CandidPhotography

=__Candid Photography__=

Candid photography is a type of photography that focuses on informal, unplanned snapshots rather than a lengthy setup. Associated with impromptu and spontaneity, candid photography does not look to stage situations for shots, but rather capture life as it happens (Wikipedia). A candid shot is one that is “un-posed and unplanned, immediate and unobtrusive”, attempting to capture rare events, emotions and instances in life that are not planned for. In comparison to different genres of photography which feature established scenes, shots and poses, candid desires to capture the moments in our lives and around us that are felt to be the most “real” (Wikipedia).

The candid photographer is “trying to see people and things as they truly are” and explore and capture instances in life through their lens. (Bernstein) Candid photography is most effective outside during daylight hours, when people are unaware that they are being photographed and are unable to pose for snapshots. As a media genre, candid photography demonstrates instances of life to viewers, communicating what many of us see everyday in a surreal way. Just as magazines document life, trends and styles, candid photography captures moments that are unplanned, with unaware subjects, communicating a more realistic sense of life.

Candid photography has been developed into an art form by some photographers (Berstein). Capturing moments that define life, candid photographers are able to find a shot in and amongst what others would never consider to be artistic or memorable. Candid photography captures people living their lives and transforms these moments into timeless art, communicating life to viewers.

__**Potential Hazards**__
Though Candid Photography has developed as an art form that mimicks life, it also has potentially obtrusive and invasive aspects. The people who are being photographed are most often unaware of being the target or the subject of a photo and may not consent to this. Candid Photography has become popular in magazines and tabloids chronicling the lives of celebrities. Paparazzi use this technique to capture stars going through their daily routines as to allow us more personal insight into their lives. Candid shots of celebrities are invasive media that are sold to magazines and tabloids, airing dirty laundry and the dirtier the better! They are potentially hazardous as can be seen in the harm, and even death that has resulted during Paparazzi chases. Princess Diana lost her life while her drive was attempting to evade the Paparazzi, begging to answer, what is the photo is worth?

__Approaches to Candid Photography__
There are two approaches to candid photography, the hide and shoot from a distance technique, and the in-your-face technique, both have their benefits, and each requires differerent equipment. The benefit of the in-your-face technique is that you can catch shots as you move around carrying your camera however, it is more difficult to keep people unaware that the shot is being taken, and people have a tendancy to pose when they know they are going to be in a photo. Also some people would concider it quite rude of a photographer to take their picture without informing them or asking their permission. The hide and shoot technique keeps the photographer safe from harassment and keeps the subject completely unaware. This is beneficial to the candid style, but can be time consuming as the photographer could have to stay in one spot for hours waiting for the shot to present itself.

__Equipment [[image:CyberShot.jpg width="126" height="103"]]__
Typically a candid photographer will use a light weight camera that they can easily manipulate and carry with them everywhere. Originally 35mm cameras were the best for candid shots however, now with the increased speed of digital cameras they are being more widely used. With the development of the hide and shoot technique, cameras are now used with up to 200mm lenses (Photography Techniques). This assists in keeping subjects completely unaware the photograph is being taken. This is good for the photographer because they get the shot that depicts the largest sense of realism with unaware subjects. Photographers can shoot in black and white or colour, depending on their own artistic tastes and the subjects they are shooting. Black and white photographs invoke a sense of timelessness much more so than colour photographs.

Examples of Candid Photography


This is an example of a candid shot that I took in Banff this past summer, the man walking down the street had feathers sticking straight out of his hat, and completely unaware of the fact that I had taken several pictures of him. I think its a really funny shot and I would have never remembered the moment if I had no captured it. I used my SonyCybershot 6.0 to take this photo because it is the lighest of my cameras and takes pictures fairly rapidly.



This is an example of being unaware as the subject for a shot, this was taken as I was getting ready to go out and I didn't find out until after I had uploaded my pictures, it was a complete surprise to me!



//"Caught in the Act".// There is a funny story behind this picture, which I hope will not get back to either of these individuals, but even so Im not really concerned. My friend (the blonde) started to see one of her friends, but it was all a big secret from her sister in the beginning and this picture was my way of showing her sister and the reaction was Priceless!!! And they never knew I took the picture until after the fact! See the danger candid photography has?

__References__

Asling, Heather. "Calgary Trip 2006". Taken September 2nd 2006.

Berstein, Len. "Candid Photography, and the Meaning of "Real-Life". __Apogee Photo Magazine.__ 2001  Accessed November 16,2006.

"Photography Techniques". http://www.ephotozine.com/techniques/viewtechnique.cfm?recid=241 Accessed November 28, 2006.

"Candid Photography". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candid_photography Accessed November 28,2006.