for space and you as a client will be in loss , as both the team most of the time is just thinking of clicking pictures fast before other team comes or fighting for space, and not thinking enough on getting creatives shots.
