Candid - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

09/21/2004 12:17:33 AM · #1

"Rhythm"

Here is an example of some of the 'candid' interests that have grabbed my attention recently.

I attended a local street festival a few weeks ago. There were three young ladies on the sidewalk with these african drums. I stood around for 20 minutes or so listening to them. When they finished, I talked to them for a little while and learned some interesting trivia about these drums. I asked them if they minded if I snapped some photos while they played and they were more than happy to perform for the camera...

Kylie

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

09/21/2004 12:26:42 AM · #2

Thank you - I need more of this. I left you a comment. Even I get distracted by the glossy beauty and forget how this sort of image moves me. Plase keep shooting these and sharing.

ChrisW123

Canon EOS-1000D Rebel XS

09/21/2004 12:41:02 AM · #3

Great shot John, I'm getting more into these types of shots lately also. Here's one that's similar that I shot recently:

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

09/21/2004 12:42:40 AM · #4

Very nice but I think you had too much beer at the festival, as the ground is tilted.

Yes, I know you did it on purpose ;) It's nice that way at first, but when you realize the ground is tilted, it seems a bit artificial (e.g. like an artificial pose). (Just my own opinion, of course)

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

09/21/2004 12:45:50 AM · #5

Great shot John and I like the crop.

Candids and Street are a lot of fun to do. At first when you look at em you don't really know what you got but when you study them you find amazing stuff.

I took this over the weekend, the artist on the left is doing abstract art (on a door) to the tunes of the Sally Zito Project (they called it the art of music). I put it up on the other site I belong to and woke up the next morning to an email that stated it was picked for a Best in Project (there are a few BIP per category, but still makes you feel good).

Andy

Ed: Typooooos

Message edited by author 2004-09-21 00:47:39.

09/21/2004 12:49:19 AM · #6

Originally posted by nshapiro:

I don't really understand the 'artifical pose' thing... I do tilt my camera sometimes because I think it can add an interesting dynamic to an image. It definitely changes the way I look at the image. Lots of photographers don't like the concept tho for whatever the reason may be. Mabye it does feel 'artifical' or 'odd' to some...

09/21/2004 01:01:04 AM · #7

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by nshapiro:
Very nice but I think you had too much beer at the festival, as the ground is tilted.

Yes, I know you did it on purpose ;) It's nice that way at first, but when you realize the ground is tilted, it seems a bit artificial (e.g. like an artificial pose). (Just my own opinion, of course)

I don't really understand the 'artifical pose' thing... I do tilt my camera sometimes because I think it can add an interesting dynamic to an image. It definitely changes the way I look at the image. Lots of photographers don't like the concept tho for whatever the reason may be. Mabye it does feel 'artifical' or 'odd' to some...

I probably should have used the word "forced". All in all, I think it works pretty well here (without scrutiny) partly because it's difficult to see that the scene is tilted. Compositionally, I agree it adds a dynamic feel to it (maybe we can identify with looking at the world tilted). For the sake of discussion, looking your recent uploads, in contrast, from my perspective, the Dairy Queen picture while interesting, is just too "obviously" tilted.

Of course, it's just a matter of taste, and I wouldn't say I don't like all tilted shots (though I have ribbed a few other photographers about it--check out Dave Martinidez's work on PP. Actually, in his case, I tease him if he shoots it straight.)

Message edited by author 2004-09-21 01:01:56.

09/21/2004 01:36:48 AM · #8

What intrigues me the most about candid stuff is that you don't usually have any 'control over the environment or the people in it. Control of the lighting may or may not be present either. If you are shooting outdoors, you are at the mercy of the sun (or lack of). It seems that the composition and subject choice are usually the backbone of the image moreso than the technicals such as shutter speed and depth of field. There are 'better' choices for each of these depending on the environment, but that is something u have to determine in a very big hurry sometimes if you are shooting candids.

