“But We Don’t Want Posed Photos…” (Said Every Couple Ever)

If I had a euro (or rand!) for every time a couple told me, “We don’t want anything too posed, just candid shots,” I’d have… well, a lot of euros (and possibly a new camera).

Here’s the secret though — those dreamy, effortless, “we’re-just-laughing-in-a-field” moments you see on Pinterest? They’re posed.
Sort of.

Let me explain before you throw a bouquet at me.

When I photograph couples, I don’t plonk you in front of a tree and command, “Smile!” (Please, no.) I guide you into a position that naturally flatters you both — maybe your hands find each other, your shoulders turn in just a little, your faces catch that soft light — and then I start talking. About how you met. About the weird thing your partner does when they’re sleepy. About the first date that didn’t go exactly as planned.

And that’s when the magic happens.

You laugh. You roll your eyes. You look at each other — really look.
And click — that’s the shot.

You see, the pose creates the structure, but the moment creates the magic.
It’s a little dance between direction and spontaneity, between “stand here” and “forget I’m here.”

So, yes — your “candid” photos are technically posed… but they feel real because they are real. The laughter, the glances, the way your fingers tighten just slightly around each other — that’s all you. I just happen to be there, framing it beautifully.

So next time you see one of my images and think, “Wow, they’re so natural,” remember: there’s a bit of choreography behind the chaos. But that’s the fun of it.

After all, isn’t that what love is too — a little bit posed, a little bit spontaneous, and always perfectly imperfect?