Photography Tips and Tricks

Candid photos show the personality of the subject in an un-posed setting. If these types of photos appeal to you, then try these tips to capturing the best candid photos possible.

Candid Subjects

The best candid shots happen when the subject is at ease and busy. Here are some ideas for candid subjects:

• Children playing
• A senior citizen telling stories
• Girlfriends chatting
• A grandparent teaching a grandchild to do something
• A parent interacting with their child
• A person enjoying a hobby

Surprise

If your subject is a ham or hates to have his photo taken, it can be hard to get a candid photo. Hams pose as if they are on a modeling show and picture haters always want to cover their faces.

To get the best photo, you may need to surprise you subject. Walk up to them while they are occupied, get your camera ready, and call their name. As they look at you, take the picture before they have time to react.

Observing

Sometimes, surprising your subject can cause unusual facial expressions. Another way to capture your subject is to be the silent observer.

To be the perfect silent observer, you need to make sure that your subject don’t know you have a camera. This will make them relaxed and more likely to act, well, candid.

Position yourself so that you can get some good shots, but won’t intrude on your subject. This may require you to use a zoom. Also, try your best not to use a flash. Flashes of light are a dead giveaway that you’re taking photos. Remember, stealth is the key.

Patients

Candid shots are a bit harder than posed shots because you are not giving directions. It may take you many shots to get just the right look, so be patient. After a little effort, you will be able to get candid shots you can be proud of.

If you have the patience, photographing children can be a joy. Here is how to capture these pint-sized subjects at their best.

Use the Right Lighting

Lighting sets the mood of the photo and can really bring out the personality of the child.

If you want your child to seem sweet and angelic, soft white light works best. This can be accomplished by bouncing your flash off a white wall or reflector. The light that comes through white blinds also works in a pinch.

For more vibrant, bouncy photos, outdoor lighting is ideal. Late afternoon or early morning will give your portrait a nice glow without being harsh.

Be Prepared

Kids are kids. They are going to ruffle their hair and get dirt on their faces. Things happen. You should be prepared for these types of mishaps by carrying an emergency kit.

Here is an example of a well-stocked kit:

• Comb or brush
• Spare hair ties or scrunchies
• A spray bottle of water (good for smoothing down fly-aways and cowlicks)
• Bottled water or juice boxes
• Diaper wipes for dirty faces
• Granola or cereal bars (for kids that are suddenly too hungry to cooperate)
• A change of clothes (or ask the parent to bring extra clothes)
• A coloring book and crayons (so the child doesn’t get bored)

Let Kids Play

Children photograph best when they are relaxed and in their own element. This is especially important if the child is very small or if they don’t know you very well.

Set up a controlled environment with a select amount of toys that photograph well to use as props. Not only will the toys put the child at ease, it will also make the photo special because it will show the personality of the child. This will only work if the child likes the toys, so do some research about your subject.

Another strategy is to take the child to the park. Colorful playground equipment is a great backdrop for photos and what kid doesn’t like a nice park?

Let Them Interact

Sometimes there’s no need to pose a group of children. If you’re patient, kids will group up in imaginative ways that show personality and character. They will also feel more relaxed and will take much more natural pictures.

Most of all, remember to have fun. If the photographer is happy the child will be, too.