As I look back at the work of Elliott Erwitt and Henri Cartier-Bresson, I think the key to some of their 'decisive moment' images is the environment itself. If I 'find' an environment where I think candids or decisive moment images are going to be possible, I can setup for that, create my composition, and wait for things to happen. Have you ever noticed a 'scene' that would provide great space for a photograph if some people were in it doing interesting things?

09/21/2004 01:52:34 AM · #9

I read an article the other day (I think it was in Outdoor Photographer) where they said they would find a really nice "scene", and either wait for something to happen, return numerous times to see what's going on, or sometimes even bring subjects into that scene. They said people were usually cooperative and would go with them to be photographed there. I would think you would have to look very "nice" (unmenacing) for them to do it!

Sorry, I can't remember the exact reference for the article...

teknon42

Sony DSC-F828

09/21/2004 02:02:00 AM · #10

I'm a big fan of cadid photography, but have mostly tried to let people know when I'm shooting pictures. How do you folks go about being unobtrusive, but still getting your shots. See, once people know you're there they behave differently. I wish I could make myself invisible, take some pictures, then show the person and then ask to keep them. Any ideas on the next best thing?

colda

Nikon D800

09/21/2004 02:15:51 AM · #11

I love candids and street photography, I tend to work to the concept that if it's a public place then it's ok to shoot, but there are many times that I question myself on the ethics of this.

As for technique, I tend to either use a big zoom or my Sony U30 which is basically invisible in my hand to I can walk up to/past people and 'steal' a shot from the hip. In the case of the big zoom the problems of explaining oneself if caught can be an issue, so I tend to use this method where having a camera is not unusual (nicer parts of city, at the zoo, etc) and when people stare, then I contiune to take a pic of the 'interesting thing' just behind them.

That said there are times when I see a pic that I want I just take it, and if questioned I would happily explain my love for photography and rave on about how good a pic it is that I've taken, if a subject is still unhappy then I'll offer to delete it. (does delete really mean 'keep for private collection' - hmmmmm)

Darren

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

09/21/2004 02:21:03 AM · #12

Originally posted by teknon42:

Trying to be unobtrusive is the problem. Don't do that :) People will get uneasy if they think you are spying on them. In most cases when there is a specific person I want to photograph, I discuss it with them first. NEVER photograph a child that isn't your own without asking first.

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

09/21/2004 09:35:07 AM · #13

I think street performers are a pretty good place to start. Generally they know that their picture is being taking (by many people) but also know the show must go on and continue their routines as designed.

Question about about Street Performers in general. Let say you take a bunch of shots of a street performer (kind with the open violin case, hat or other item to collect money) the person even plays up to you so you get some great shots.

How much of a tip or donation would you give the individual? I was in the situation the other day where it almost became a photoshot the indivual was playing it up for me to take his/her picture. I had no idea what was cool at that time.

09/21/2004 11:36:03 AM · #14

Originally posted by awpollard:

And do you need a model release to use the photo...

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

09/21/2004 11:39:15 AM · #15

I don't know the answer to the 'tip' question. I usually drop $5 or $10 if I am photographing someone like this.

As for the model release, you would need one under the same conditions you would for anyone else. You wouldn't need one for journalistic use of the image for newspaper publication, but you would for most other uses where sale of the image would be the goal.

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

09/21/2004 11:52:00 AM · #16

I know it sounds silly, but I can't wait to get my rebel because I always felt weird taking street photos of somebody with my little point and shoot!

Street photography/candids are something I would really like to focus on more...I really really like frumoaznicul's stuff (to the point where I don't even have to look up his name in order to spell it right!) and look forward to doing more of this type of photography.

John (or anyone else)...do you ever take candid photos of specific people without first engaging in conversation with them?

I'd like to know more about how you guys/gals go about this...and keep posting examples, they're all very nice!

09/21/2004 11:56:28 AM · #17

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

John (or anyone else)...do you ever take candid photos of specific people without first engaging in conversation with them?

