A girl’s guide to candid photography.

Formal portraits taken in a controlled setting can be very satisfying but are notoriously difficult when it comes to capturing the personality of the sitter. The fact that is a controlled environment sometimes douses any chance of the inner self coming through.


Candid photographs I find far more fun. I think there’s the unexpected nature of them. You’re never quite sure what you will capture, but your chances of capturing the essence of the individual are often very high.

Try not to look like a photographer. To be successful you often have to blend innocuously into the surroundings. While good candid photographs can be taken with compact cameras, they can be notoriously sluggish in capturing a precise moment. A digital SLR camera is far better suited to the task. For candids avoid anything that looks like a professional lens. I always try to look low key. I ditch the garish strap that the camera comes with, which is usually little more than an advertising aid and cover the camera name with a sliver of electricians tape. This can also save you getting mugged in some parts of the world.


I love taking photographs of women especially those with cameras. I think it’s that delicious look of concentration that I like.


Women with hats are another great favourite…


….although men with character work for me too…I’m sure I met this guy in Lit once.


…especially if they are concentrating on something…..


Sometimes you will be spotted and the best thing always is to smile…..


… when that happens a saucy wink will often produce the photo you want….


..women in unguarded moments, like these two dancing cheek to cheek at a rock concert in Dubrovnik can really capture the spirit of the moment…..


…sometimes something cute catches your eye…always be on the look-out….


..at other times your target may become all ‘unnecessary’ when they spot your camera….


….smiles will always get you a photo even when people are busy……..just wave your camera and shout ‘smile’ as in the case of this Sorrento bride.


..even shy desert policemen will succumb to a winsome Yorkshire smile…….… in cases such as this, always show them their photo and offer to e-mail them a copy…..


Children will often insist on having their photo taken…. always oblige when you can and don’t forget to show them the photo…..


Where people are very shy you will often require all the charm you can muster….. certainly in some parts of the world being a blonde helps….


..finally you must be prepared to have your photograph taken too it’s all part the game…. this young Russian girl assumed I must be working for a famous magazine…..don’t believe she’s Russian? Read the writing on her hand.