22 October 2009

11 Must-Know Techniques to Take Unforgettable Candid Photos



Here are some very useful techniques to remember if you want to snap  unforgettable candid photographs: carry your camera all the time, get to  know some candid shot samples, grab every opportunity, avoid using  complex lighting styles, use a faster shutter speed, be as unnoticeable  as possible, experiment with shooting at different levels, maximize the  use of your zoom lens, never take a picture of someone’s back, change  the photo to black and white, and focus on active individuals as  subjects.

Candid photography techniques are some of the best  photography skills to have. Taking candid photographs creates images  that directs the viewer’s attention to the natural expressions and  honest emotions of every subject. Your subject does not focus its  attention on your camera, rather on the present undertaking. The goal  here is to catch a spontaneous moment. It is very important that you  learn some techniques for capturing photos of people in their simple  moments without having to use specialized equipment or having to create  extensive set ups. You might want to refer to the useful techniques  below to improve your candid photography skills:

Carry your camera all the time

Be watchful of the candid situations that you want to capture. They  can happen anytime, anywhere, and you will want to be prepared. Make  sure you have your camera with you wherever you go so you will not miss a  thing.

Get to know some candid shot samples

If you want to take the best candid photos, it is important that you  get to see a lot of quality samples for your reference. Some examples  are two people holding hands at the park, a woman in deep thought while  gazing at the beach, or a little girl happily walking barefoot in the  sand.

Grab every opportunity

You don’t get a second chance to capture a great candid photo. When  you get the opportunity to take such photos, do it. Public places are  some of the best sources for candid pictures. Although, should there be  an instance that people will object, just stop right away.

Avoid using complex lighting styles

Refrain from using complex lighting styles when taking candid  pictures. It is advisable to use the automatic feature on your camera  for this photography technique.

Use a faster shutter speed

Setting your camera to ISO 400 is a good idea since it sets its  shutter speed to a faster mode. Even when you are moving, it will still  allow you to seize some of the best candid photos.

Be as unnoticeable as possible

You should take candid photographs while blending in with the  background. This will allow you to capture candid moments perfectly  since your unnoticeable presence makes it possible for your subjects to  act spontaneously and freely.

Experiment with shooting at different levels

Try shooting from angles other than at an eye level. You can also  position your camera at your waist when taking photos. Practice  different techniques, as it takes some time and experience to get  precise framing.

Maximize the use of your zoom lens

Using your zoom lens makes it possible for you to take candid photos  even when you are far from your subject or action. A telephoto lens  ideal to use.

Never take a picture of someone’s back

It is not impressive to take photos of someone’s back. Coming up with  photos of people with their backs facing the camera does not show  anything all that exciting to look at.

Change the photo to black and white

Changing an existing colored photo to black and white creates a  striking impact and strong emotion.

Focus on active individuals as subjects

Individuals who are actively engrossed in their work are good  photography subjects. A sports player, a farmer, and business people  make excellent subjects. Taking a candid photo of a football player  making the final score portrays an exhilarating feeling and gives an  intense feeling of excitement to the viewers.

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