Capturing Candid Shotsby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 03 Oct 2007 09:45 PM Posed shots are wonderful ways to document family members and friends. However, people tend to put on a mask when they pose and by doing so you lose the raw emotion of a given moment. Don't get me wrong; posed shots or portraits are vital to have if you want formal artifacts of an event. I just personally enjoy mixing formal shots with a few candid ones. Whereas portraits contain a more intentional composition, candid shots allow you to be more creative and you are able to capture the true essence of an event a bit better. So how do you photograph an event as naturally as possible and get your subjects to appear as though a camera isn't present? Here are some tips: Keep Moving. Keep your eyes and feet moving. Scan the room for unique subjects and angles in which to shoot them. Groups of people attending an activity or party are constantly moving... and so should you. Move around until you find angles that will best expose your intended subject. Also, move from group to group as you are shooting. Scout Out the Best Shooting Path. Ideally you will find a grouping that is open on one side. You can use that opening to shoot inside of the circle. Otherwise, look for three people standing in a semi circle or two people dancing, both are great groupings for candid shots. Less Is More. Dead space in between subjects can throw off your auto focus. Try to eliminate the amount of space between your subjects. Use Your Zoom. I'm not shy about getting close to my subjects; however, when you are shooting people you are not that familiar with (e.g. at your spouse's extended family reunion, a sporting event or dance recital) it's better to employ your camera's zoom lens. That way your subjects are less distracted by your camera's presence. This is especially helpful when you are taking candid shots of children or individuals who detest having their picture taken. Just remember when you are shooting from a distance you don't want anything to come between you and your flash; otherwise you run the risk that your flash will expose the wrong subject. Related Articles: Telling A Story With Your Shots Snapping Frameworthy Shots Of Your Kids More Common Sense Tips To Capturing A Frame-Worthy Picture Common Sense Tips To Capturing Frame-Worthy Pictures Cameras: Knowing When To Upgrade Digital Photography 101: Getting To Know Your Camera Getting Digital Pictures To Friends And Family FAST! Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevantphotography tags User Comments Schoenrock (25) 04 Oct 2007 11:07 AMCandid shots are by far the best way to capture the true essence of a moment. They reveal so much more about a particular memory or event than a posed picture. I have also found that capturing my family in its most candid moments are always my favorite pictures in the end. Because genuinely candid pictures are not as easily captured as one might think, Michele has provided several excellent recommendations for more effectively capturing them..good luck! Community Tags candid shots, photography, pictures, picture tips, taking pictures Discuss this article
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