Candid Photography or Snapshots is probably the most effective form of photography there is. Candid photography is the art of catching people unaware in a photo. Next time you are at a party take candid photos as apposed to group shots then put together a slide show of the event and send to the attendees. They will be amazed at the snapshots they didn’t know were being taken and you will have captured the real essence of the event
Plan For Spontaneity
This may sound like a contradiction but it is a good idea to plan for spontaneity. Think about where you could stand and capture moments of spontaneity from the guests without drawing the dreadful posed “say cheese” kind of photographs. Try and position yourself off to the side where you can get a view of the whole party.
Take Lots Of Photographs
Digital cameras with big memory mean that you have the ability to take a large quantity of photographs at no real cost to you. This is perfect for taking candid shots. Take as many photos as you can from many different angles and from many different zoom settings. From this you greatly increase your chances of getting some real gems.
Human Interaction
Some of the best candid shots I have taken have been when people are interacting with each other. It might be an animated conversation about politics or discussion of a book they have read. It could be a couple of children laying with a toy. It doesn’t mean you need two people in a shot. You could get the reaction of someones joke and snap the best smile of the night.
Don’t Leave Home Without It
This goes hand and hand with take lots of shots. If you don’t bring your camera with you everywhere then how can you get the shots. I take my point and shoot to malls and museums and take photos of people as the are looking at things. The looks on there faces are amazing when they don’t realize you are zooming in on their expressions.
Stealth Mode With a Long Zoom
For the ultimate in stealthy candid photography, use a camera with a long lens and sit nearby. If you are standing and pointing a camera at someone they will see you and freak out.
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A lot of journalists and street Photogs I know also use black gaffers tape to cover the “canon”, “nikon”, or “Leica” logos on their cameras. As well as any other contrasting type on the camera. Those logos were specifically designed to catch people eye. You usually want to avoid that when shooting on the streets. It sounds a little anal, but supposedly it makes a difference. Having a black camera is good as well.