I have, but it depends on the situation mostly. There are some instances where the 'conversation' and request for photos would change the person's 'demeanor' enough where the photos would not be what I wanted. If I am out in public, a street festival for instance, I may not have the conversation first, or at all even. I like to talk to the person when possible in any case. I usually offer to share the photos with them.

09/21/2004 12:01:31 PM · #18

"Rhythm II"

Here is another photo from the same shoot. This type of shot obviously would not require a model release.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

09/21/2004 12:02:41 PM · #19

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

John (or anyone else)...do you ever take candid photos of specific people without first engaging in conversation with them?

I have, but it depends on the situation mostly. There are some instances where the 'conversation' and request for photos would change the person's 'demeanor' enough where the photos would not be what I wanted. If I am out in public, a street festival for instance, I may not have the conversation first, or at all even. I like to talk to the person when possible in any case. I usually offer to share the photos with them.

What do you tell people in terms of "why" you are taking their picture, and what you plan to do with them (e.g., do you tell them you might be selling them, posting them on the internet, etc.)

Has anyone whose picture you have already taken asked you to erase it? Or show them so they can decide?

I think if you worked for a newspaper or something people would be generally accepting. But what else would people accept or rejec?

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

09/21/2004 12:03:39 PM · #20

Here's another question:

Are some of your candid photos taken in a situation that is uncomfortable for you, but well worth the shot?

For example, twenty people are waiting to cross a busy street...the light goes green, allowing them to cross and you run ahead of them 20 feet, turn around and take a quick photo of them crossing. Sure, it's uncomfortable but it may make a great shot. That's just a top-of-the-head example...

Another way of asking the same question with less ramble:

Are you sometimes obtrusive in a way that changes the environment/situation but gets you the shot?

I hope I make an ounce of sense...

JPR

Sony Alpha a55

Sony DT 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Super Wide Angle Zoom

09/21/2004 12:03:59 PM · #21

I just shoot whatever I damn well feel like since I don't plan on selling any of my images. I don't feel the need to disguise or hide the fact that I am taking people's photos. In fact I enjoy the uncomfortable or angry looks I receive since generally these people go around giving similar faces to other people for various reasons which all stem from their general attitude on life. If they've got a problem then they've got a problem and it's not mine. Taking a photo of your kid is not kidnapping and if your mental sensors are dim enough to think I'm a kidnapper then your kid's probably gonna get stolen or lost at some point anyway. But then again, I'm from a primitive culture that believes that when someone has an image of me they have captured a piece of my soul, so it really bothers me a lot...

I draw the line at stalking and following of any sort.

colda

Nikon D800

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

09/21/2004 12:05:02 PM · #22

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

John (or anyone else)...do you ever take candid photos of specific people without first engaging in conversation with them?

I've never asked, if they are aware then it's not candid, it's a pose, no matter how hard they try to look 'natural'

Depending on how you go about your candids you may find it much easier with a smaller camera, pointing a monsterous tool like a rebel at someone can be quite threatening

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

09/21/2004 12:13:13 PM · #23

Originally posted by colda:

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
John (or anyone else)...do you ever take candid photos of specific people without first engaging in conversation with them?

I've never asked, if they are aware then it's not candid, it's a pose, no matter how hard they try to look 'natural'

Depending on how you go about your candids you may find it much easier with a smaller camera, pointing a monsterous tool like a rebel at someone can be quite threatening

True, but by that definition the first photo in the thread isn't truly candid, either...

I guess I should have been referring to 'street photography' instead to keep the two distinct.

09/21/2004 12:14:08 PM · #24

Originally posted by nshapiro:

I get asked the "Do you work for the newspaper" question all the time. I just tell people that I'm an amateur photographer and I'm out shooting for my 'hobby'. If they ask me what I'm going to do with the photos, I simply tell them that I may add some of them to my personal portfolio.

colda

Nikon D800