Learn Digital Photography - 6 Steps to Great Candid Photos

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Although posing for a photograph can result in a wonderful image, candid shots always win at the end of the day. Why? Because they are so much more fun and natural. We all loved 'Candid Camera" and this is why candid photos are so popular. Let's take a look how to shoot great candids.

Photography is a moment in time and candid shots are simple and immediate. Maybe not perfect and fulfilling all the criteria, but, filled with emotion and sometimes memories. They are spontaneous and reflect an instant of poignant life snatched from oblivion by the magical machine, the camera.

Candid photography is all about taking opportunities at the right moment in time resulting in a memory. Here's how you can make the most of shooting candids.

1. Trust your instincts

If a subject catches your attention or intrigues you, don't think, shoot it. If you think, then the opportunity has probably gone before you know it. Don't worry about setting up the image and using all the rules of composition, just take the photo and think about the rest later.

2. Wait for the right moment

Don't use your camera like a machine gun and shoot everything that comes into range. Be selective and study the faces of the group that you are in. You can often see when a significant gesture or expression is imminent. Wait for the right moment then fire away.

3. Blend into the background

The best photographers know just how to blend in with the scenery and allow themselves to become unobtrusive. Walking around with your camera gets people used to you being there and eventually they won't even notice you. They start to relax and this is conducive to great photography. The object of the exercise is to fit in with the crowd and do what they are doing.

4. Look for people engaged in activity

When people are busy doing something whether it be work or recreation, they become classic candidates for candid photography. You can move around almost invisibly when people are engaged in an activity. Their expressions become unguarded and they are relaxed. By making a friendly comment or asking a question you gain their attention and as they look in your direction you can shoot away.

5. Choose when to approach your subject

Knowing when to approach your subject will help get that really great shot. You want them to lower their defences and allow you into their world. Remember that you aren't trying to photograph reactions to you as that takes away the candid element. You want them doing completely natural and unstaged activities that you just happen to stumble on. Camera shy people don't make great subjects, but, if you can shoot them unawares you get the best shot possible.

6. Don't be concerned about the perfect composition

Don't worry about mistakes when shooting candids. Photographic perfection is not what you are looking for. A different set of rules applies to candid photography. You are trying to shoot an image with different characteristics to a composed studio shot. Keep it simple and relaxed and shoot fast from the hip.

Candids should be fun, a side of people that you won't capture when they are posed. Candids capture the reality of the subject and a side of them seldom seen. Don't be afraid to experiment and try methods that you usually would not use.