Taking photos of people fall in to two categories.They are candid shots or portraits.

Portraits are the shots when your subjects are in poses.  While the candids are usually when your subject is doing something natural.

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 you don’t want to get in the way.  Most candid shots you take of course are going to be people going about their business, but the secret to taking a great shot like that is to make sure they are unaware of 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 thing to consider is the setting or the environment.  When you are taking a candid shot, the setting plays a vital role.  You want the candid shot to capture the subject and their setting as naturally as possible.  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 step you can do is to learn to anticipate behavior. An important part to being able to take candid photos of people who are acting naturally is to know what your subject will do next in a 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 how they will react and being able to capture that is all about anticipation.

Finally, always be on the lookout for those moments when a person’s emotion will be expressed.  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 happy expression at an event.Every second in time is an opportunity to capture a moment of beautiful emotion.Being alert of those moments will enable you to capture that moment in time that tells a story.

Taking candid photos is an art form for sure.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.