Candid photography is photography that focuses on spontaneity rather than technique. Your subject's focus is not on the camera, but on their current task. So we're not talking about the photo albums full of people looking at the camera and smiling here! Your subjects are un-posed and the shots are unplanned.
Candid photos are usually simple photos without a lot of technical equipment or any time taken 'setting up the shot'. Thus they capture some wonderful 'slices of life'!
Here are some tips for taking candid photos:
- Take your camera everywhere you go! Keep alert for candid situations - they can be found everywhere.
- Some examples of candid shots: A daydreaming store owner; an elderly man sitting beside you; commuters waiting for a train; two lovers on a park bench about to kiss; a child's delight when feeding ducks; elation of a football supporter when a goal is scored; a city tramp surrounded by clutter; a woman lost in thought staring at the beach.
- It's rare to get a second chance with candid photography. When you see an opportunity, grab it!
- Don't use complicated lighting techniques for taking your candid shots. Concentrate on the simple and use your camera's automatic features. Technical problems don't matter so much if you have a great candid photo. Most technical problems (like if the image is too dark or too light) can be fixed on your computer.
- Set your camera to "ISO 400" so it uses a fast shutter speed. This will help you 'grab' the shot even if you are moving.
- The best candid photographers blend into the background so don't be too obvious. Do what everyone else is doing so you fit in with the situation. Then when you see a good candid moment, bring your camera up to your eye.
- You don't always need to take the shot with your camera at eye level. Support your camera on your waist when taking the photo. Some luck or experience is needed here to get the framing right.
- Use your zoom lens to it's fullest extent so you can keep away from the action while taking your shot. A Telephoto lens is essential if you're going to be a fair way away.
- Never take photos of people's backs. Nothing is more boring than a group of people with all backs turned to the camera. It just doesn't work.
- Try converting the image to Black and White to get that extra punch and emotion.
- People 'doing things' make the best candid photos. Sports players, trades people, farmers and accountants are all excellent examples of subjects with 'things to do'. Try to capture the essence of the person's task. For example, you might capture a plumber concentrating on fixing a leaky pipe.
- If you're in a public place, it's usually okay to photograph people. If they object however, you need to stop. If you're not sure, it never hurts to ask permission before hand. Your subject may want to pose, so explain what you saw them doing and ask them to continue as if you weren't there.
- Experiment! Sometimes the artistic expression of a candid photo can be limited by you; the photographer. Try different angles, places and scenes. Look at candid photos created by others (they can be found in lots of magazines) for inspiration.
Candid photography is a great way to add some artistic flare to your photos without spending a lot of time with the technical aspects of photography.
David Peterson has a great love of photography and has created a series of free tips at http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/ to help digital photography users everywhere take better photos.
same day cleaning service Bannockburn ..Kids grow up so quickly and while we are often... Read More
Babies make the best and the worst subjects to photograph.... Read More
There are two types of underwater camera systems: an ""amphibious""... Read More
Looking at the digital camera, a person can visualize it... Read More
Gone are the days when you would need to employ... Read More
The digital camera is in reality a great possession with... Read More
The Vacation Season is fast approaching and naturally you will... Read More
A digital SLR camera or a single lens reflex (SLR)... Read More
Ordinary photos of dull subjects do actually sell, but the... Read More
The digital camera is essentially a computer-based device, whose core... Read More
A digital camera accessory you should purchase is a spare... Read More
Having an efficient work flow is essential for photographers. In... Read More
Disposable wedding cameras (also called single-use cameras) will never replace... Read More
Looking at the most intricate details of the digital camera... Read More
Do you like to take photos? Are you always standing... Read More
Started in a single-room by three Japanese men in the... Read More
Photography is a diversified field of creating a spectral variety... Read More
Digital cameras are available in several price ranges today. They... Read More
Using a tripod is essential when taking photos - and... Read More
One of the biggest debates in the photography world is... Read More
Photography with the aid of a digital camera is beyond... Read More
Reality TV is experiencing an upsurge in popularity and its... Read More
These parameters are discussed at 2 levels: -Based on... Read More
In a device such as a digital camera it is... Read More
If you are buying a new underwater camera or video... Read More
housekeepers near Deerfield ..Imagine being able to frame all your own photographs just... Read More
Probably one of the most common problems you will be... Read More
Are you having megapixel envy each time you walk by... Read More
Before you rush into buying your digital camera this holiday... Read More
Photography with the aid of a digital camera is beyond... Read More
It doesn't matter if your emailing photos of your grandson... Read More
Photography is a diversified field of creating a spectral variety... Read More
Being a professional digital photographer is a dream many people... Read More
Night photos can take on a somewhat magical quality you... Read More
If you use a digital camera (I use a Canon... Read More
Disposable cameras are cheap and easy to use. If you... Read More
While analyzing any camera, one of the most important qualities... Read More
Dots Per Inch is a useful measure of relative resolution.... Read More
Getting the most out of your digital video camera can... Read More
The digital camera being a fantastic and technologically advanced device... Read More
When I promised readers that I was going to do... Read More
Digital cameras are available in several price ranges today. They... Read More
Some of the best images can be captured during the... Read More
Digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras are excellent cameras that... Read More
You are anxious to purchase your new digital camera! You... Read More
With modern technology in the form of SLR digital cameras,... Read More
Quality digital cameras are becoming affordable for just about everyone... Read More
There are many kinds of disposable cameras. All disposable cameras... Read More
You will need an underwater camera housing to keep your... Read More
Every device needs a driving force to operate, just as... Read More
Photography |