Capture beautiful images from everyday life with Candid photography!
Posted on December 5, 2008
Filed Under Photography lessons
Posed photos may look beautiful but might lack a natural feel to them. That’s where candid photography comes in - the art of capturing the beauty of spontaneity. In candid photography, subjects are not bothered about how they would look in the photograph. Instead, they are engrossed in some activity and are generally unaware of the presence of the camera.
Many of us have a false impression that candid photography is taking voyeuristic shots. But, a Candid photographers skill is in capturing realistic situations as they happen. Read on to learn about the methods used in capturing candid photos.
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Equipment:
There are two methods used for candid photography, close working and telephoto method, and the equipment to be used depends upon the method you choose.
Close working:
In close working, the photographer and the subject would be quite close, and a wide-angle lens should be used. Though most successful candid photographers use this method, it’s a challenge to take photos without being noticed, as the camera has to be quiet during the photo-shoot.
35 mm range finders were the favourite of many candid photographers like Henri Cartier Bresson ), one of the most successful candid photographers. But in this digital era, you can use any digital camera of comfortable size, with easy-to-use buttons, and a zoom and good auto-focus. If you are using an SLR Camera make sure that you have a wide zoom lens.
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Telephoto method:
If it’s not possible to move closer to your subject, you may consider using telephoto. But also be aware that it limits the angles you can choose as well as the depth of field that you can get. An 80-200 mm, or higher telephoto lenses are ideal for this method. A tripod is also mandatory for photo shoots using telephoto lens as even the slightest movement of the camera would spoil the entire effort by blurring up the photos.
Lighting:
When you take candid photos, you wouldn’t have much control over light. You have to train yourself to foresee the impact of available light on the subject and choose the right angle. An over or under exposure of two stops can be easily corrected using an image editing software. You may use a maximum ISO setting of 400 ASA if the light is bit low. Its better not to use flash, as it might make people aware of your activity.
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When, where and how?
- Anything and everything relating to human beings can be the subject of a candid photograph. Your son watching a football match played by his favourite team, a tourist bargaining with the roadside vendor or an old man taking rest at the park can turn out to be a chance to test your skills.
- Watch your subject and observe the emotions, activities and behaviour. In some cases, you won’t get time to do it, as you would have to go by your instincts, foresee the events, and just click.
- There is no hard and fast rule that you should always keep people in dark about your plans. In some cases, you may tell people about what you are planning to do. But they should be comfortable enough to be natural in whatever they are doing. In fact some famous ‘Candid’ photos were actually after people had been told they are being captured on camera.
- Normally, it is okay to take photos at public places. But don’t hesitate to stop if people object. Ask for permission in advance, if you are not sure about the situation. Most people would be happy to give you permission.
- Converting your images into black and white is an easy way to add intensity to the emotions you are trying to communicate
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Also read
Points to remember while taking night photos
How to take great group photos
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2 Responses to “Capture beautiful images from everyday life with Candid photography!”
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nice article also the pics are amazing..how i wish to get such subjects in front of my camera.. i liked the clarity in ur image..thanx for for sharing..
the best Telephoto lens that i have used on an SLR is the Canon EF 70-200 F/2.8 lens. Best image quality ever.~-~