The Secret to Candid Photos
You might be surprised to learn that the secret to capturing candid photos is actually…. DRUMROLL PLEASE…
GIVING GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION!
Okay, don’t come at me just yet… I’ll explain:
Sometimes, when I’m getting my camera settings all set up and my clients are waiting for me to give them direction, I can see that they’ve literally stopped breathing and all of their muscles are clenched REAL. TIGHT.
The last thing I want is to deliver a gallery of photos full of “deer in the headlight gazes” (see cute dog photo) and forced smiles.
So here’s what I do to help guide my clients:
Ask them to take a breath.
While it may seem simple, taking those 30 seconds at the beginning of the shoot are a KEY STEP to allow my clients to arrive and settle in.
2. Give them Props
During the planning phase of my brand shoots, clients will create a list of on-brand, story-telling props to bring with them to their shoot. Adding these right from the get-go allows clients to warm up and not worry over WHAT THE HECK TO DO with their hands.
3. Add movement
Honestly, if I could have my clients moving for the entire shoot, (like if we didn’t need some professional headshots mixed in there) I totally would. Shots with movement, even when it’s subtle, always end up being my favourite. Just take a look for yourself:
4. Fake it til you make it
When I’m not able to be funny on the spot (it happens), we FAKE LAUGH. That’s right… I literally ask my clients to “do a fake laugh”! I join in so they don’t feel ridiculous and it normally turns into a real one.
So what’d ya think? Do you like these tips? Do you wanna learn more?
I’ve created a more in-depth posing guide to “Natural and Candid Posing for Photos that Feel Like You” and the best part? It’s absolutely FREE.
So whether you’re a small business owner and you’re thinking about getting your brand photos taken, or you’re going to give it a shot yourself, this guide will give you the confidence of knowing what poses and movement can make you feel like the amazing human you are, all without spending a dime.
Hey busy entrepreneur! I’m Alana - your brand photographer and personal hype woman all rolled into one. In a sea of stock images and canva graphics, I’ll help you curate consistent, authentic imagery that you can use throughout your business. When you have brand photos that stand out and tell your story, there’s no telling how far your business will go.
