i have problem shooting candid at events

either im not slick or quick enough, but it seems like almost every time i try to shoot a candid shot of someone being natural, laughing, smiling, or doing something interested, i cant seem to get it right.

what are your techniques in blending with the crowd without that person or group noticing you?

I watch the person, wait for the smile through my camera viewfinder, and click multiple frames when it happens. Not a 100% perfect science, but it works fairly well for me.

I usually use longer lenses for Candids.

form wrote in post #10543794
I watch the person, wait for the smile through my camera viewfinder, and click multiple frames when it happens. Not a 100% perfect science, but it works fairly well for me.

thats what i usually do, wait for it through the viewfinder, but when you're holding there too long, they'll either be gone or spot you and act differently.

I don't really do that much, but when I do I use a long lens and I try to be discrete.

I find that this is one of the elements of wedding photography that can't really be taught. I'm not entirely sure about this, but my hunch is that there are people who just "have it" when it comes to documenting the candid parts of the day. I couldn't put into words how I get candid shots if I tried. It honestly seems like the easiest part of the day to me.

But yeah, most people I know who aren't very good at it have never been able to "get it", while most that I know who are good at it always "had it", if that makes sense. Now that doesn't mean people can't improve, but it's sort of like someone who clearly doesn't have a natural talent with singing who takes singing lessons vs. a person who has natural talent.

Just a quick thought...

Bobby

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form wrote in post #10543794
I watch the person, wait for the smile through my camera viewfinder, and click multiple frames when it happens. Not a 100% perfect science, but it works fairly well for me.

this

mmahoney wrote in post #10544155
this

Me, too. That and watch for when they're done talking so as to avoid the unpleasant expressions it can lead to. I also want to position myself so that I can see multiple faces. Sometimes, though, I use the back of one or more people's heads for some framing. Unlike some of the others, I'm not especially long with my lens choice. I usually don't want to get just one or two people in a picture; I want to put them in some context. I'll typically use my 24-70 on a 1.6 body and will shoot anywhere in that range for my candids.

It would help us help you if you could tell us what isn't working for you.

I find that with longer lenses, I can be more covert.
When you stand there with the camera at your face, people tend to pose for you because they expect you to be there taking photos of, well, people. You don't have to necessarily use a longer lens like the 70-200, but you need to be at an angle that is not so obvious to the people. Then wait, wait, wait for your moment and snap away.

Here's a photo of a groom. It was late into the reception and he was taking a break outside smoking a cigar. I had the 70-200 mounted on a second body and actually was to the side just taking a breather when he came out. I just lifted my camera and lens, and took a few snaps undetected.

If you point long enough, or move the angle of your lens around enough, people will generally start ignoring you. It can take a minute for people to get used to the idea of "oh no, I might have my picture taken", but most people quickly come to terms with "well it IS a wedding, the couple does want pictures. Might as well relax and enjoy myself". If someone glares at you, point your lens somewhere else and go back to them when they've relaxed.

bnlearle wrote in post #10544114
I find that this is one of the elements of wedding photography that can't really be taught. I'm not entirely sure about this, but my hunch is that there are people who just "have it" when it comes to documenting the candid parts of the day. I couldn't put into words how I get candid shots if I tried. It honestly seems like the easiest part of the day to me.

But yeah, most people I know who aren't very good at it have never been able to "get it", while most that I know who are good at it always "had it", if that makes sense. Now that doesn't mean people can't improve, but it's sort of like someone who clearly doesn't have a natural talent with singing who takes singing lessons vs. a person who has natural talent.

Just a quick thought...

Bobby

I agree. And I'm in the camp of "sucks at it." Every now and then I'll stumble onto a good one, but I've yet to get a GREAT one.

i actually shoot a lot of candids. you've really got to be ready and look for it rather than shooting it as an afterthought. the range of expressions and reactions you get in candid shots are just so wonderful. i shoot with short primes typically, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm. pay attention to what's going on, try to anticipate and get yourself into position. have a composition in mind before you bring your camera up to shoot, and shoot a burst when something interesting happens.

you're a photographer, you're supposed to take pictures. if you get discovered so what? just smile and keep shooting. haha. what people call being sneaky we call photojournalism.

polobreaka wrote in post #10543737
either im not slick or quick enough, but it seems like almost every time i try to shoot a candid shot of someone being natural, laughing, smiling, or doing something interested, i cant seem to get it right.

what are your techniques in blending with the crowd without that person or group noticing you?

Dress similar to the guests, normally dark for me, plan out your shots in advance, listen, pay attention to everything, always have your camera ready. It gets more comfortable over time, some people you can't shoot candid no matter what, ignore that and move on.

If you want to fully blend in, bring a P&S to shoot with!

The best advice I could give is to anticipate what's going to happen next. Keep your finger on the trigger and the moment you see what you want fire off the shot...or two... or three... Watch for peoples interactions and you should be able to get an idea of what is about to happen. If somebody spots you before you get the picture you want you can pretend you're no longer going to take their picture by either putting your camera down until they look away or by turning your camera on somebody else while keeping your intended subject in your periphreals. Turn back to them when they go back to minding their own frickin' business and stop staring at you! They're such creeps sometimes...

Last of all, like has been said time and time again... PRACTICE!!! Go to a crowded place, like street fairs, carnivals, etc., and watch the people interacting. This is the best time to gain experience in my opinion. Try to develop your photojournalistic eye before the event not during it.

form wrote in post #10543794
I watch the person, wait for the smile through my camera viewfinder, and click multiple frames when it happens. Not a 100% perfect science, but it works fairly well for me.

Seriously though how much waiting for one person to be amazing can you possibly do during a wedding? You'd end up missing a lot, at least in my experience.