Candid photography is, by its very nature, unplanned. Unlike posed photos, you will probably only get one chance at the shot, and you want to get it right.
I follow five basic rules for candid photography, and I want to share them with you today.
1. Use your Zoom
When a person knows that he is being photographed, he will stop talking and pose. This is great if you want a posed photo but not such a good thing when you want a picture of Grandpa laughing with his grandkids.
To overcome this challenge, you need to take the photograph unnoticed. Stand on the opposite side of the room and zoom in. Take your shot from there.
2. Turn off your flash
I would say that basic principle of good candid photography is taking your shots without being noticed.
There is always someone in the group who doesn’t want her picture taken. As soon as the first flash goes off, she will make herself scarce.
If you are in a well lit room (preferably with natural light), turn off your flash and try taking some pictures using available light. Don’t forget to turn your flash back on when you are ready to use it again.
3. Hold the camera low
The average photographer holds his camera up to his face and stares intently into the digital preview window as he snaps a few very posed photos.
When you hold your camera up to your face, it’s a dead giveaway that you are about to take a picture. Try holding the camera at chest or belly-button height to snap candid pictures.
4. Shoot lots of pictures
The beauty of candid photography is that the subjects are moving naturally.
The greatest challenging of candid photography is that the subjects are moving naturally.
What was the perfect shot turns into a funny face or someone’s back. To get past this challenge, take photos, take more photos, and then take a few more just for good measure.
You might want to get extra memory for this one.
5. Remember, You only get one shot
In candid photography, you will probably only get one chance at the picture.
This has two implications for the photography.
First, learn to anticipate and prepare for the picture. Observe what is happening around you. You will learn to see a great photo that is about to happen.
Second, if you miss the shot, just move on. Don’t dewll on the lost shot, more good photo opportunities will come your way.
