Snapshots
Candid photos capture people doing what they do best — being themselves.
Tips
- Shoot pictures of people interacting with one another naturally. Try to avoid unflattering shots, such as people eating.
- Try to get close-up shots. This will give you a clearer picture of the people and will help to avoid clutter such as tree limbs, distracting items on tables, etc.
- Minimize the "red eye" effect by having the subject glance at a bright source of light immediately before you snap the picture. This will close down the iris in the eye and reduce flash reflections from blood vessels.
- Don't try to illuminate a large area with a flash. A built-in flash typically won't properly light anything more than about 12 feet away. Generally, photos are more natural and interesting if taken with natural light instead of a flash.
- People squint when looking into the sun. It helps to have people close their eyes until right as you take the photo — count to three and have them open their eyes as you say “three!”
- Above all, always keep the camera within reach. You never know when the perfect photo opportunity will arise!