We all love candid photos. They capture people in natural and unposed moments, which feels more genuine and emotive than posed photographs. Additionally, candid photos can tell a story and give a sense of the atmosphere and energy, and make for more personal and meaningful keepsakes.
I have been a professional family photographer since 2011. My clients tell me they love how candid and natural, and 'real' their family photographs are.
Here are three ways I work with my clients to create genuine candid photos for their families.
How to Take Candid Photos Tip 1. Photograph the moment after the pose.
Most families require (and prefer) posing directions from me to arrange them into a group pose that is flattering and where everyone is visible to the camera. However, the family photo where everyone smiles directly at the camera can look quite formal. So often after the 'proper family photo', I would ask everyone to look at one member of the family, then quickly another member, then another. In the rush to comply with my directions, my clients usually break into laughter. That's when I click the shutter to capture this candid and relaxed family group photo.
How to Take Candid Photos Tip 2. Give playful directions.
For smaller family groups, I often give directions rather than poses. I would ask my clients to pick up their children and spin around, or play cuddle games while I took their photos. For adults or older kids I would ask them to sit somewhere comfortable, or walk along a path, while one of them tells a joke, or asks a poignant question. The resulting moments of laughter and affection make the best candid family photos.
How to Take Candid Photos Tip 3. Give the family something to do.
For families with young children, I always bring my bubble machine so that at the end of the session, kids can go chase bubbles while I photograph them candidly. For families with tweens and teens, a water-balloon fight in summer or an attempt at a human pyramid could be a fun and engaging activity that makes great candid photographs.
Candid Photographs VS Documentary Photography
When you book a photography session with me, I will send you a questionnaire to find out how posed or candid you prefer your family photographs to look. I will then use some (or all) of the methods I mentioned above to create photographs that your family will love.
Eventhough some of the candid photos may look very natural and unposed, they were still skillfully directed.
Some families prefer their whole photography experience to be 100% un-directed. If that's your preference, then please check out my un-posed story-telling photo sessions.
These story-telling photo sessions are done in a 'Documentary' style, which means I become an observer rather than a director. I will photograph your family going about your day unobtrusively as possible, and look for moments of interaction to capture your family's love and connection.
DIY Family Photos - 7 Tips on How to Take Candid Photographs of Your Children
1. Be discreet:
To capture natural and unposed moments, it's important to be as unobtrusive as possible. Pull your phone or camera out and take the photo quietly and quickly without disturbing the scene. Go back to doing what you were doing previously.
2. Keep your camera ready:
Always have your camera or phone in a position where you can quickly and easily take a shot. This way, you'll be ready to capture candid moments as they happen.
3. Look for moments of interaction:
Candid photos are often more interesting when they show people interacting with each other. Look for moments of laughter, playfulness, and affection.
4. Be patient:
Candid moments can happen at any time, so be patient. When a moment happens, keep your camera or phone in your hand and take multiple photos of the same scene to capture different angles and expressions.
5. Use natural light:
Using natural light will create a more natural and organic feel to the photo. On-camera flashes are too harsh and flatten the scene, not to mention disruptive. If possible, organise your children's activity near a window and turn off overhead indoor lights.
6. Anticipate the action:
Watch for cues and body language that suggest an action is about to happen and be ready to take the candid shot when it does.
7. Get close:
Use a wide aperture or portrait mode on your phone to blur the background and draw the viewer's attention to the subject and the candid moment.
In conclusion, candid photos of your family are a wonderful way to capture and preserve genuine and emotional moments that will be treasured for years to come. Whether you choose to take the photos yourself with an iPhone or hire a professional photographer, the end result will be well worth the effort.