Taking photographs of people have two categories.They are candid shots or portraits.

Portraits are the photos you take when your subject strikes poses.While candids are when your subjects are going about their business naturally.

I would like to focus on taking candid shots.This form of photography is an art form, and if you take these few steps, you will be happy with your work.  This is from my experience as a San Diego Photographer.

First off, don’t get in their way.Of course most of the candid shots will be people minding their own business, but the secret to taking a great photo is to make sure they don’t know of you taking the shot.

Because a lot of times, if they happen to notice you, the essence of capturing that unguarded shot will be gone.So be diligent in making sure they don’t know about the camera. 

Another thing to consider is the setting or the environment.When you are going to take candid photos, the environment plays a big role.You want to capture your subject in their setting as naturally as you can with your candid shot.  It’s that setting
whether it is their work, their house, or the street they are walking, helps tell a story of your subject’s life.  This is especially important if you are going to be taking shots as a Wedding Photographer San Diego.

A third tip to think about is to anticipate behavior. An important part of taking candid shots of people acting naturally is to know what your subject may do next in a given situation.

This will be beneficial to you if you are trying to catch a particular moment because you will be ready rather than miss the shot.Knowing how they are going to act in a given situation and then capturing it is all about anticipation.

Finally, always be looking for those times when a person may express their emotions.  Because after all, when taking these types of shots, that is the main thing you want to capture in these candid shots is emotion.

Look at what your subject is doing and see if it will be a moment that will express emotion.  Such as an impatient expression at a stoplight.Or a joyful emotion displayed at an event.All moments in time give you the opportunity to truly capture an emotion.Being ready for those types of moments helps you capture that moment in time to tell that story.

Taking shots that are candid is an art form in and of itself.Especially if you really want your candid photos to tell a story. Following these few simple steps will help you be on the road of capturing as many storytelling moments as possible as a photographer.

Tags: wedding photography, digital photography, Children, photographer, photography, photographer san diego
  • Share/Bookmark
PDF Download    Send article as PDF to

Related posts:

  1. 5 Great tips from a San Diego Photographer
  2. Key Lighting Tips to Take Better Photographs
  3. Wedding Day Photographer Tips
  4. How to Find That Perfect Wedding Photographer
  5. Get the Best Photographer for the Job

Filed under: Children

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!