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12/19/2008 04:02:32 PM · #1 |
Hello all,
On December 27th, I am going on a trip to Nigaragua. I will be visiting some pretty incredible locations: Live volcanos, rainforests, and some of the poorest areas in Nicaragua.
I will be visiting a feeding center in a very poor village, which is responsible for feeding over 350 children a day. Their funding has been cut this year, and they will be coming up short for funds to pay for the food required.
I am planning on taking a lot of photos while I am there, and hope to do a photography exhibit when I get back, donating all profits back to the feeding center.
So my very long winded introduction is to ask the following question:
When taking candids of strangers in an unfamiliar location, how do you approach potential subjects before taking photos? Obviously, I don't want the pictures to look staged; I would like natural expressions. I also would rather not just start snapping pictures of people without acknowledging what I am doing.
I will be going with very limited Spanish, but I can certainly learn some stock phrases if that would help.
What is your technique for getting good, honest candids of strangers?
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12/19/2008 04:12:20 PM · #2 |
The best way is with a long telephoto lens. If they know you're taking their photo then it's not candid.
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12/19/2008 04:28:50 PM · #3 |
I'm going to be doing the same thing in Honduras the second week in March.
My recommendation would be to hook up with the administrators of the project and explain to them what you're trying to acomplish.
They will most likely be happy to help the people be comfortable with your unobtrusive presence there.
Be helpful where you can and remember thjat your photography is secondary to their plight, so do what you can on site to help.
You may find that you can be valuable there simply with minimal time and help.
You'll most likely return home enriched, with a renewed sense of how fortunate you are in life.
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12/19/2008 08:17:35 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by Mick:
The best way is with a long telephoto lens. If they know you're taking their photo then it's not candid. |
That does make sense. Maybe I should have qualified what I meant by 'candid' in this case.. I want a connection with the subject, so potentially to have them looking at the camera, yet not posing or smiling because their picture is being taken.
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
I'm going to be doing the same thing in Honduras the second week in March.
My recommendation would be to hook up with the administrators of the project and explain to them what you're trying to acomplish.
They will most likely be happy to help the people be comfortable with your unobtrusive presence there.
Be helpful where you can and remember thjat your photography is secondary to their plight, so do what you can on site to help.
You may find that you can be valuable there simply with minimal time and help.
You'll most likely return home enriched, with a renewed sense of how fortunate you are in life. |
We have quite a few connections there, since my friend who is coming has already gone twice and knows the people and the areas. We are going down with financial aid; between our friends and family we have enough for a year's worth of food.
I have no doubt that this will be a very powerful and rewarding trip.. That's why I want to capture it the best way that I can to relate the experience to others.
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12/19/2008 08:28:17 PM · #5 |
I have always found that a broad smile and raising the camera in their direction with a small "Is it OK?" shake of the head produces good results.
Follow up with some chimping and an explanation of the project as you ask them for their permission to include them in it (model release). While still smiling, explain why you thought they were so interesting to shoot and praise their (whatever) in helping you achieve a personal goal.
Good luck, and have fun. |
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12/19/2008 08:46:54 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by mchalmers:
Originally posted by Mick:
The best way is with a long telephoto lens. If they know you're taking their photo then it's not candid. |
That does make sense. Maybe I should have qualified what I meant by 'candid' in this case.. I want a connection with the subject, so potentially to have them looking at the camera, yet not posing or smiling because their picture is being taken. |
Okay, I understand. In that case I suggest just being friendly, open, and honest. Get to know them a bit. I would be sure to ask permission before taking any photos. Especially with children. You may even want to get signed releases if you plan to use the photos for commercial purposes.
Once they know that you're going to be taking photos of them it's going to be harder to get truly candid shots. It's not impossible though. You might try using a third person to engage and distract your subject, or you can try shooting from the hip while you're talking. If you're waving your arms (and the camera) around and talking, they may not even realize that you're taking photos.
It sounds like an interesting trip and a very worthwhile endeavor. Best of luck!
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