Brand new to candid portrait shots...where to begin?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Erin Jorgensen on February 3, 2012 at 11:47am

Hi everyone, I'm new here. I've just begun becoming interested in what I guess I would call candid portraiture. I like the concept of running into an interesting person and trying to capture them just as, or before, they notice me. I also like urban scenes. Any tips for how to make a photo like this the best it can be? I'm not sure what the "rules" are and could use some help! --Erin

Permalink Reply by Penny Dykes on February 4, 2012 at 9:58am

I think I would crop out most of the background to remove the distractions and just focus on her.  Try to capture the photos when the face or especially the eyes are lit for better definition and drama. I would probably up the contrast just a click or two as well.  Hope that helps.

Permalink Reply by Gary Irvin on February 5, 2012 at 5:15pm

I agree with Penny. Now let's add another layer to the discussion. You take a shot like this. It turns out GREAT! You would like to sell it. Model release? Probably not possible, she was a stranger, you'll probably never meet. So the shot is not marketable? Just a question... Any answers?

Permalink Reply by Gary Vernon on February 6, 2012 at 5:22am

It's pretty normal for us to carry release forms around,

generally you don't need a release to take a photo in a public place but your intended usage determines if you need a release or not. If you want to use it in an editorial or fine art way then you don't need a release. If you are using it in an advertisement or on a commercial product then you need a release.

Permalink Reply by Vernan Jagunap on February 6, 2012 at 3:22pm

how about if you submit it in sites like 1x or 500px? would you need a release?

Permalink Reply by Erin Jorgensen on February 6, 2012 at 5:22am

Thank you for taking the time to reply Penny & Gary. I'm taking some notes based on some of the advice I receive. Gary, I'm fairly sure that photos taken of people in public (particularly at parades & other public events) are exempt from issues such as those. That's what I've been told, at least :)

Permalink Reply by Gary Vernon on February 6, 2012 at 5:43am

Hi Erin,

it depends what the eventual usage is, if an image from a parade or public place is run in a local newspaper as an editorial then a release is normally not necessary - however if for example a commercial company sees the image in the same newspaper and wants to run an ad campaign with it, things will change especially if the subject is facially easily recognized..

I'm not to up on the American 'regs' as i'm European based - they may change slightly between states, but there are many references online..

Permalink Reply by Erin Jorgensen on February 6, 2012 at 12:13pm

Thank you, Gary! I'll do a little research.