How to Capture Candid Photos

You see them in magazines, newspaper ads and brochures. Candid, unposed moments, private and intimate, yet captured on film for a lasting impression. Whether you're a wedding photographer or a member of the paparazzi, you need to know how to catch the right moment. Below are a few ways to achieve this.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Your camera equipment
• A subject and event to photograph
• Patience

Capture the Right Moment

1. Arrive early. It doesn't matter if you're photographing a wedding, a sporting event or a birthday party. Be there early. Have your equipment ready, and at your side at all times.
2. Look for moments of opportunity. This means lurking in the background and keeping a watchful eye on every detail. If you're at a wedding, keep an eye on the bride. Will she try to sneak down the hall for a peek at the groom? If you're at a sporting event, look for moments of interaction between the players and coaches. Will the team have a huddle?
3. Pay attention when no one else is. Take a few snapshots between poses. You might just catch Junior picking his nose. Or, maybe you'll catch a high-five in the background.
4. Stay late. When things start winding down, people tend to let their guards down. Aunt Penny might start dancing when she thinks no one is looking. The shy little boy in the corner might kiss the little girl he's been eying all evening.

Tips & Warnings

• The key to catching those sought after candid moments lies in timing. You've got to be ready for anything!