So, how did you like the last issue #10 about Black & White photography? In this issue we are going to talk about candid photography and how to get great shots.

 

Candid photography is by definition taking pictures of people when they

are unaware.  Part of the fun in photography is catching your human

subject’s off guard so that your pictures have more emotion.

 

Photographers who work for magazines, like Time Life, have been able

to get candid shots of their subjects.  I think most of us can remember

the black and white photographs of Africans and others giving rise to

more emotion from the viewer.  Taking candid shots may appear easy

although there are few techniques in the photography world that will

make the candid shot worth more than just a snap shot of friends.

 

First and of course most important is to keep the subject in view while

they are not paying attention.  The next step is training your eye to catch

the moment.  You have to be able to move fast, but with design.  You

need to have your camera set for the picture before you are even aware

you will take the photograph.  The best way to do this if you have a

digital or automatic camera is to keep it on the proper setting.  Manual

cameras take moments to focus and can lose the candid shot if your

subject becomes aware of you.

 

Candid photography relies on the light; however, you may not always

get to choose the angle.  The angle could be where you are standing at

the time.  As a photographer of candid photography, you know the

importance of choosing the best angle at the right moment that is

possible.

 

The entire point of candid photography is to gain the unguarded

moments of a person’s emotions, whether it is tears, happiness, love,

or other emotions.  While it is true, you need to have light, angle, and a

good camera to catch the shot it is more important to observe.  Most

photographers are trained observers.  Their eyes will wander over the

crowds, landscape, or other setting searching for the perfect shot.  They

will always have a camera ready.  It can be extremely hard when you

are taking photographs of your friends because they tend to be more

involved in the conversations or activity.

 

The key to taking candid photographs of your friends is to draw them

away from the fact that you carry a camera.  If they forget you carry the

tool, they are more likely going to act natural.  Some friends tend to

pose in front of the camera while others will shy away turning their

backs when you get ready to take a photograph.  Knowing your friends

will help you find the best way to take candid shots without their

knowledge.

 

Observing, having the camera ready, and understanding the basics of

photography will yield you better results when you try for a candid shot.

Posing or turning away from the camera will take away from the shot

you hoped to attain so hanging to the side or a little ahead can get you

the shot you may need. Profiles make great candid shots because the

person will not realize you are taking a photograph until you have

already clicked the button. Candid photography can be one of the most

rewarding arts of photography, but also vexing when the subject is

aware of the camera. Always remember the camera when going out

with friends.

 

Make sure you look for your next issue #12. We will be talking about

great lighting tips for beautiful photographs.