Strategy for the Candid Shot
 
The candid shot requires the photographer to be as inconspicuous as possible.  It’s not an eye-to-eye contact photo you’re trying to capture, so there is no personal connection with the subjects.  I hide around corners and natural objects that I can use as blinds.  This gives me protection from curious eyes.  I don't want others giving away my position too soon.  

I love to get my 300 mm and find the perfect location to stage my shot.  I pay attention to the sun and look for beautiful lighting and backgrounds.  Where will the reflections reveal themselves?  Where will the shadows fall?  How will the light strike my subject?

 © Ron Veto  All rights reserved.

Bangkok, Thailand: The first piece of business is to position myself so I have a pleasing background.

The background will make or break a photo.

When shooting, I try to stay low, slowly come out to get a frame or two, and then disappear for a time to let the cityscape restage itself with fresh material.  Depending on my subject, I may shoot low and wide.  Or, I’ll start by shooting with a long lens and then as I slowly move my position closer, I’ll change over to a 105mm portrait lens.  That’s when the session may change to a more intimate setting.  I truly enjoy the discovery.

Street Strategy Tips for any street, any city, & any country: It’s easy to get tunnel vision while on a photo hunt.  Don’t lose sight of the dangers and potential accidents along the way.  Always keep your eyes and brain on alert.  By staying too long in one spot not only burns your position for the candid shot, but it also gives a thief time to study you.  They will watch your every move and wait until the time is right.  The hunter can quickly become the hunted.  Because of your gear or your appearance you stand out from the crowd.  I never want to over stay my welcome.  My previous articles about security and hunting people cover this topic in more detail (see links at the end of the article).

© Ron Veto  All rights reserved.     © Ron Veto  All rights reserved.

Mexico:  I call this photo "Cowards": Sometimes luck plays a big part in capturing those special moments. Here I happened to capture the moment when the shadow from the sword fell on the tip of the bull’s nose.                     Kathmandu, Nepal I discovered this holy cremation site on my walk about--certainly not something one would see in the U.S.  I then noticed the woman in the background washing her clothes in the river.  I made my way to the other side of the river so I could capture the contrast in subjects.  Looking beyond the obvious is a key to finding interesting material.

Take the High Ground

 

Finding visually unique angles from above is a rewarding challenge.  I often look for tall buildings and approach the security staff for permission to access the roof.  If I'm lucky enough to find that perfect location, I can stay for some time and not disturb anyone.  Many times I show my appreciation to the guard by some small monetary reward or snack.  It's always appreciated.  Cities are changing fast so new locations are always there for the taking, so don't be afraid to ask.

I asked, but…. be prepared for the unexpected!
 

Calcutta’s massive Howrah Railway Station is a shooters dream location.  It offers a unique grand vista of a magnificent city.  The imposing bridge of the same name spans the Hoogley River where over one million people cross each and every day.  My traveling friend and I asked a guard for roof access and off we went.  We followed him up a maze of stairs and passages to the rooftop.  We managed to get to the edge of the building and took in the visual feast while setting up our shots.  What a unique vantage point.  This entire microcosm of Indian life is on display right below me.
 

We stood there on the roof taking it all in when a loud voice commanded us to come to them.  We had the distinct feeling that this was the end of our field trip, so I very quickly snapped off a few shots.

We walked over to the official and I politely told him we were given permission to gain roof access.  It appears that the fellow who led us up to the roof was now nowhere to be found.  The officer held his hands out then sternly commanded, “Deposit your cameras here!”   I politely refused.  Again he commanded us to hand over our gear.  While he was extending his arms for our cameras, I tried to explain that we were just tourist, while always smiling and while at the same time retreating.  Not wanting any further official intervention, we committed ourselves to leave the scene in a big hurry.  I don't quite know or remember how we found our way back down to the street level, but we did and hastily made it the short distance to the riverbank where we quickly jumped into an outgoing riverboat taxi and made our escape across the river.  I didn't care where we were going.  Only that we were free with our cameras intact.  Whew...  There is a saying that "timing makes champions".  We were very lucky to have it end there.  Good memories and a few fun shots.

He who has seen one cathedral ten times has seen something; he who has seen ten cathedrals once has seen but little; and he who has spent half an hour in each of a hundred cathedrals has seen nothing at all.”  – Sinclair Lewis on Sightseeing

Set a pace that gives you options and lets you have the freedom to expand without putting hard constraints on yourself.  Take the time to enjoy your time. 

 © Ron Veto  All rights reserved.
 

Lake Rotorua, New Zealand

Take some time to slow your pace and just sit and watch. On a foggy, colorless morning I found these swans swimming in the lake. To add diffusion and a soft effect, I blew hot air onto the lens and then waited a moment for the condensation to clear from the center before capturing the photo.