One of the toughest things about being a photographer is going unnoticed with a camera when trying to get good candid shots. Most of the time when people see you with a camera, they tend to stiffen up; the camera can make them nervous. And this is not exclusive to amateur photographers either. Even pros have to deal with this at parties or weddings, where people of the general audience are not expecting to photographed. The following are some things you can do to help people feel more at ease when you take your photos.
“La bambina al matrimonio” captured by Roberto Taddeo
Wear your camera, don’t carry it
Although we have heard this advice on multiple occasions to help us become better photographers, this also doubles as advice on being comfortably accepted as someone who will be taking photos. It is human habit to become accustomed to certain traits of one’s environment. For example, some people are notorious for always having a book with them, while others may be known as the person who always has earbuds in their ears. The goal here is to have people begin to associate you with your camera, so that when you walk around with one, people just accept it as part of who you are. This goes a long way to spread the comfort around your friend circles, and over time people will acclimate to it.
In a similar vein to the last point, it is also a good idea, if you are going to a party where you may not know everyone, to carry your camera with you from the start. I once went to a summer camp where one of my floor mates carried a camera from the moment I met him. It was only about a day before I found this habitual, and it even felt odd for him not to have his camera with him, even if it was just in the dorms for nightly meetings. The idea here is again to make people think naturally that you will have a camera. If you get to a special occasion, and start pulling the camera out of a big bag, people may feel more intimidated than if you just had it around your neck from the get-go.
Subjectivity, not objectivity
While it is true that you as a photographer want to appear objective when interacting with people, sometimes taking a moment to lower your camera and mingle at the party can go a long way with building trust in the people present. If someone doesn’t know you, it will be harder to get a candid shot of him/her when the time comes. They might be the kind of person who immediately shies away from anything with a lens. By opening up to them, and letting them know you are a person as well as a photographer, you build trust, and they may be more than comfortable to let you take their photo. This technique is particularly effective on children, as they will be the quickest to shy away. If they know you are friendly, they will be more likely to ignore you than to run away from you.
Photo by Christian Hornick; ISO 125, f/5.0, 1/250-second exposure.
Don’t force a photo
It might seem odd talking about not taking photos when you were hired or asked to do so, but sometimes this may be the best route. I find it easier to get better photos if you simply ask, even with a gesture, if you can take someone’s photo. However, if they say no, or are uncomfortable about it, simply lower the camera, and acknowledge their wishes. Though you may not get a photo of them, they will also do you a favor by not spreading rumors around the party that you are forceful in your hunt for photos. You build a ripple effect trust this way, and it is even possible that later on in the party, as more people know of you, the same person might be more willing to let you photograph them.
“Wedding” captured by Varin
Have fun
Most importantly, keep your spirits up. People will be able to tell if you are bored of taking photos for the event, or if you are truly excited. The excitement, when present, will spread around, and will help in taking great photos. Simply have a good time, and your photos will turn out that much better.
With that all in mind, go have some fun shooting some new photos.
About the Author
Nimish Thapar is a budding photographer, just getting into the field of photography.
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I had to laugh last Friday when I was at a public event taking photos for my own pleasure and I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. I turned to see as acquaintance who said “Oh, it is you. I thought it might be. I recognised your camera!”
Good tips here. The other thing I try to remember is to keep engaged with the goings-on. And if there is a quiet time where nothing much is interesting to photograph then go get a drink or take a walk in the garden. I find that hanging about with intent to photograph can put a dampener on the atmosphere.
Well written article – it is soooo frustrating when that person spots you and ruins an awesome shot but I suppose we have all played it up for the cameras before! All I can say is remember what setting you camera is on and when moving from light to shade adjust your camera settings at hip so when you grab it your close! There is nothing worse than scabbling your shutter speed to compensate and then realising you had adjusted your ISO cos you had been taking a shot in the shade! Speed is everything! TJ
Some good tips I would say. I do wedding photography and I love doing candids at the reception. I like to hide in the corner and shoot with the zoom and try to catch people when they are not looking. I always try to find a spot that only someone who is looking for you can find you. I get some great candids when people have had a few drinks and start having fun…