Say Cheese!

Take the Best Candid Photographs

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I'm starting to get really into photography, but don't really know much about it. Mostly I like taking pictures of my friends and family at different events and activities. I hate posed shots and love taking action photos of people who don't know they're being photographed. Do you have any advice for how I can get the perfect shot every time?

Sincerely,

Photographer in Training

A:

Dear Photographer in Training,

Taking pictures can be a lot of fun, and can make for some awesome memories. Your friends and family will be thanking you in the years to come! Candid photos are the best because they truly capture the essence of the moment ... no fake people here!

Top 10 Tips For The Best Candids

1. Have enough film! Make sure you load up on extra batteries and extra film when it comes to the holidays - not to mention a few rolls of extra scotch tape! Order online, or hit a big discount store like Costco, to make sure you have enough.

2. Keep a back up camera. There's nothing worse than the perfect shot -- and a broken camera. Even if it's one of those drug store or supermarket disposable cameras, keep it nearby or in your purse.

3. Coverage! Cover as many opportunities for shots as possible. Better to have too many than not enough.

4. Avoid trying to group everyone together. Shoot as it happens. Pretend you're a news photographer chronicling an important event.

5. Don't worry about subjects looking picture perfect. Focus on capturing an emotion instead of a fashion or a group.

6. Don't forget the rituals. Capture tree trimming, cake candle blowing, the first kiss, the first step -- whatever the event's ritual is -- get it on camera.

7. Think outside the box. Don't just shoot the usual photos -- shoot different photos this year. Even if it seems weird, shoot things you've never shot before.

8. People don't have to be in the shot. A picture of all the snowy boots lined up outside the house on Christmas Eve, or a photo of the trash cans overflowing with ripped off wrapping paper the morning gifts are open, both make memorable shots.

9. Strangers. Shoot the paperboy, the bus driver, the garbage truck driver -- you never know where you'll find a memory you'll be glad you had. Of course, always ask permission of strangers before shooting their picture.

10. Share! Share your photos with your family and friends.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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