Is it candid photo when photographer uses models to create impression of the real life? The great example is the famous story of “Kiss at the Hôtel de Ville”, by Robert Doisneau. Unfortunately, I don’t have my own picture to show because I don’t have money for models or actors.
Is it candid picture of the people who make pose for somebody else’s camera? I don’t know. Here is my photo take on it.
How about taking picture of the people with their photographer? Well. This is, obviously, candid picture of photographer.
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What is “the candid photography of strangers”?
What is the chance that you like absolutely random shot? I would guess that chance is very low but it is not zero.
Before starting my walk with infrared camera I always make one random shot with the most contrast to check histogram. I do it often with visible light as well. When I looked at this test exposure image I liked it. I feel some jazzy composition in its chaos. I would never take it on purpose.
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What is “the candid photography of strangers”?
Why is the candid photography unique?
Infrared candid street photography
If you are interested in the street photography you already know basic techniques of focusing
- Hyperfocal distance
- Zone focusing
- Autofocus
There is no reason for me to explain concepts of Depth of Field (DOF) and hyperfocal distance in this topic. Internet and many books have plenty of useful information in any level of details.
When I use my Point&Shoot camera (Canon S90) most of the time there is no need to be concerned about focusing. This camera has such deep DOF that only very special circumstances make me think about changing my focus settings. Effectively, Point&Shoot always has hyperfocal distance or very close to it.
I don’t use hyperfocal distance with my DSLR camera unless my composition demands focus to infinity. Control of DOF with selective focusing is the basic method in the photography to direct viewer attention. As another big bonus, large aperture allows using fast shutter.
I use combination of zone focusing and autofocus. Before I make the shot, camera is always prefocused for predicted distance. If I decide to use viewfinder there is always option to use autofocus (with separate AF button). Modern lenses with quick shift make this mode of operation very convenient. My older favorites don’t have quick shift so I prefocus them pointing to some boring object. To use autofocus photographer has to understand its intricacies and limitations. Don’t focus by pointing to the smooth wall and, probably, forget about autofocus when it is dark or other special conditions. Many photographic sights are the great source of information about autofocus.
Don’t settle on one-fits-all rule. Find your own style to take your best pictures.
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Candid street photography in Morocco with Pentax K-5 and 21mm f/3.2
Pentax 70 mm f/2.4 DA Limited for Candid Street Photography
Pentax 14mm f/2.8 for Candid Street Photography
Canon S90 for Candid Street Photography
Why is the candid photography unique?
Candid Street Photo 