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Candid Photography, How to Take Pictures of Your Friends Without Their Attention
Why would you want to photograph your friends without getting their attention?
Don’t we always ask people to look at the camera and say “cheese?”
The entire point of candid photography is to gain the unguarded moments of a person’s emotions whether it is tears, happiness, love, or other emotions.
Candid photography is by definition taking pictures of people when they are unaware.
Part of the fun in photography for me is catching human subjects off guard so my pictures have more emotion.
Taking candid shots may appear easy but there are a few techniques in the photography world that will make the candid shot worth more than just a snapshot of friends.
First and most important is to keep the subject in view while they are not paying attention.
The next step is to train your eye to catch the moment, but you have to be able to move fast. You need to have your camera set for the picture before you are even aware you will take the photo. The best way to do this is to keep it on the proper setting and keep your lens cap off. I’ve missed several shots because I forgot to remove it.
Candid photography also relies on light; however, you may not always get to choose the angle. The angle could be where you are standing at the time.
It can be extremely hard when you are taking photographs of your friends because they tend to be more involved in the conversation or activity.
The key to taking candid photographs of your friends is to draw them away from the fact that you carry a camera. If they forget you carry a camera they are more likely going to act natural.
Some friends tend to pose in front of the camera while others will shy away by turning their backs when you get ready to take a photograph. Knowing your friends will help you find the best way to take candid shots without their knowledge.
Profiles make great candid shots because the person will not realize you are taking a photograph until you have already clicked the button.
Candid photography can be one of the most rewarding arts of photography, but also vexing when the subject is aware of the camera. Just remember to be ready, be prepared and always be in search of the perfect shot.
Happy candid shooting!