Candids
Candids are often the best and most natural pictures of people, but there are a lot of tricks to putting individuals at ease and to being in the right place at the right time. You might encounter hostility while taking pictures on a busy sidewalk because people might be suspicious. Find situations where a camera is more accepted, such as a sporting event or an outdoor concert. A good zoom such as a 10× is essential, since candids require a lot of working distance. See the color pages for an example of a chance candid shot.
Some people are not going to welcome you taking their picture. Avoid anyone who looks unfriendly, and explain what you are doing if someone approaches you. If you are taking art photos, digital photography makes it easy to show people what you are doing so that they feel comfortable.
Try to anticipate events so that you can be there ahead of time. For example, at a sporting event you might leave early so that you can get pictures of people coming out of the exits after the game.
Another trick is to find a fixed place where people show up at random, such as a well-lit wall that people walk in front of or a doorway. In a sense, this place you have chosen is now a stage. Frame people as they appear and make a composition by working with the setting. Try to find a place where you can position yourself unobtrusively and not be noticed. Taking pictures from above is often a good candid technique, as people rarely look up.
Candid shots often happen by chance and can create exciting unplanned imagery.
Pets are popular subjects for photography.
