How to Take Stunning Candid Photos: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 8 min read

Do you want to take stunning candid photos that capture the essence of a moment? You're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will help you master the art of candid photography, so you can create genuine and beautiful images that tell a story. Let's start by choosing the right equipment for the job.

1. Choose the Right Equipment

Having the right camera gear can make all the difference when it comes to capturing the perfect candid photo. Let's explore some of the best options for cameras, lenses, and accessories.

Best Camera for Candid Photography

When selecting a camera for candid photography, consider the following features:

Lightweight and compact for easy portability and quick shots
Quiet shutter to avoid drawing attention to yourself
Fast autofocus for capturing spontaneous moments
High ISO performance for low-light situations

Some popular camera choices for candid photography include mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7III and Fujifilm X-T4, as well as compact cameras like the Ricoh GR III and Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III.

Selecting the Right Lens

Choosing the right lens is essential for capturing candid photos that stand out. Here are some lens options to consider:

Zoom lenses (such as a 24-70mm or 70-200mm) for versatility and capturing subjects at a distance
Prime lenses (such as a 35mm or 50mm) for sharp images and low-light performance
Wide-angle lenses for capturing more of the scene in tight spaces

Remember, you don't always need the most expensive lens—just the one that fits your needs and style.

Accessories for Candid Photography

Some accessories can help you take better candid photos. Here are a few to consider:

A camera strap for easy access and added security
A discreet camera bag to protect your gear and blend into the surroundings
Extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you're always ready to capture the moment

With the right equipment in hand, you'll be well on your way to capturing stunning candid photos that showcase genuine emotions and unique moments.

2. Master the Art of Observation

Becoming a skilled observer is a crucial aspect of candid photography. By honing your observational skills, you'll be better prepared to capture those fleeting moments that make for exceptional candid photos. Let's look at some ways to sharpen your observation skills and capture authentic emotions.

Anticipating Moments

Being able to anticipate moments before they happen is a key skill in candid photography. Here are some tips to help you develop this ability:

Observe your surroundings and people's interactions closely
Look for patterns and behaviors that may lead to interesting moments
Be patient and wait for the right moment to click the shutter

By anticipating moments, you'll be ready to capture those candid photos that really tell a story.

Capture Authentic Emotions

One of the main goals of candid photography is capturing genuine emotions. To achieve this, consider the following tips:

Focus on people's facial expressions and body language to convey emotion
Look for interactions between people or their reactions to events around them
Be ready to capture a range of emotions, from joy and laughter to sadness and contemplation

By concentrating on authentic emotions, your candid photos will be more powerful and engaging, allowing viewers to connect with the subjects and the story behind the image.

Now that you've learned how to observe and anticipate moments, it's time to perfect your camera settings to ensure your candid photos are technically sound and visually appealing.

3. Perfect Your Camera Settings

Having the right camera settings can make all the difference in capturing the perfect candid photo. Let's explore some key settings you should be familiar with to ensure your photos are crisp, well-exposed, and visually captivating.

Aperture and Shutter Speed

Aperture and shutter speed are two critical factors that affect the exposure and overall look of your candid photos:

Aperture: A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/2.8) allows more light into the camera, creating a shallow depth of field, which can help isolate your subject from the background. This is particularly useful in candid photography, as it draws attention to your subject and their emotions.
Shutter Speed: A faster shutter speed (e.g., 1/250 or 1/500) freezes motion, ensuring your candid photos are sharp and free of motion blur. This is especially important when capturing spontaneous moments that may involve sudden movements or reactions.

Experiment with different aperture and shutter speed combinations to find the perfect balance for your candid photography style.

ISO and White Balance

Understanding ISO and white balance settings can also improve your candid photos:

ISO: Adjusting your ISO can help you achieve proper exposure in different lighting conditions. In low light situations, you may need to increase your ISO to capture well-exposed candid photos. However, keep in mind that higher ISO values can introduce noise into your images, so it's essential to find a balance.
White Balance: White balance affects the overall color temperature of your photos. By choosing an appropriate white balance setting (e.g., daylight, shade, or tungsten), you can ensure that your candid photos have accurate and natural-looking colors.

Mastering these camera settings will not only enhance your technical skills but also allow you to focus more on capturing those candid moments with confidence.

With your camera settings perfected, let's learn how to blend in and position yourself effectively to capture the most stunning candid photos.

4. Learn to Blend In

One of the key aspects of taking great candid photos is making your subjects feel comfortable and unaware of your presence. In this section, we'll explore tips on how to blend in and position yourself effectively to capture those authentic, unposed moments.

Acting Natural

Acting natural is crucial when trying to blend in while taking candid photos. Here are a few tips to help you maintain a low profile:

Be casual: Dress in a way that doesn't draw attention to yourself. Avoid bright colors or flashy accessories.
Stay relaxed: Avoid looking tense or overly focused on your camera. This will help you seem less like a photographer and more like a casual observer.
Use your surroundings: Position yourself near objects like walls, trees, or furniture that can provide some cover, while still allowing you to observe and capture candid moments.

