| Nothing defines a place as much as the people who | | | | etc), ask! Most people in general will be more than |
| live there work there or visit. It is fascinating to | | | | happy to be photographed as long as you talk to |
| observe them and their culture. They can also | | | | them first. This takes some practice at first, |
| provide a rich source of photographic potential too. | | | | especially if you are shy or don't speak their |
| Not everybody is comfortable taking candid shots | | | | language, but it is just good manners to do so. |
| when visiting a particular city or location. | | | | Taking photographs of children is especially sensitive. |
| It takes a certain amount of confidence, quick | | | | Please be very careful to get their parent's |
| reactions and a real eye for a picture, but with a little | | | | permission, and explain what you are doing, if you are |
| courage and practice, candid photography can add a | | | | taking candid shots of children. Depending on where |
| human touch to your pictures of places that you visit. | | | | you are, anxiety about your motives might be so |
| A few simple rules | | | | strong that it simple might be best to avoid |
| Here are a few simple rules when taking candid shots | | | | photographing children. |
| of people that you don't know, often without their | | | | Don't be surprised if street performers, artisans, |
| permission. As taking their picture has the potential to | | | | street sellers or beggars ask for payment for a |
| be fraught with difficulties, follow these simple rules | | | | picture. Never just take a snap and run. |
| to ensure that you won't offend or upset the people | | | | When taking a photograph, try and take a picture of |
| that you photograph and you won't have any | | | | them doing something, such as laughing, talking or |
| problems: | | | | working. This will produce more interesting and more |
| Have respect for the people you are photographing | | | | 'human' images. |
| and for any cultural differences that there may be | | | | Finally, never hesitate. If a shot doesn't work, simply |
| when visiting far flung destinations. If you have any | | | | delete it. Don't waste a few vital seconds deciding |
| doubt, please do some research before you leave. It | | | | whether or not to take the picture. If you do the |
| is very important that you don't insult or offend the | | | | moment will be gone forever. Also, don't worry |
| people whose country you are visiting. | | | | about technical excellence and waste time trying to |
| A lot of people are very camera shy so if somebody | | | | get your camera settings right. A little blurring or |
| spots you and indicates that they are not happy | | | | noise can add atmosphere to candid shots. Just |
| being photographed, please respect their feelings. Be | | | | concentrate on composing and taking the |
| sure to let them know that you understand. You | | | | photograph. |
| won't usually be breaking any laws by photographing | | | | As with any kind of photography, the more you do |
| people in public places but that does not give you the | | | | it, the better you will become at spotting and |
| right to upset anyone. | | | | capturing those fleeting moments in time that say |
| If you have any doubt about whether or not they | | | | something meaningful and interesting about your |
| would be offended about having their photograph | | | | subject. |
| taken (such as if they are working on a market stall | | | | |