How to Shoot Candid Photographs
Candid photography is a snapshot photography that focuses on spontaneity rather than technique. It is best described as unposed and unplanned, simple and immediate. Candid shots can both show some wonderful ’slices of life’ or on the contrary relieve people’s weakness. That’s why in modern world, candid photogtaphy is often associated with paparazzi.
The main complication concerning candids is to decide whether you want to be noticed or not. People can be suspicious of a photographer’s motive and concerned about not being shown in a true light. So if you can’t stay unnoticed, you’d better ask people if you can take their picture. If you feel uncomfortable, read this article, which is sure to help you overcome your shyness and lose your fear.
Equipment
As mentioned above, you can shoot either from a distance and stay hidden from the subject, or you can take close-up photos and shoot in-the-face. The choice of equipment will depend on the style you prefer.
1. If you go for a distant approach, you’ll need an SLR with a long lens (telephoto) – a 200mm or longer, which is 4x magnification, is good. (Read more at ephotozine, Candid photography technique).
2. If you’d rather take close-up candid photographs, you won’t need much. A simple point-and-shoot will do everything. You need only a good eye for detail and good reactions to shoot at the right moment.
Subjects
There are many places where crowds of people can be found. You can shoot whoever you want as long as they don’t mind it. Guests at a wedding, street entertainers, lovers, playing children, daydreaming people, people waiting for somebody are good subjects for your candids. Also remember, that people ‘doing things’ make the best candid photos, while shots of people’s backs are the most boring.
Tips
1. Take your camera everywhere you go! Keep alert for candid situations and don’t miss an opportunity to capture an interesting shot.
2. It is recommended to set a camera for ISO 400, so it uses a fast shutter speed, which will prevent blur from hand shaking.
3. Use automatic features of your camera and switch off flash (it the situation allows). Don’t worry much about technical problems, as most defects can be fixed on your computer.
4. You can try out Black and White for you candids, as monochromes often show the mood and emotions more efficiently.
5. Robert Winkler recommends to ‘photograph from cars, buses, and boats. As you walk down a street, try shooting without breaking stride. To shoot over a crowd, hold the camera above your head the way press photographers do. Tilt your camera to add drama to a closeup. Turn away from the standard fare of pretty people in pretty situations.‘
6. Digital Photography School suggests you should ‘Take Posed Shots into Candid Territory. One of my favorite times to shoot candid shots is when other people are taking formal ones. Often if you take a few steps to the side and shoot from almost a profile position you can get great shots. Also zooming in to take shots of just one or two of the people in a larger group at these times can work well. Also try zooming right out to take a shot of the photographer and their subject all in one.’
7. Last but not least. Always remember about ‘photography etiquette’. Before taking a candid shot, ask yourself ‘What is the difference between candor and brutality?’ (a crucial question of Eli Siegel).
Masters of candid photography: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Andrй Kertesz, Jacques-Henri Lartigue, Garry Winogrand, Arthur Fellig, and others.
Read about great world photographers at shotaddict Tips Section.
Recommended Reading:
- Candid photography technique – ePhotoZine
- 11 Tips for Better Candid Photography – Digital Photography School
- A Candid Approach to Photographing People By Robert Winkler
- Techniques: Shyness – how to overcome shyness and lose fear
- Candid Photography by David Peterson
[tags]candid photography, candid shots, photography tips, tutorials, photography review[/tags]
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