How to get the Right Shot Everytime
Part Two

Left to Right: Poser, Hoser

Step Four: Posed vs Candid

The decision to take the candid shot versus getting the models to pose is a very difficult decision. There are pros and cons to both types of photograph. Posed pictures take longer to setup as the model has to be directed to place his/her hands, feet, arms, legs, neck, face, hair and nose in the perfect position. Then the individual or even worse, individuals need to smile, look mad, sad or even act normal while trying to keep their eyes open. This may take up to three hours or may be as quick as two hours.

Candid shots are much easier to take as the subjects of your picture don't need to know you are taking the picture. Unfortunately, the shot often turns out to be a major risk. The subject may turn, sneeze, pick their nose (this may be a good blackmail picture), or fall over backwards dead. The good thing about candid shots is that you may get 6 good ones out of two hundred.

Smile... all three of you.

Step Five: Setting up the Background

When it comes to great photography, concentrating on more than just the subject you are focusing on is very important. The background (ie: the ground to the back) is just as vital. Let's say you want a good picture of a bride and groom kissing. A beautiful tree with lights on it is in the background, your flash is turned on and life is wonderful. You take the picture and when you get them back from Walmart, there is someone else in the picture who doesn't like the fact the bride and groom are kissing. Maybe the person was mad at the bride, disgusted by 'PDA' or even just bitter at the world. Who knows, she could have just been posing! See step four.

Anyways, the moral of the story is that you, the photographer should always be sure of your background. If you can't swivel around to make sure she won't show up in the shot, asking the person to go get the bride some more gravy often works.

Nice Plant!

Step Six: Using Props

The use of props in photography is not superfluous as often the prop 'makes' the photo. Any item can be a prop. For example, in the photo of the plant to the right, the person holding the potted plant is a prop. In wedding photos, if the bride is in the picture, the groom is a prop. Props are mainly for decoration but can add meaning and life to a dull photo.

Care should be given not to allow the prop to 'take over' the photo by giving it precedence.

Conclusion

Anyone can be an award winning photographer by being in the right place at the right time if you take advantage of the situation and turn the flash on.