During my time as a Jackson Hole wedding photographer I realized that I have a love for candid and natural feeling photos. I want to create and capture images that fill people with emotion and feelings, that immediately take them back to that moment in time. Capturing Grand Teton National Park wedding portraits isn’t just sitting someone in front of the camera and waiting for the magic to happen. Part of being a professional photographer is being able to create the space for genuine candid moments to occur.

Capturing a Genuine Grand Teton National Park Wedding

How do you capture genuine moments with genuine emotion? You have to know your client, their love, and what make their relationship beautiful. You have to be able to look at your surroundings and take advantage of all the different aspects of that exact moment. Never ever will never be in that place, with those people, with that weather, in that year ever again. I ask myself how I can authentically capture the moment.

 I hold the power to invoke emotions and human connection of generations. When I take an image I’m not just thinking about you. I am thinking about your posterity and those who love you. Images tell a story and a timeline of your life! What does your story say?

-Lizzy

Getting Comfortable

Helping clients be comfortable in front of the camera is one of the biggest jobs of a photographer. I pride myself in helping clients have a fun and enjoyable session. Part of that is doing my job to know their personalities and how to find common ground with them. For example, if they have dogs I can start talking to them about dogs, and they will start unwinding in front of the camera. I have always felt I was a personable person, and I think our clients recognize that we genuinely care for and about them.

Telling Their Story – Grand Teton National Park Wedding

Is this a couple that laughs and can jump on each others backs? Are they more reserved? Some couples you can get close and personal while others you use a zoom lens to give them some space. You can ask them to grab the other persons butt or attack them with kisses. Sometimes the best practice is to sit back where people can talk freely. PDA isn’t something that everyone is comfortable with, and thats okay! Being able to think and act quick on your feet is part of being a good candid photographer. What is your story?

Make it Natural

As I mentioned before, it’s important to make people feel comfortable. The best way to make it look natural is to put people in natural situations. For example you can ask a couple the cuddle up like them would on the couch. This is a pose they know feels comfortable and in return will look natural! Set the stage so it looks good, and then let the natural chemistry take place! Jackson Hole is such a raw and natural location. I have found that 9 out of 10 times clients coming here want candid images.

Shooting candidly doesn’t mean that the phot will always be “perfect” but it means that the raw emotion will be captured in a way that generations to come will be able to tangibly feel all the emotions felt that day. These are pictures that you will cherish forever. So while it’s important to get some posed photos, don’t forget how important candid photos are!

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