Timing is everything, but how do we know, if we don't recognize it? And how do we tell a critical instant from the next, if we do not participate, if we do not involve ourselves, however subtly, in story and place? And how is the story we tell different from a pure record of events?
Often my candids appear staged (they are not). Is it because I take an individual I photograph as a symbol for others (those I cannot all photograph)? Some candids are hardly candids at all. They are so nearly portraits I am hard pressed to tell the difference.
The only thing that occurs to me is that I've found myself so involved in a shot that might have as well taken an assignment as a photo journalist during a war somewhere. I forget myself so completely, I don't know a damn thing anymore except my camera settings.
Two of my favorite candids of all time were taken at funeral prcessions, but the photographer turned the camrea on the audience watching with deep emotional reactions. One was by Cartier Bresson at Churchill's funeral down the Thames, and the other was at FDR's funeral train of an accordianist crying in Warm Springs Georgia
I recently took the below photos, which i like to think would be Candid shots. Although i have already submitted to Candid with a completly differnt Candid shot. I hope it is not shot down in flames though-)
If you like theres more at my blog below, happy hunting folks
Many people don't think this is a candid but it sure was and one of my favorite shots. A child that fiddles with her ear like that and that shy smile must be an indicator.
I got a permission to photograph from the field of a house where this little girl lives, when done I turned around and saw her holding the flowers and took some photos..
Wanted to enter this one in best of 2005 maybe I should have?
is it an unwritten rule to make candid shots with only humans as subject?
some animals make great candid shots also. especialy dogs will know often that you are looking at them. usualy you will have there attention when you point your camera at them.
the most priceless pictures you'll get when they are doing something wich is MUCH more interesting for them then your lens. same thing for cats.
is it an unwritten rule to make candid shots with only humans as subject?
some animals make great candid shots also. especialy dogs will know often that you are looking at them. usualy you will have there attention when you point your camera at them.
the most priceless pictures you'll get when they are doing something wich is MUCH more interesting for them then your lens. same thing for cats.
ditto! however, if you want to do well at dpc with an animal shot in a candid challenge, it had bettered rock, or you'll get killed for DNMC...
You'll get nailed in the booty if you enter an animal candid.
No matter how many threads you start in protest during voting, as the 1's and 2's come pouring in...not matter how much you plea, scream, hold your breath, tantrum...you'll go down in flames.
for me a candid is looked at through a photojournalists eye; it has to tell a story. When you see a person with emotion that isn't staged it sticks with you.
