Candid Photography and Good Manners

Sometimes in candid photography it may be better to spare a thought for your subject and not just your shot. A little thoughtfulness can go a long way.

This doesn't really apply of course if you're taking shots of inanimate objects. A tree is not likely to get offended if you shoot it at a moment when its branches look forlorn and sad - but a person might.

For example, you're prowling the backstreets of some Third World city, or even your own, trying to capture a mood of desolation or estrangement - don't ask me why, but people like shooting this kind of thing - and you get an old woman in your viewfinder who has obviously seen better days. Nevertheless, there's a certain grace in her pose, and a nobility in her expression, so you shoot.

Later you can zap the pix in P/Shop, give it a good color balance and your friends will admire it. You get that pleasure for your efforts - but what did your model get?

Back when I was first taking photos I caught sight of a one legged man on a crutch hobbling towards me along a city street. It was a striking image, so being a god with a Nikon I brazenly stepped out and took it. The subject got very upset - and I immediately saw his point: who wants to be immortalized looking your worst?

When I returned to the darkroom I threw the neg out and made a vow not to do that again. Should I have asked his permission first? That would not have solved the situation and he most certainly would have said no. The point was, why was I taking that shot in the first place? If I'd thought about it I would have taken a shot from the back and at least spared his feelings.

Sometimes you take a candid snap and the value of the shot is that the person is unaware of your interest. These pictures can be great and the effect would be spoiled by going up and announcing your intention beforehand. However, what you can do is once you've got your shot, approach the subject, let them know you'd like to take a photo and do the best job you can of taking a flattering picture of the person. They may never see it, but here, as in many things - it's the thought that counts.

Another variation, especially if you're in that same Third World country where the locals have probably been photographed every which way by thousands of tourists, is to carry some small denomination notes or coins in your pocket, and politely offer payment for the modeling work. This is usually appreciated and it's good for your conscience.

Some other examples: one time I did my own personal photo essay on a school. It wasn't practical to offer every student and teacher a print but I cut a CD of the best shots and presented it to the principal.

Another time, I shot a dog class and made some small prints of the ten best shots and gave them to the trainer to pass out at the next class.

All this comes under the heading of good manners, and good manners are always appreciated. Furthermore if you want or need to return and reshoot, you'll find yourself welcomed not resisted.

Try it.