Although when you hear the word “candid” it seems rather spontaneous, but truth be told, as a photographer, I often have to set up those moments that lead to great candid images. I’ll tell people to do certain things. Sometimes it may be awkward, but the laughs around the awkward moments are worth capturing!
Here are some one word ideas that I like to use:
JUMP
DANCE
KISS
WHISPER
WALK
RUN
RIDE
EAT
PLAY
CUDDLE
TICKLE
FOREHEADS
Just think of this list of words that evoke emotion (and write them down on a cheat sheet if you want). You can set up a scene with these words and create an atmosphere that lends itself to beautiful candid moments. I love interaction between loved ones. I think it is in those moments that we can really see how we are as a unit. The laugher, the love, the fun, the happy.
I will leave you with one of my favorite shots of my family that was taken in our home by my friend, Katie Evans. I love it. We were reading a book on the couch. I made it into a canvas, it show us in our natural state hanging on the couch (I think I posted it on here before, but here it is again):
Any words you can think of that would help evoke emotion? I’d love to hear!
Happy Shooting!
P.S. I did my first mod podge crafty project around Decorating with Portraits. Go see the tutorial on my blog.
You and your photographs are AMAZING! Will use your word list on my next "camera day" Thanks SO much!
~Miranda
http://faithingodandcoffee.blogspot.com
i love these posts!!!!
even with my point & shoot camera there are always some great tips!
my favorites from this one: whisper, ride & eat..great shots!
thanks again for sharing!
xo
love the "walk" ones especially! GREAT PICS! i tried to get my nieces & nephews to do some of these things on my recent "photo shoot" (i don't feel like i'm even competent enough to use that phrase…). they looked awkward even when they were walking, talking, etc. any tips on getting people to look more natural?
I love those ruffly skirts the girls are wearing, wear did you find them????
Also, I love your tips and tutorials they are great!!!!
Amazing. I love this. I am going to write these down and try to think of some more. Your photography really is amazing.
I have a question. I don'tknow if you can answer it. But, every time I try to take picture in manuel (I am still learning a lot) they end up blurry. So if I said to "run" I would just end up with lots of blurry shots. Do you know what I am doing wrong? I don't know if you know the answer…but if you do, will you please help? Love when you give us photography tutorials like this!! Thank you.
Liz–just take lots when walking/talking. Some will look funny, but there is often one or two golden moments captured.
Jessica–the skirts are pettiskirts and I got them years ago at a folk dance company that just does bulk orders and I got together with a bunch of photographers and I ordered 4 myself (for $20 each). They are starting to sell them all over now, just maybe more pricey ($50-80). I'll look around and see what I can find.
Tasha–what is your shutter speed? You do need to crank it up. In earlier posts, I said don't go below 1/125 with still portraits, I'd say don't go below 1/250 for faster movement, but I don't always remember that myself. The two girls jumping–not all in focus, but a little blur gives drama, too.
I use "WINK" and "LAUGH"! And I love, love, love your posts! I'm a huge fan. :)
Wow! What beautiful photography. I'm no professional photographer and I don't have a professional camera but I love to take pics. I will use some of these suggestions.
Tanya
http://tanya-alittlebitofeverything.blogspot.com/
Kristen those photos are so amazing! Your family portrait is also so darling! As I begin to shoot in manual mode 90% of the time (thanks to what I've learned from you) I realize how challenging this hobby is, and to see your awesome photos makes me strive for a higher goal! Thank you so so much!!!
I'm an aspiring portrait photographer and I love your ideas for candid photographs! I most shoot posed photographs, so your post has definitely encouraged me to branch out more!!
I'm slowly learning how to use the manual settings on my camera, but I keep going back to Program mode – it's my safety blanket haha.
Do you have a website/blog of your own?
After putting on my detective hat, I've found your facebook page and website =P
Thank you – I think I may have just found what I need to get a good picture out of my little girls who love to tell secrets! I'll just tell my oldest to tell her little sister a secret, and we could have a good picture for once! Thanks for the tips.
Kristin you sound like you have such a fun personality and you are so cute in your pictures with your family. Thanks for sharing so many of your tips with all of us! You do a great job and I am glad you are able to do something you love to do.
I love hearing from you and that something I have shared is helping you! Thanks for your kind words–its boosts me up so much!
I like to subtly put links to my blog…google my name, too:)
Kristen this is FABULOUS!!….this is one thing I've really struggled with and you hit the nail on the head!!….everything "clicked" when you put it this way.
I'm writing these words done and putting them in my folder!
Thanks! Have a GREAT weekend!
Hi! I just purchased the finger puppet pattern two days ago and purchased the travel games (5) today. I can no longer access my primary email that was used for my paypal account. I just added my current email and was wondering if you could send my purchases to my new primary email account. My old email was hacked into so I changed the password and can't for the life of me remember it:( my email is [email protected]
Thanks!
Amy West
Kristen, I love your posts. I get really excited to read what great tips and ideas you share.
I can't wait to try out these ideas for more candid shots. I already have them written and down and they are going in my camera bag. Thanks again!
you are an amazing photographer!!
The last "Run" picture (the family in navy with the dog) is may favorite! Great photos!
Im a little in love with your blog….A friend pointed it out to me…and I learned how to swap a face from you and now your "whisper" is one of my favorite new "candid" poses:) sooo thanks..wanna be my new bff?
I love all the tips. How do you get such vivid bright colors?
Wow!,,
Too cute!