Candid Photography (Etiquette)

One of “genre” in photography (if there’s such thing as a genre) that I really like is “Candid Street Environmental Portraiture” :-).

Not the conceptual candid, but real candid. We often hear people ask us to join an event they called “hunting”, but actually it’s a conceptual. Doing candid photography feels like you’re really “hunting” for good moment, interesting character, on the street.

We don’t concept the shot, these are real people, this is exactly what they’re wearing that moment, that was their actual expression and that is what they do in that particular time.

As you can see in previous photo, I didn’t put the Power Ranger background at the background, neither put that white board (props) near the subject. When I saw her, she completely separate from the crowd which is mostly kids. Another example in the next photo, I think everyone will agree that she’s very interesting character in that event, she’s attracting visitor to buy Power Ranger merchandise.

But is it allowed to took candid photo? What about the etiquette? I’m going to explain my perception and please don’t use this as your final approval to do this thing :-) , you still need to confirm with your local law and culture.

• You Don’t Need to Ask for The Person’s Permission! It won’t be a candid shot if you ask for the person’s permission, but however if you’re selling the photo, or use the photo for commercial reason, then you’ll need to ask for their permission.
• What If I Get Caught When Taking Person’s Photo? Usually I pretend to shot in general, not only the subject. After taking photo of the subject, I’m taking another photo for the surrounding. But, if they approach you and ask you to delete the photo, then you must do it.
• Is There Any Basic Rule I Need to Follow? I’m not sure, but my rule is: “I need to take good photo of the subject so when they found out their photo uploaded online, they will be grateful instead of complain”, “Never ever humiliate the subject”, “Work and take shot in the name of art, not freaky paparazzi, but good paparazzi”, “Measure the consequence, what if I publish their photo online?”

Well, that is some of my personal etiquette in doing candid photography. If you have any further question or have more tips on how you do this, please comment below and like this page on Facebook if you want to follow my updates in the future.