{{Taking photos of people fall in to two categories|Taking pictures of people go into two categories|Taking photographs of people have two categories}}}. They are candid shots or portraits.



Portraits are the shots when your subjects are in poses. While the candids are when your subject is doing things naturally.

I would like to focus on taking shots that are candid. With this type of photography, their is an art form, and if you follow these steps you will be real 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 often times, when they do notice you, you are going to miss the essence of catching an unguarded shot. So make every effort to ensure they are not aware of the camera.

Another consideration 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 settingwhether 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.

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 help you if you are trying to catch something in particular because it will allow you to be prepared rather than miss the shot. Knowing their reactions and anticipating it so you can capture it on film 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.

Take a look at what your subject is doing and think about whether or not it's a moment that will express an emotion. Such as an expression of impatience at a stoplight. Or a joyous expression at an event. Every second in time is an opportunity to capture a moment of beautiful emotion. Being prepared for those moments will help you capture and tell that story in that moment of time.

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