Candid photography refers to pictures that are unposed and spontaneous. It involves capturing people as their most authentic selves. Learn different types of candid photos and why they are so beloved. Examples included.
In this article, we’ll cover:
What Is a Candid Photo?
Candid photography refers to pictures that are unposed and spontaneous. Candid portraits capture people as their most authentic selves.
This style of photo is sometimes taken without the subjects knowing they are being photographed, but a candid photographer isn’t sneaking around and photographing like a spy.
The most defining aspect of a candid photo is that the subjects aren’t posing.
Types of Candid Photography
Candid photography became a popular style of photography as cameras became smaller and more portable. Capturing a candid photo on a small 35mm film camera is much easier because of the unobtrusive nature of the gear.
Henri Cartier-Bresson’s decisive moments are an early example of candid photography. Weegee’s gritty crime-scene photography during the 1930s and ’40s is another example of early candid photography.
These photographers had very different styles, but are still considered to be some of the best candid photographers of their time.
Here are some other types of candid photography.
Street Photography
Street photography is one of the most popular forms of candid photography. It’s all about capturing unexpected encounters—making it an inherently candid art form.
Street photographers document the world around them and find art in the mundane. Street photography is an art form that can be quiet and thoughtful, but it can also be filled with calamity.
Documentary Photography
Documentary photography, also known as reportage, presents the world in a straightforward and accurate way.
This style of photography is also inherently candid, as documentary photographers are never posing their subjects or directing them on how to behave in front of the camera. They are simply there to document the scene in front of them.
Documentary photographers are often interested in taking candid photos of people and of locations important to the story.
Wedding Photography
Candid wedding photography refers to wedding photography that feels like documentary storytelling. It’s a sought-after look for many couples because it captures the big day in a more natural and relaxed way.
Unlike other forms of candid photography, the newlyweds and the guests know that the photographer is there and taking pictures, but a candid wedding photographer isn’t going to be asking guests to pose for big group portraits.
Portrait Photography
Candid portraits are made when someone isn’t aware that their picture is being taken. These are portraits that look to capture a person’s authentic self.
When people notice they are being photographed, it’s natural that their behavior changes. We’re all guilty of popping into a specific pose and our go-to smile when someone pulls out a camera.
Candid portrait photographers are looking for the moments that happen before that rehearsed pose.
Why Candid Photography Is So Cool
Candid photography is cool because when it’s done well, it authentically captures the world.
Authentic photos are memorable. They are often the ones that stick with us long after we’ve looked away from an image.
Candid portraits and event photos often do a better job of capturing emotion and expressions. This style of photography also gives subjects a rare glimpse of how others might see them.
How to Shoot Candid Photos
Candid photography is one of the more accessible genres of photography. Learning to shoot candid photos simply involves going out with your camera and taking pictures of the world around you.
Spend an afternoon walking around your neighborhood and start shooting candid photos today.
Although candid photography is all about spontaneity, doing some pre-visualization can be helpful. A little patience will also go a long way when shooting candids.
The most successful candid photographers often notice something interesting in the world—like a harsh shadow on a building or a beam of light cutting through the trees—and then wait for something to interact with that moment.
That something could be a woman walking by in a beautiful dress, a kid riding a bicycle through the scene, or a street cat strutting by.
The process of waiting for something to unfold before the lens is a technique used by several well-known street photographers.
Best Cameras for Candid Photography
Since candid photography is all about capturing spontaneous moments, it’s ideal to use gear that is compact and unobtrusive.
If you are shooting with an interchangeable lens camera, opt for a 35mm or 50mm prime lens rather than a massive zoom.
A compact camera is another great choice for candid photography.
A smartphone is a decent tool for candid photography too—although you won’t have as much control of the settings and final shots won’t be as high-quality.
Best Camera Settings for Candid Shots
Candid photography is about capturing the moment. The best way to capture those moments is to be present. So, f/8 and be there.
That silly phrase is often credited to Weegee, a master of early candid photography. But it is a helpful guide for where to keep your aperture when shooting candids.
An f/8 aperture will keep both your subjects and your background in focus. We recommend keeping your shutter speed fast when shooting candids so that you can capture those fleeting moments without blur. ISO settings will depend on if you are shooting indoors or outdoors.
Most candid photographers like to shoot without a flash to keep their subjects unaware that they are taking photos—but there are exceptions. Bruce Gilden is one of the best candid photographers and he loves to get right up close to his portrait subjects and illuminate them with a flash!
Shooting in a burst mode will allow you to make the most of a quickly passing moment. Setting the camera to zone focus mode will prevent AF from jumping around to different elements in the frame.
Tips on Finding the Perfect Candid Shots
A perfect candid shot is a misnomer. Because candid shots are inherently spontaneous, the criteria of perfection doesn’t really apply here.
That being said, there are a few techniques that you can practice as a candid photographer.
Be Patient
Being patient and waiting for a candid moment to present itself is one of the best things you can do to improve your candid photography.
If you find an interesting patch of light or an unexpected juxtaposition of something, take a moment and observe it.
If you slow down and pay attention to the world around you, you are bound to capture something unexpected.
Previsualization
Previsualization is another great tool for improving your skills as a candid photographer.
Being aware of the field of view on your camera is helpful in knowing when it’s time to bring the camera up to your eye and start shooting.
Try Shooting from the Hip
Experiment with photographing when the camera isn’t up to your eye. This technique will take some getting used to, but there is a reason that it’s a favorite of many famous street photographers.
Shooting candid photos of people from the hip will create interesting and unexpected angles, but also allow you to shoot more discreetly.
Keep Practicing
Like any style of photography, getting great at candid photography will take time. Always having a camera on you and shooting pictures every single day is the best way to improve your skills as a candid photographer.
If you are trying to develop your skills as a documentary photographer or a candid portrait photographer this is super important. Always having your camera on hand will make you more comfortable with its settings and make it easier for you to capture candid moments as you anticipate them happening.
Always having a camera with you will also make people used to you having one. If they are used to you always having it with you, they will stop being as aware when you are taking pictures—making it much easier to capture those candid moments you are after.
Candid Photography Mistakes to Avoid
When you are just starting out, mistakes are going to happen. Improve your candid photography by avoiding the following mistakes.
Being Obtrusive or Disruptive
Candid photography is all about authentically capturing the world. Sometimes, this means that you are shooting pictures of people without them being aware.
If someone notices that you are photographing them and isn’t happy about it, it’s best to move on.
Staging Moments
This is particularly important if you are interested in documentary photography or reportage. Staging moments with your subjects is simply not candid photography.
Missed Focus
Setting your camera on zone focus is helpful to avoid this. Although candid photography is spontaneous, missing focus on the moment can ruin an otherwise great photo.
Narrow Depth of Field
When shooting with a wide-open aperture, you might end up with way too much bokeh.
Shooting with an aperture around f/8 will help you keep your subject and background in focus.
Messy Backgrounds
A busy or messy background can pull a viewer’s attention away from the main subject. When shooting candid photos, be aware of what’s happening behind the main subject of the picture.
You might not be able to tell your subject to move, but you can always change your vantage point as the photographer.
License this cover image via Anna Nahabed.
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