Candid photography is one of the most interesting, entertaining and creative techniques. It's everyone's favorite because it's fun to feel as though you're “in the action” when you're taking the shots. People love finding cute little nuances in your photos figuring out what's going on in the shot by the context. So how can you create these conversation starters for your portfolio? This article will provide some great pointers.

Candid photos are all about the spontaneity of the moment. You have to be quick thinking to catch the best shots and be barely recognizable. Busy streets and shopping centers are great for this because you can be almost invisible as a photographer and get great shots, going completely unnoticed. In more intimate settings, however, you need to make sure you create a relaxing atmosphere for your subjects. People tend to freeze up, become overly aware of a camera and become awkward, or show off when they notice cameras. You may have to ask people's permission and gently advise them to act normal and forget you're there if they don't mind. You may also have to explain the purpose of your assignment or why you're there. It also helps if you let them be themselves. Do not suggest any actions, or the subjects may become uncomfortable or unwilling to participate. It works for children and animals as well. Small animals, your pets and children can be the hardest subjects to photograph when you want a posed shot. But let them be themselves and you will get some amazing and adorable photos.


The technical part of candid photography can be tricky. Once you get your ideas on the kinds of shots you want to take, you need to know your elements and what you are dealing with. Indoor shots are ideal for candids because the lighting is controlled and you don't have to worry about breaking between shots to meter. If you are shooting outdoors, make sure you are avoiding the sunlight, because this can cause harsh shadows and a stark “mood” to the atmosphere and the photo you are trying to create. An enjoyable day at a coffee shop can turn “dark” if shadows are working against you. Try to utilize the sun and clouds to the best of your ability when trying to create an atmosphere in your photographs.

Enhancing the mood of the photo can also be done by camera modes. Experiment with different settings to achieve your desired effect. For instance, black and white photos are pretty much everyone's favorite because the lack of color ads so much depth to the overall mood of the photo. You can freeze action when your subjects are moving around or doing something by putting your camera in shutter-priority mode. Aperture priority mode can blur the background so that your subject is the only focus, giving the photos a dreamy effect. If you're in an area of constant motion (i.e., busy subway station) and you don't want to miss a shot, you could set your camera to continuous shooting mode. This way, you do not have to meter your settings with each new shot.

People love photographs that tell a story and show action. With these tips and playing around with your camera settings, you can get a great candid shot each time. One thing to always remember is to ask your subject's permission before taking candid shots. Try to make yourself less visible and the natural action will always make for a great shot each time.

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