Do you ever wonder why that perfect candid shot you were seconds away from capturing all of a sudden disappeared as soon as you raised your camera? Maybe it’s because a camera in the face is about as subtle as a flying brick. A better way to shoot those magical moments is from the hip.
(image credit: “ting”atubtim)
Before you decide to raise your camera to take a candid shot, try something a bit different. Hold your camera just above your hips, tilt your lens at your subject and then shoot.
This is a much subtle way to capture candid shots, without people spotting your chunky lens.However, with some practice, you’d get pretty good at it and produce some great looking shots.
Find a group gathering
Group gatherings can give you great photo opportunities. Blend in with the crowd, be a part of it. If possible, get to know the people around you. Group gatherings can give you a chance to get close to people and get great candid shots.
Visit a tourist location or a social event, at such places people are generally too busy enjoying themselves and you can get great shots of people without them noticing you.
(image credit: Sarah Harbuck)
Prepare your camera settings
The best way to get candid shots is to act quickly. The best way to act quickly is to not have to pause because your camera settings are not ready. Adjust your settings for your surroundings when you arrive at a function so you can quickly bring a camera to your eye and press the shutter in one quick motion.
(image credit: mekis)
Lens
Using a standard lens for candid street photography is more preferable to get close to the subject. Also, it is more comfortable to carry while shooting from the hip (read below). Mid zoom can be used to isolate the subject from the background. You can also use a wide angle lens to include the surroundings of the subject in the picture.
(image credit:spiicytuna)
Make more use of your telephoto
If you have people in your life who are perpetually bashful (you know, the ones who always seem to be absent from family pictures), using a longer lens will help capture them without causing undue discomfort.
(image credit: Ziggy)
Set smaller aperture
A smaller aperture means more chance that your subject will be focused. Set it between f4.8 – 8. Again, the smaller the aperture, the more your subject will be in focus. Remember, smaller aperture = larger f-stop number.
(image credit: JM )
Start walking and shooting
If you feel like a challenge, keep walking and don’t stop when you’re shooting your subject. You might take 50 shots and only end up with one photo that shows up in focus and in frame, but trust me, that photo will be brilliant.
Shooting from the hip also provides an unconventional angle where it gives the photo an interesting perspective. You don’t just have to shoot people – it can be landmarks, vehicles, scenery… Well, pretty much anything!
(image credit: annkelliott )
Take a lot of photos
Don’t shy away from taking a lot of photos. The advantage with using a digital camera is that you can click away and delete the image if you don’t like it. This way you will have many images to choose from at the end of the shoot.
(image credit: Dysartian )
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