Getting a great candid of locals while travelling

People tend to exclude taking people photos because they are nervous or don’t know how to do it.  But don’t let these things stand in your way for getting interesting, candid photos of local life while you are visiting new places and cultures.

The easiest way to start taking candid photos of locals is to start with the kids. They are usually the most fun and agreeable from the beginning. Have fun, play a little game, start laughing to get them laughing. If they speak English, ask them obvious questions to get them talking. You can start snapping candid photos all the while.

The main thing you want to be sure to do when you are taking someone’s photo is to make sure you have your camera ready before you ask. There is nothing that ruins the mood of the image more than having to wait on the photographer to fix their camera, find the light and take the photo. You want to take candid people photos somewhat quickly so you keep the moment and the atmosphere as well as not imposition someone for too long. 

Along with having your camera ready, you want to make sure you know if you are using a flash, or wanting them to move to better light, like near a window or doorway if inside. Look and observe how you are going to take the photo first and then ask. Knowing this beforehand will also cause you a lot less stress and pressure to get the shot after you ask someone to take their photo.

As with everything the more you practice the better and easier it will become. 

Want to improve your photography skills beyond candid photos?

There hasn’t been a better time to learn photography than now. In my course “How to Take Epic Travel Photos” you will be taking professional looking photos in no time. You’ll learn how to take landscapes, cityscapes, people, and food images, among others.