Photography tutorial: How to take candid photographs of people
By Staff writer
Some of the most captivating images of people are those caught candidly. One dictionary defines the word candid as “free from bias, prejudice, or malice; marked by honest sincere expression; relating to photography of subjects acting naturally or spontaneously without being posed. “From this is easy to see that candid photography is the most honest kind of portrait. Formal portraits endeavour to capture the essence of the subject. Candid portraits do that without even trying.
Essentially there are two methods used: Close working and telephoto.
Close working methods rely on wider focal length lenses and a closer proximity to the subject while remaining unnoticed by the subject. Compact cameras and 35mm Leica style rangefinders have been widely used for this kind of photography, as they are small, unobtrusive and usually very quiet. Wide-angle lenses are often preferred because they are easier to focus and have greater depth of field.than telephoto lenses. This is important, as often the need to preset exposure and focus isimportant in this kind of candid photography. Today, cameras such as the Ricoh GR Digital are perfect for this kind of work, emulating
digitally what the cameras of Henri Cartier Bresson and others were in the good old days of film.
Working this way, a different style of candid photography is achieved. Wide-angle lenses allow the photographer to include more of the context and so not only is the person captured, but also his surroundings. Often it is the surroundings that explain much about the subject.
The second method is the telephoto technique, one which is probably the more often employed. Using telephoto and zoom lenses, the photographer can remain unobtrusive for a longer period, allowing him to study and photograph the subject over a longer period. For both close working and telephoto techniques, zoom lenses are ideal tools. A 28-80 zoom with a constant f2.8 aperture is an ideal lens for close working candid photography, while an 80-200 f2.8 zoom is ideal for telephoto work. Longer zooms are also beneficial but you may have a trade off with the maximum aperture at the longer focal lengths. Often these may be as low as f5.6 or even f6.3. Constant aperture zooms, such as the ones mentioned, are ideal, as they allow for minimal depth of field if preferred to highlight the subject, and also for faster shutter speeds in lower light situations. While these lenses are considerably more expensive, they are almost a necessity for the serious street and travel photographer using a film based or digital SLR.
There are a number of digital prosumer cameras that have powerful zooms built in. These can be excellent choices for candid photography provided that they respond quickly at the press of the button.
Candid photography also requires more than just a technical knowledge. It requires that the photographer study people and anticipate their movements. In a foreign marketplace for instance, the photographer may anticipate the exchange between tourist and trader, knowing that some animated haggling may occur. Wedding photographers are wise to study the relationships between members of the bridal party and their family and friends, anticipating smiles, embraces or tears. If possible, remain concealed and keep your
clothing, your equipment and your gadget bag as unobtrusive as possible.
Situations often arise when concealment is not possible. In these circumstances, avoid looking at the subject before taking their picture. Immediately following, look elsewhere and thus remove all suspicion from yourself. Be alert to cultural sensitivities and work around them. Sensitivities will not only vary
from culture to culture but from gender to gender and occupation to occupation. If you are on foreign ground, check with your guide and make educated decisions regarding the boundaries in which you may choose to work.
Applying these principles will result in photographs that captivate the viewer. There are few more fascinating subjects on this planet than the people which inhabit it. You will be able to capture images that are not only interesting, but also honest and memorable. When people are the subject, there is no better way.
Related:
