What is a Candid Photograph? - Photography Project

Exploring the Art of Candid Photography

Candid photography is the art of taking pictures without posing the subject or influencing the scene.

How do you define candid photography? I would say – no direction, no interaction with the subjects, just capturing whatever is in front of you, exactly as it is.

The key to candid photography is the photographer’s ability to effectively remain invisible, allowing for the authentic capture of emotions, actions, and interactions.

As soon as your presence is obvious to the subjects around you, you’re potentially effecting their behaviour and therefore the genuine, organic nature of their interactions.

Of course when you’re shooting an event like a wedding, it’s obvious that you’re there with a camera, so you have to rely on the trust you have built with your clients in order for them to feel completely vulnerable in your presence. Is there such thing as a truly candid wedding picture if everyone knows you’re there? Surely there’s an element of performance? Maybe, but that feels like a deeper topic for another day.

People love candid photographs because it captures people as they truly are. Unfiltered. It is valued for its ability to convey the genuine essence and emotion of a moment, offering a true and unspoiled representation of life as it happens.

Introduction to Candid Photography – What is a Candid Photo?

Candid photography, a genre that captures the essence of authenticity, has become a cornerstone of modern photography.

This form of art thrives on spontaneity, seizing moments in their most genuine and unscripted form. Unlike staged photography, candid shots tell a story that’s real, raw, and often unexpected.

Candid Picture Meaning

Candid photography is all about capturing life as it unfolds. The power of this genre lies in its ability to preserve moments in their true, unposed state, revealing the beauty of reality. It’s photography in its purest form, focusing on genuine expressions and natural scenarios.

Candid vs. Posed: Understanding the Difference

The contrast between candid and posed photography is stark. While posed photographs are carefully planned and executed, candid shots are spontaneous and unplanned. This distinction is crucial in understanding the appeal and challenge of candid photography.

I love candid photographs because of the philosophy behind it.

There are poses that are objectively beautiful. If you take any person and pose and light them in a very specific way, you can take a beautiful picture of them. For me however, there is nothing to these types of image beyond the surface level. It tells you nothing of the uniqueness of the individual, and that is where true beauty lies.

A posed photo for me is a likeness, a candid, organic photograph is a real depiction of the person.

Defining Candid Photography

Spontaneity: Candid photography captures moments as they happen naturally, without any direction or posing from the photographer.
Unaware Subjects: Usually, the subjects are unaware they are being photographed, leading to more natural and genuine expressions.
Real Emotions: This style excels at capturing real emotions and the true ambiance of a moment.
Unobtrusive Approach: Photographers often have to be discreet, using techniques to blend into the background.
Storytelling: Candid shots often tell a story, capturing the essence of an event or a person’s character.
Challenges: It requires quick reflexes, anticipation, and often a deeper understanding of human behaviour.

Defining Posed Photography

Controlled Environment: Posed photography involves setting up the scene, including lighting, background, and the position of the subjects.
Awareness of the Camera: Subjects are fully aware of the camera and may be instructed on how to stand, look, or express themselves.
Consistency: This style allows for consistency in lighting, composition, and appearance, which can be crucial for certain types of photography (like portraiture or fashion).
Preparation: There’s often more preparation involved, including staging the environment and directing subjects.
Artistic Expression: While candid photography captures moments, posed photography often creates them, offering a platform for more stylized and artistic expression.
Predictability: Posed photography can be more predictable and less reliant on fleeting moments, making it easier to achieve specific results.

Comparison and Application

Context: Candid photography is popular in photojournalism, street photography, and event photography, where capturing the authenticity of moments is key. A journalist posing a photograph of a news event betrays the reality of the situation and becomes propaganda. Posed photography is common in studio portraits, commercial photography, and fine art photography, it allows the creation of consistent results which are perfect for creating brand identity, or a fashion campaign. Any environment where visual consistency is important. Candid images can still be consistent, a photographer will always have their own style. This of course raises it’s own set of complicated questions, if I choose not to photograph something because it doesn’t fit my agenda, is that any different to staging? Again, this is a deeper question and one that I encourage my students to debate and ponder on in order to cement their own ways of thinking.

Skill Set: Each style requires a different skill set; candid photography emphasises observational skills and agility, while posed photography focuses on directing, lighting, and composition. I am candid photographer, but have no doubt, Posed photography is unbelievably difficult and has it’s own set of skills, being good at one doesn’t guarantee success in the other field. Of course there’s overlap, but shooting a wedding in daylight versus shooting a fashion campaign in a studio is very, very different.

End Result: The choice between candid and posed often depends on the desired outcome – whether it’s a natural, authentic portrayal or a polished, artistically crafted image.

Both styles have their unique strengths and challenges, and many photographers skilfully blend elements of both in their work, depending on the situation and the objectives of their photography.

The History and Evolution of Candid Photography

Candid photography has evolved significantly since its inception. From the early days of bulky cameras to the advent of portable digital devices, this genre has adapted to changing technologies, always finding new ways to capture the unscripted moments of life.

Imagine a time where your camera was the size of cat box, made of wood, glass and brass, weighed 20kg, had to be fixed to a tripod and your exposure time was in the minutes. You can see how candid photography was only really possible with the advancement of technology.

The history and evolution of candid photography traces the journey of how this art form has developed from the early days of photography to the modern era. It reflects changes in technology, society, and artistic expression.

Early Days of Photography

Initial Challenges: In the early 19th century, photography required long exposure times, making candid shots nearly impossible. Subjects had to remain still for minutes, leading to formal and posed photographs.
Early Experiments: Despite these limitations, pioneers like Henri Cartier-Bresson in the early 20th century began experimenting with spontaneous photography, capturing life as it unfolded on the streets.

The 20th Century: Golden Age of Candid Photography

Technological Advancements: The development of smaller, faster cameras (like the Leica 35mm) revolutionized photography. These cameras were more portable and less intrusive, ideal for candid shots.
Photojournalism: Candid photography became synonymous with photojournalism. Photographers like Robert Capa and Dorothea Lange (although these two have both been accused of staging) used it to capture powerful, unposed images that told stories of real life, particularly during wars and in times of social change.
Street Photography: Candid photography thrived in urban settings. Photographers like Vivian Maier and Saul Leiter captured the unposed, often unnoticed moments of city life, influencing the aesthetic and approach of candid photography.

Post-War Era and Beyond

Cultural Shifts: The post-war era saw a shift towards more personal and introspective subjects in candid photography.
Documentary Photography: This era also saw the rise of documentary photography, where candid shots were used to provide a realistic depiction of social conditions.

Late 20th Century to Digital Age

Digital Revolution: The advent of digital cameras and smartphones made photography more accessible and discreet, further popularizing candid photography.
Social Media Influence: Platforms like Instagram have given a new platform and audience for candid photography, blurring the lines between professional and amateur work.

The Modern Era

Technological Innovations: Advances in technology, like mirrorless cameras and mobile photography, have continued to push the boundaries of candid photography, making it easier to capture high-quality images quickly and discreetly.
Diverse Applications: Today, candid photography is used in various forms, from artistic expressions in galleries to personal blogs and social media, capturing the spectrum of human experiences and emotions.

Pioneers in Candid Photography

Icons like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa were instrumental in shaping candid photography. Their ability to capture decisive moments laid the foundation for future photographers to explore this genre’s potential.

Candid photography, with its focus on spontaneity and authenticity, has been shaped by several pioneering photographers whose work has defined and redefined the genre. Here are some of the key figures:

Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004): Often referred to as the father of modern candid photography, Cartier-Bresson was a French photographer who coined the term “The Decisive Moment.” His ability to capture the essence of a scene in a fraction of a second made his work iconic. He used a 35mm Leica camera, which was revolutionary at the time for its portability and speed.

Robert Capa (1913-1954): A Hungarian-American photographer and photojournalist, Capa is renowned for his war photography. He captured some of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century with a candid approach, bringing a human perspective to war reportage.

Dorothea Lange (1895-1965): An influential American documentary photographer, Lange is best known for her Depression-era work for the Farm Security Administration (FSA). Her candid photographs, like the famous “Migrant Mother,” humanized the consequences of the Great Depression and influenced the development of documentary photography.

Vivian Maier (1926-2009): Maier’s work was discovered posthumously and has since gained significant recognition. She was an American street photographer whose candid shots of Chicago and New York City in the mid-20th century captured the everyday lives of urban dwellers with a unique and poignant perspective.

Walker Evans (1903-1975): Another significant figure in American photography, Evans is best known for his work for the FSA documenting the effects of the Great Depression. His candid photographs of everyday life during this era are a valuable historical record.

Saul Leiter (1923-2013): Leiter was an American photographer and a pioneer of colour photography. His candid street photography, often using colour film in a period dominated by black and white, captured the streets of New York in a unique, painterly style.

Garry Winogrand (1928-1984): A figure in American street photography, Winogrand is known for his portrayal of American life in the mid-20th century. He captured candid moments that often had a sense of irony or humour, offering a unique view of everyday social landscapes.

Diane Arbus (1923-1971): An American photographer known for her candid photographs that often featured marginalized or overlooked subjects, Arbus’s work challenged conventional norms and offered a stark, often unsettling glimpse into the lives of her subjects.

These photographers, among others, have played a crucial role in shaping candid photography. Their work not only captured moments in time but also pushed the boundaries of how photography is perceived as an art form, influencing generations of photographers to come.

Technological Advancements Shaping Candid Photography

Advancements in camera technology have been pivotal in the evolution of candid photography. The shift from film to digital, along with the miniaturization of cameras, has made candid photography more accessible and versatile.

Technological advancements have significantly shaped the evolution and practice of candid photography over the years. These developments have not only made capturing spontaneous moments easier but have also enhanced the quality and creative possibilities of candid shots. Here’s a look at some key technological advancements that have influenced candid photography:

Portable Cameras: The introduction of small, portable cameras, especially the 35mm Leica in the 1920s, was a game-changer. These cameras replaced bulky equipment, making it easier for photographers to capture candid moments discreetly and efficiently.
Faster Film Speeds: The development of faster film speeds allowed for quicker shutter speeds, which was crucial for capturing fleeting moments without blur. This was especially important in candid photography, where quick reactions are essential.
Advancements in Lens Technology: The improvement in lens technology, including the development of zoom and faster lenses, has enabled photographers to capture sharp, high-quality images from a distance, making it easier to take candid shots without intruding on the scene.
Digital Photography: The advent of digital cameras revolutionized candid photography. Digital cameras allow for immediate image review, which is invaluable for candid photographers who often have only a split second to capture a moment.
High ISO Performance: Modern digital cameras with improved high ISO performance have made it possible to shoot in low light conditions without significant loss of image quality. This is particularly useful in candid photography, where flash is often avoided to maintain the candid nature of the scene.
Silent Shutter and Mirrorless Cameras: The development of mirrorless cameras with silent shutters has been a significant boon for candid photographers, allowing them to shoot unobtrusively in quiet environments.
Mobile Phone Cameras: The proliferation of smartphones with high-quality cameras has democratized candid photography. Now, almost everyone has access to a decent camera at all times, making it easier than ever to capture candid moments.
Autofocus Improvements: Modern autofocus systems, which are faster and more accurate, help candid photographers capture sharp images quickly, a crucial aspect when dealing with spontaneous and unpredictable subjects.
Image Stabilization: Image stabilization, both in-camera and in-lens, helps in reducing camera shake, particularly in low-light conditions or when shooting with long lenses, enabling clearer candid shots.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: The ability to instantly transfer photos from cameras to smartphones or computers facilitates quick editing and sharing, which is essential in today’s fast-paced digital world.
Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition: AI in cameras, including facial recognition and tracking, has made focusing easier and more accurate, which is particularly useful in candid situations where subjects are often moving.

These technological advancements have not only made it easier to capture candid moments but have also expanded the creative possibilities for photographers, enabling them to explore new perspectives and styles in candid photography.

Techniques for Natural Candid Shots

To capture natural candid shots, photographers must master the art of being unobtrusive. This involves understanding human behaviour, predicting moments, and blending into the background.

Achieving natural candid shots requires a blend of technical skill, keen observation, and a subtle approach. Here are some key techniques that can help photographers capture candid moments effectively:

Blend into the Background: The less noticeable you are, the more natural your candid shots will be. Dressing to fit in with the crowd and being unobtrusive with your camera are essential. If you are in jeans at a black tie event, you’ll stand out. Not only that, but people will judge you negatively and their reaction to you taking their picture will also be negative. Don’t be an outsider, you must be a part of the scene or occasion. People don’t like being watched, especially if they have a reason to not trust you. Make sure you are dressed appropriately, appear non threatening, and where appropriate have a smile on your face.
Use the right Lens for the occasion: A telephoto lens allows you to capture candid moments from a distance, reducing the likelihood of your subjects noticing you, but the resulting photographs can often feel cut off from the scene. Cut off from the emotion. Admittedly at times a telephoto lens is all that can be used, sometimes in intimate wedding photography for example, where there might only be ten or so people at the wedding, you might find yourself using a 50 or an 85mm lens instead of a 24mm because it’s simply too intense for the subject standing that close to them. Cartier Bresson loved a 50mm lens, many street photographers love 35mm, but it depends massively on the feeling you want to convey and the experience you want both the subject and the viewer to have when they look at your pictures. Personally I love 24 and 28mm. They’re wide enough to capture the action when you’re in the middle of a group of people, but not so wide that you get crazy distortion at the edges.
Prefocus: Anticipate where the action is likely to happen and prefocus your camera on that spot. This enables you to capture the moment quickly without having to adjust focus when the action unfolds. By this I mean someone’s face, as opposed to an empty space. I shoot a lot of my pictures by zeroing in on one person and composing the frame around them. Then when they laugh or cry etc. I take the picture knowing that the rest of the frame is composed well and I’ve got the emotional content too. Otherwise you’ll always be chasing moments and have very little choice other than shooting and hoping for the best. Try it. Focus on one person and compose the frame to include other people. When the moment happens take multiple frames and see what you get. You’d be amazed at what else can be happening in a frame. You can’t look at an entire scene all at once, so you do need a bit of luck.
Observe and Anticipate: Being a good observer is crucial in candid photography. Watch for expressions, gestures, and interactions that might lead to a meaningful moment. This comes from experience. You need to see the same moments play out over and over again to understand what is likely to happen, you can never predict, but you can anticipate and play so the odds are in your favour. Take wedding speeches for example, one they’re over people come up to the top table to congratulate the speaker when they sit back down. After the Dad’s speech, when he sits back down, often the bride will give him a hug or there might be a squeezing of hands. Who knows, but you know from experience that an interaction is likely to happen, so you can be prepared.
Shoot from the Hip: Literally shooting from hip level or holding your camera in a less conspicuous position can help you take candid shots without drawing attention to yourself. Modern cameras with flip out screens make this possible. I’m not an advocate for the spray and pray method, but bringing the camera away from your face makes people notice you less. Flip out the screen and try shooting from waist height. It will make you less conspicuous with the added benefit of giving your pictures variety.
Use Natural Light: Flash can be intrusive and alert people to your presence. Utilise natural light as much as possible to keep your picture taking discreet.
Continuous Shooting Mode: Using burst or continuous shooting mode allows you to capture a sequence of images quickly, increasing your chances of getting a perfect candid shot in situations where expressions and actions change rapidly. This is particularly handy when shooting people that are moving or in extremely low light. Freezing motion is hard when the situation isn’t in your favour, so high speed shooting can help you get the shot. I’m not saying hold the trigger down and hope for the best, you still need to shoot with purpose, but shooting in bursts of three or five can definitely be advantageous.
Silent Shutter: If your camera has a silent shutter mode, use it. The quieter your camera, the less likely people are to notice they are being photographed. Be mindful of how the lighting effects silent shutters though, often fluorescent lights create banding and subjects in motion cam look warped.
Be Patient: Candid photography often involves waiting for the right moment. Patience is key in capturing those spontaneous, authentic moments. Trust in the process and wait. Compose your shot and see what happens. Sometimes it results in nothing and you have to use your intuition, but don’t be chasing pictures, always wait for them to come to you.
Capture People in Their Element: Photograph people doing things they love or in their natural environments. These settings often yield the most genuine expressions and actions.
Avoid Overthinking Composition: While composition is important, candid photography often calls for quick decisions. It’s sometimes better to capture the moment as it is rather than miss it altogether while trying to compose the perfect shot. Modern cameras have crazy amounts of megapixels, you can always crop it if needed.
Stay Relaxed and Confident: If you appear nervous or furtive, people are more likely to feel uneasy. Stay relaxed and confident, which in turn will help your subjects feel at ease.
Respect Privacy and Ethics: Always be mindful of people’s privacy and comfort. If someone seems uncomfortable being photographed, it’s important to respect their wishes.
Practice People Watching: Spend time in public spaces practicing the art of observation. This helps in understanding human behaviour and predicting moments.

Overcoming Challenges in Candid Shots

Candid photography comes with its challenges, such as dealing with low light or unpredictable subjects. Overcoming these challenges requires adaptability, quick thinking, and technical proficiency.

In my opinion, the single hardest thing about candid photography is working with people. The light may be changing, the weather etc. but people ultimately don’t like being watched, so to point a camera at them and take their picture up close can be unbelievably difficult when you’re first starting out.

It’s hard enough at weddings where people expect it to a certain degree, but street photography (where people really don’t want you taking their picture…well, in England anyway) it’s that bit harder still.

All of it comes down to you.

Where possible, when you first enter a room, don’t have a camera and seek ways and means to introduce yourself to the group. When they know you, they can trust you, you’re no longer the outsider and people will let you in and are much more willing to be open with you.

How you conduct yourself is also key.

If you approach a group of people timidly, and try to take their picture apologetically, then it will never work. People pick up on your energy, if you’re confident, calm and relaxed (admittedly something that comes with experience), then your subjects will relax too.

Don’t outstay your welcome, take your picture and go, no one wants you hanging around taking 100 pictures. Once you’ve got the shot you wanted, move on, don’t be a nuisance.

Smile.

Don’t underestimate how far this will get you.

If you take your picture, then take your camera away from your face and you’re smiling, being a part of the moment, then people react positively to you.

Iconic Candid Photographs Through History

Iconic candid photographs have the power to transport us to a different time and place, evoking emotions and sparking conversations. They are a testament to the photographer’s skill and the moment’s authenticity.

“V-J Day in Times Square” by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1945) – This photograph captures a U.S. sailor kissing a woman in Times Square, New York City, on Victory over Japan Day.

“Tank Man” by Jeff Widener (1989) – A lone man stands in front of a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, during the Tiananmen Square protests.

“The Falling Man” by Richard Drew (2001) – This controversial photo captures a man falling from the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks.

“Napalm Girl” by Nick Ut (1972) – A heart-breaking image showing children, including the naked 9-year-old Kim Phuc, running away from a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.

“Starving Child and Vulture” by Kevin Carter (1993) – A haunting image of a starving Sudanese child being watched by a vulture, which brought global attention to the famine in Sudan.

Why Authenticity and Integrity Matters in Photography

Candid photography matters because it preserves the truth of a moment. It provides a counter-narrative to the staged and artificial, offering a more authentic and relatable view of the world.

Authenticity in photojournalism in particular is a cornerstone principle that upholds the integrity and trustworthiness of news media. At its core, photojournalism is not just about capturing images; it’s about telling stories that are true to reality. This fidelity to authenticity is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, candid and unstaged images capture the essence of a moment in its purest form. Unlike staged photographs, which can be manipulated to convey a specific narrative or emotion, candid shots are spontaneous and unfiltered. They represent the truth as it is, not as someone wants it to be portrayed. This rawness and unvarnished reality are what make photojournalism powerful and credible. When viewers look at a photo that hasn’t been staged, they are seeing a slice of life that was not altered for the sake of a story. This honesty is fundamental in maintaining the trust between the audience and the media.

Moreover, the authenticity of images in photojournalism is integral to the historical record. Photos from journalistic sources often serve as primary documents that future generations will rely on to understand our current times. If these images are staged or manipulated, they distort the historical record. Authentic photos, on the other hand, provide an accurate visual history of events as they unfolded, serving as a reliable source of information for historians and the public alike.

Furthermore, the principle of authenticity in photojournalism respects the subjects being photographed. Staged photos can sometimes exploit subjects, using them as mere tools to convey a predetermined message. Candid photography, while still needing to be ethical and respectful, captures people in their genuine states and environments. This approach is not only more ethical but also more impactful. It allows the viewer to connect with the subject on a more profound and human level.

In an era where “fake news” and misinformation are rampant, the authenticity of images in photojournalism becomes even more critical. It’s a bulwark against the cynicism and scepticism towards the media. Authentic photos help in building and maintaining the credibility of journalistic institutions. They assure the audience that what they are seeing is a truthful representation of reality, not a fabricated or exaggerated version of it.

In conclusion, the importance of authenticity in photojournalism cannot be overstated. Candid and unstaged images are essential in preserving the truth, maintaining historical accuracy, respecting subjects, and upholding the trust between the media and the public. As we navigate through an increasingly complex media landscape, the commitment to authenticity in photojournalism remains a beacon of truth and reliability.

Well there you go, everything about candid photography in one place. If you have more questions, feel free to message me on Instagram.