Candid photography captures life the way it is. Candid shots, unlike posed photos, are genuine and spontaneous. For candid pictures, authenticity matters more than perfection.
It’s not always easy to achieve this authentic look. The people are very quick to change their behaviour when they notice the photographer. You have to act quickly and capture people as they are unaware of you in order to get the best candid shots.
Wildlife photography and candid photography are similar in some respects. It is important to be able to both blend in and position yourself so that you can get great shots. You can learn 8 tips to take candid photos without getting noticed if you struggle with remaining invisible.
You can also use your camera’s burst mode or continuously shoot to capture those candid “golden moments” just like you would with wildlife. A candid shot can capture an emotion or expression for only a few seconds. You’ll more easily capture these moments if you shoot in short bursts.
You never know exactly what you will see or capture when you shoot candid photos. Surprise and spontaneity are key. The openness of the mind can lead to lack inspiration as it is often overwhelmed by possibilities. Here are some ideas if you don’t know where to begin or what to do.
Candid photography tips and ideas
Face focus
Make a stunning composition
Social interactions captured…
Moments of solitude
The subject and the environment should be connected
Where the action is
Watch for those who are lost in their thoughts or engaged in an activity.
Your candid portraits deserve a catchy title
Face focus
The face of a person is where you should look first for emotions. Faces can convey a great deal of emotion, even without context or a background. The face is constantly changing, from one emotion to another. This gives you endless opportunities for interesting photos. If you are struggling for inspiration, look at people’s faces.
Amlan Sanyal, The Priest
Compose a composition that is striking.
It’s not necessary to take a candid shot completely at random. You might even get better photos if you first plan part of your photo and then wait to capture the rest. You can, for example, plan your composition and then wait until someone enters the frame. A little forethought could make all the difference in a candid photograph.
Social interactions captured…
The best place to find candid pictures is a pair or group of people. From a shocked laugh to a timid smile, social interaction can be full of meaning and emotion. A simple exchange between a clerk and customer is full of interesting facial expressions.
Moments of solitude.
The candid photo of a person sitting or standing alone is classic. Many times, a person standing or sitting alone is far away and can only be photographed with a long lens. You can find individuals who appear alone among a group. Although they are physically surrounded, the facial expressions and body language of these people show they have their minds elsewhere.
Remember to capture these quiet moments at parties and events. You can still capture the uniqueness of a party, even if it’s a wedding celebration, by choosing a person who stands apart from everyone else. You can capture them enjoying the scenery or smiling as they listen to the music. A person can be just as happy in a group as they are alone.
ivan sgobba – paris
Join the topic with the environment.
The background and objects in the photo are important. The background scenery and objects add atmosphere to the photograph, as well as giving the subject context.
You can get some inspiration by first looking at the elements. If you have found an object or background that you like, then you should wait until the right person appears next to it.
A famous statue, for example, will always attract tourists throughout the day. Wait for the perfect tour group and you can get some great candid shots of tourists taking photos. A bus stop that has an eye-catching advertisement can also be the perfect setting for candid photos. You can get a great shot if the person you want to photograph sits down.
Eric Kim, London 2014
For compelling candid photos, go where the action happens.
More people means more possibilities. This is why places with a lot of activity are better for candid photography. The markets, the train station, and even parties make for great candid photo opportunities. People congregate in small towns and villages at specific times.
A busy area will also make it easier to blend into the crowd. You can walk with your camera around without being noticed. This crowd will act as “camouflage”, allowing you capture real moments instead of suspicious or embarrassed looks.
Danny Santos – Untitled
Watch for those who are lost in thought, or completely absorbed by an activity.
Even if you are unable to blend in with the crowd, you will still be able to find those who don’t pay attention. Even if they were standing just a few feet away, you wouldn’t be noticed. You can take advantage of their inattention and use it to compose a great photo.
Fabio Boer Alone Together
Your candid portraits deserve a catchy title.
The title is often an afterthought in some photography types, such as landscapes and long exposures. The title is important for candid photography. There are some candid photos that don’t need to be titled, but you should choose your title with care if the situation or subject is unclear. You can then give the photo more context and make viewers laugh.
Mario NR- Finding an old friendIf the suggestions above haven’t worked, browse candid photos to see what appeals to you. You can use the same or similar technique if you like a particular photo.
Here’s some candid pictures from Flickr to get you going. Add your best shots to this group to inspire others!