How to Take Spontaneous Photos That People Will Love

During a photoshoot, giving instructions can lead to great poses and expressions. The ability to communicate with all kinds of people will get you very far, especially if you’re a portrait photographer; being on the same level as your model will allow you to connect on a deep level and get the results you want. If you have this ability, you should be very proud of yourself.

Sometimes, though, poses aren’t enough. Oftentimes, they’re completely unnecessary. Real emotions can be obtained through candid photography, a genre that demands invisibility. If you’re in the right place at the right time (and believe me, you usually are), you’ll be able to capture spontaneity gracefully. The resulting photos will take your breath away. Authenticity, after all, is much more photogenic than anything else.

The rules for candid photography are as spontaneous as the genre itself. Nonetheless, being aware of them will help you take wonderful photos of your clients, your family, and your surroundings. Even if you don’t end up becoming a candid photographer, you’ll have strong observation skills that will positively affect your career. Are you ready to improve?

Prepare

In candid photography, there’s no time for preparation. Your only goal is to capture a moment that feels and looks right. Since timing is key, preparations should be made before a photoshoot. Here are a few settings worth adjusting before you go out:

• If you want to capture sharp movements, make sure your ISO is a little higher than normal.
• Switch to Burst Mode if you don’t want to miss a second of a moment.
• Use a camera body that’s light and portable.
• If possible, use a lens that will give you enough distance to remain invisible (telephoto lenses are ideal for this).
• If you want to exclusively focus on expressions, shoot in Auto mode. This will control most of the settings for you.

Be Present

Observation isn’t possible without presence. If you’re distracted, you’ll miss special opportunities to thrive creatively. Focusing on the details around you will help you detect perfect, picture-worthy moments. Additionally, it will give you peace. A tranquil, focused photographer is what candid photography adores.

You might be wondering how it’s possible to be focused all the time. It’s easy to ignore what’s right in front of you when there’s endless chatter in your mind. Fortunately, there are quick ways you can use to switch to the present moment, even for a short while:

• Take a few deep breaths
• Focus on senses like touch, taste, and smell
• Ask yourself questions about your surroundings. What do you like most about your current location? Do you feel happy? What are your subjects up to?

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t be too alert. This will only stress you out. Even if photography is your job, it doesn’t deserve to be a source of discomfort. Instead of overdoing it, try to find a balance between distraction and peace.

Persist

Spontaneous photography comes with a warning: most of the photos you take won’t look great at first. But if taking some of your best photographs meant persisting a little, would you do it?

You’ll be tempted to give up, switch to a safer genre, or question your photo-taking abilities. No matter how you feel during times of self-doubt, remember this: persistence, imagination, and great timing will result in breathtaking photos.

Spontaneous photos will help you freeze precious moments. If you take them for your clients, you’ll add warmth to their lives. If you take them for yourself, you’ll get to keep the highlights of your life forever. Either way, you’ll be making the world a more authentic and happier place. Thank you for that.