A candid portrait is a photograph captured without a staged and posed appearance. The subject is usually unaware of the image being taken.
The idea of a candid portrait is to capture people acting naturally. They should be unaware they are being photographed, as their behavior often changes once they become aware of the camera.
examples
Case Study: Alfred Eisenstaedt
Eisenstaedt was a German-born American photographer and photojournalist, well known for his candid photography throughout the 20th century, documenting the rise of hitler and many other occasions throughout the war. He began his career before World War II, having first started photography at age 14, and in 1936 Eisensatedt became one of four original staff photographers for the new magazine at the time, ‘Life’. In Times Square (1945), VJ Day (Victory over Japan day) provided Eisenstaedt with the opportunity to capture the image he is likely most famous for.
V-J Day, Times Square, New York City, 1945 
Ballet Master correcting hands, rehearsal at Grand Opera, Paris, France, 1931 
Bridge playing couples at innertube party, Apple River, Somerset, WI, 1941 
Boy with tongue out spearing brass ring, Luxumbourg Garden, Paris, 1964
Photoshoot Plan
Who: Strangers/ acquaintances- ie: street photography
What: Subjects performing actions: Working, smoking, reading, on their phone etc.
Where: Workplaces, Schools, Town, Parks, Public spaces to avoid a breach of privacy
How: Daytime, full body portraits, half body portraits, possible headshots.
Photoshoot:
Final image editing:
Using photoshop, I aimed to enhance the vibrant colours of the market. I increased the vibrance and saturation of the image, as seen below.
I also experimented with black and white imaging. I ensured all the tones were different to create a highly contrasted image. (pictured below).
However, I felt as though the black and white filter caused the subject to blend into their environment, defeating the point of a portrait.
Final Image:
Rather than directing their subjects to pose in a certain way, candid photographers take their photos unbeknownst to the subject.
The subject’s environment is extremely vibrant, juxtaposed by the sombre expression and dull clothing the subject is wearing. The fruit in the foreground and colourful packaging behind encircle the subject, with the dark tones of their coat and hat enhancing
The lighting in the image is unnatural, with LED lights that act as horizontal leading lines as well as the shelving to direct the viewer’s eyes to the subject, and the structure directly behind them acts as a sort of frame within a frame, outlining the subject.