• Composition: Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Layering subjects, Framing within the scene.
• Timing: Wait for the right moment — gestures, expressions, interactions.
• Settings:
• Shutter Speed: 1/250 sec or faster to freeze motion.
• Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 for decent depth of field.
• ISO: Adjust for lighting; be ready for changing light conditions.

Discretion: Use wider lenses and shoot from the hip for less noticeable candid shots.

“shoot from the hip” is a photography phrase that means taking a photo without bringing the camera up to your eye (or viewfinder).

Instead, you hold the camera around waist or hip level and take the shot more casually or discreetly. This technique helps you:

• Capture natural, unposed moments — people act more relaxed when they don’t realize they’re being photographed.

• Get interesting angles that feel more dynamic or spontaneous.

• Stay less noticeable, which is especially useful for candid or street photography.

It takes some practice to frame shots accurately this way — many photographers use wide lenses (as mentioned) so they can capture more of the scene and worry less about perfect aim.

• Respect privacy — don’t invade personal space.

• If someone seems uncomfortable, move on.

• In some cases, it’s good to ask for permission after taking a candid shot and offer to share the photo.

Activity: “Life in Motion”

• Students explore a designated area (or staged classroom scene) to capture:
1. A candid portrait of someone engaged in an activity.
2. A moment with motion — walking, biking, carrying something.

A scene that tells a story without words.

• Assignment: Take 4 street-style photos before next class.
• At least one should be a candid portrait, one a motion shot, one a storytelling scene and a bonus one based on the video we watched in class.

Submit ANSWERS:

Candid: How did you make the subject feel comfortable, or how did you stay unnoticed?

Motion: If you could retake the shot, what would you change?

Storytelling: What’s happening in this photo — what story do you want viewers to see?