By acting natural and staying relaxed, you can help your subjects feel at ease, leading to more authentic and captivating candid photos.

Positioning Yourself

Strategic positioning can play a significant role in capturing the perfect candid photo. Here are some tips on where to position yourself for the best results:

Choose a vantage point: Find a spot that offers a clear view of your subjects without being too close or intrusive. This can help you capture candid moments as they unfold.
Be mobile: Don't be afraid to change your position to capture different angles and perspectives. This can help you create a diverse collection of candid photos that tell a more complete story.
Take advantage of natural light: Position yourself in a way that makes the most of available natural light. This can improve the overall quality of your candid photos and add depth and dimension to your images.

By mastering the art of blending in and positioning yourself effectively, you'll be well on your way to capturing stunning candid photos that evoke genuine emotions and tell compelling stories.

Now that you know how to blend in and position yourself, let's explore some interesting locations where you can put your candid photography skills to the test.

5. Explore Different Locations

One of the most exciting aspects of candid photography is the variety of locations and settings available to you. Different locations can provide unique backdrops and opportunities for capturing compelling candid photos. In this section, we'll look at some popular locations for candid photography and tips for making the most of each setting.

Urban Photography

Urban environments offer a wealth of opportunities for candid photography. Cities are bustling with activity, providing countless moments to capture. Here are some tips for taking candid photos in urban settings:

Focus on street life: Capture the energy and emotion of city life by photographing people as they go about their daily routines.
Look for contrasts: Urban environments often feature a mix of old and new, rich and poor. Seek out these contrasts to create visually interesting candid photos.
Use architecture: Incorporate the city's unique architecture into your candid photos to create a sense of place and context.

By exploring urban environments and capturing candid moments, you can create a visual narrative of city life that is both captivating and authentic.

Outdoor Photography

Nature and outdoor settings can provide a serene backdrop for candid photography. Here are some tips for taking candid photos in outdoor locations:

Focus on activities: Look for people engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, picnicking, or playing sports, and capture their candid moments of joy, struggle, or relaxation.
Use natural elements: Incorporate the beauty of nature into your candid photos, using elements like sunlight, foliage, or water to enhance your images.
Consider wildlife: Don't limit yourself to human subjects—candid moments can also be found in the interactions and behavior of animals in their natural habitats.

By embracing the great outdoors, you can capture candid photos that showcase the beauty and diversity of life outside the city.

Events and Gatherings

Events and gatherings, such as weddings, parties, or festivals, are a goldmine for candid photography. These occasions are filled with emotions and interactions just waiting to be captured. Here are some tips for taking candid photos at events:

Be prepared: Make sure your camera is ready to go, so you don't miss any crucial moments.
Look for emotions: Events are often filled with a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and contemplation. Seek out these moments to create powerful and relatable candid photos.
Get creative with angles: Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture unique and interesting candid moments at events.

By being attentive and creative at events and gatherings, you can capture candid photos that tell the story of the occasion and preserve precious memories.

Now that you have some ideas for locations to practice your candid photography skills, let's discuss how to enhance your images with post-processing techniques.

6. Post-Processing Tips

After you've captured your candid photos, post-processing can help you enhance and refine your images. In this section, we'll discuss some tips and tools for editing your candid photos to make them truly stand out.

Editing Software

There are numerous editing software options available for photographers, ranging from free apps to professional-grade programs. Some popular choices include:

Adobe Lightroom: A widely-used editing software that is intuitive and offers a range of powerful tools for adjusting and organizing your photos.
Adobe Photoshop: A more advanced option, Photoshop is ideal for photographers looking for in-depth editing capabilities, such as retouching and compositing.
Google Photos: A free and user-friendly option for basic editing, Google Photos is great for beginners looking to enhance their candid images.

Experiment with different software options to find the one that best suits your needs and workflow.

Retouching Candid Photos

When retouching your candid photos, it's important to strike a balance between enhancing the image and maintaining the authenticity of the moment. Here are some tips for retouching your candid photos:

Adjust exposure: If your photo is too dark or too bright, adjust the exposure to bring out the details in the image.
Play with colors: Adjusting the saturation, vibrance, or hue of your image can help enhance the mood or atmosphere of the candid moment.
Sharpen and clarify: Use sharpening and clarity tools to bring out the details in your image and make your subject stand out.
Crop and straighten: Sometimes, a simple crop or straightening of the image can dramatically improve the composition and focus of your candid photo.

Remember, the goal of retouching is to enhance the emotion and impact of your candid photos, not to create a completely different image. Keep your edits subtle and natural to stay true to the essence of the moment you captured.

Now that you have a comprehensive guide to taking stunning candid photos, it's time to grab your camera, explore new locations, and start capturing the authentic moments that make life so beautiful. Happy shooting!

If you're looking to improve your skills in capturing stunning portraits, don't miss out on the workshop 'Photographing People' by Caleb Stein. This workshop will provide you with valuable tips, techniques, and insights on how to capture the essence of people through your lens, elevating your photography skills to new heights.