What is a candid photo?

Before we talk about candid photography tips, let's take a look at what candid photography is all about.

What is a candid photo?

Photo by Samara Ratnayake

A photo that we capture without posing or directing, without knowing the subject, can be called a candid photo.

To take a photo like this, remember that there are several things that need to be accomplished. Such as planning the scene, positioning, camera setup, and so on.

The question is, "How do you prepare to take a candid photo?"

Let's talk about them one by one.

The first thing you need to consider is,

1) Choosing the right gear

Photo by kaboompics.com

When you capture the photo, if you can capture it from a little distance, the output will be more realistic.

If you can carry a lens with the ability to zoom in a little bit

(70-200mm mid-telephoto zoom), it will make it easier for you to stay at a distance and take a photo.

On the other hand, by using a prime lens, you can easily capture a photo in a frame, the size that catches our eye. The smaller the lens, the less likely it is for our camera to catch others' attention, so you can easily take photos. 35mm and 50mm are best suited for prime lenses.

2) It is very important to be a good observer

Photo by Frederico Erthal

You should always pay attention to your surroundings when taking candid photos. Because something interesting can happen at any moment around you. Things like that can change in a matter of seconds, so you need to be vigilant at all times. Then you will be able to create frames that most people will not see in the surroundings.

We need to ask ourselves questions and evaluate what we hope to seize. Also, it is important to survey the scene and ask yourself the following;

• In what direction does light fall on the subject?
• From what angle should the candid be captured?
• What happens in the background?
• How much do elements in the foreground contribute to the photo?

Studying light well can be very helpful in candid photos. It is important to have a good understanding of the direction in which light is coming and the change in light. Focus on the subject between the light and the camera, and try to get a silhouette portrait that fits the mood. 

Also, try to take photos from different angles. Then you will get interesting results. Always try to capture something from the above level, and something from the below level. When trying a different level than what is normally visible to your eyes, you will get something unexpected as a result.

Photo by Samara Ratnayake

Also, try to be conscious about the elements in the background of the scene you are going to capture. Sometimes they will support the output or will somewhat distract. Therefore considering the background and foreground elements is equally important for an interesting photograph.

3) Don't forget to turn off the flash

Photo by Kelly Lacy

You should always try to capture photos without using an external or pop-up flash.

Adding to this is, taking the camera to waist level and capturing photos. If there is a flip screen in the back of the camera, you can easily do it by keeping the camera at your waist level. Here you have to behave like, you look at the most recent photos on the camera.

4) Always go for a fast shutter speed

Photo by Samara Ratnayake

The world we live in is the busiest place we have ever known. Therefore anything interesting can happen at any time without any notice. As a photographer you have to get ready for anything that can happen around you, the solution for that is to get ready your gear with appropriate settings.

I would recommend you to use shutter priority as much as possible and choose a higher shutter speed such as 1/400s. Then you will be able to capture a scene without shaking or leaving most of the elements in the picture blurry.

Photo by Samara Ratnayake

The meaning of candid photography is to specialize in the emotionality of a moment, the emotions people experience, and translate that into a picture that connects with the viewer.

In that regard, candid photography is probably one of the foremost capable kinds of photography to move the viewer to a specific instant in time. That is what candid photography is all about!