cute candid photography of a little girl smirking and shrugging her shoulders

Candid Photography Examples for the Perfect Plandid Pose

Remember the good old days when “candid” meant catching your friend mid-laugh?

Nowadays, it’s all about the plandid, aka the Planned Candid.

If you’ve ever wondered how people on Instagram get those effortlessly cool shots, don’t be fooled! They’re all planned!

We’ve always included candid photography in our sessions. There’s just something about capturing someone in the moment. I think it’s because it allows our clients to see themselves the way others see them.

The secret behind getting those Insta-worthy shots? You have to plan the poses.

Here are 5 candid photo poses we like to use:

1. The “Whisper a Secret” Pose

Golden hour sunlight filters through the clouds. A couple is standing on the beach shoreline, laughing. The husband is whispering something in her ear and she's smiling, creating the perfect plandid shot

Here’s how we created a plandid to take the picture above:

Brent had this gorgeous couple standing on the shorelines of Sand Key Beach.

The golden hour sunlight filtered through the clouds, so we already knew he was getting some good shots! But he wanted to capture something a little more rare.

So, he asked the husband to turn to his partner and whisper something in her ear.

The camera clicks, and voilà! You’ve got a plandid that oozes intimacy and charm. Her reaction is 100% genuine, but Brent planned for it to be that way!

2. The “Walking Adventure” Pose

girl in an orange dress walking through a field

little girl in a brown dress walking through a field, smiling at the camera during a candid photography shot

Candid photography loves motion!

We use this one constantly! In the first shot, we asked our senior client to walk through the park. Brent sometimes asks them to rock back and forth on their feet.

It feels silly, but that’s what makes this plandid pose work! It made her feel a bit self-conscious at first, but with Brent’s quick wit and ridiculous enthusiasm, we got her to crack a shy smile.

The second charmer here is Ella! She was also shy at first but turned into an absolute ham by the end of the shoot!

Brent snapped this candid pose when he called her name as she walked back to her parents (you can see she’s in mid-stride). Catching her unexpectedly resulted in this unposed pose!

3. The “Scenic Route” Pose

candid photo of a girl walking through a field during golden hour

Brent caught this shot perfectly by letting the natural beauty of the surroundings do the talking.

The open expanse of the field, the gentle rustling of grass, and the golden hour sky all came together to create a backdrop that radiates serenity and adventure. As our client was walking, Brent captured her candid grace in motion.

The result? A plandid that feels like a page out of a storybook, where every step embodies the magic of the moment!

4. The “Golden Gaze” Pose

candid photography shot of a girl looking down with her hair in her face with streams of golden sunlight peaking through

Alright, let me break down the magic behind the “Golden Gaze” pose.

Brent always notices these moments between shots, so he’ll take a moment for a “planned” break. But really, he’s getting ready to capture these candid moments when our client isn’t expecting it!

We were in the middle of a break in between shots. Our gorgeous client was standing there, lost in thought.

Her hair was flowing around her face, and these streaks of sunlight were sneaking through, making her hair shimmer! It was the perfect moment with a plandid.

It’s a little sneaky of him but totally worth it!

5. The “Unexpected Laughter” Pose

plandid example: a couple is walking down the beach holding hands with the wife turning around to look at her husband with a giant smile on her face!

Laughter is contagious, and it’s also the heart and soul of candid photography.

The “unexpected laughter” pose is all about capturing those genuine bursts of joy.

Brent had his camera ready while asking this lovely couple of questions.

We were making our way down the beach to a new spot when the husband said something tongue-in-cheek, which resulted in his wife turning around with this candid moment!

Getting our clients to open up and share a hilarious story or just let loose and act like their goofy selves is the ONLY way we can capture these moments.

As a photographer, Brent’s #1 priority is making you feel like you can be yourself. Because if you can’t, getting these candid photos is nearly impossible.

Even if they are “plandid”!

What It’s Like During Brent’s Candid Photography Takes

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A post shared by Angela Clifton Photo | Tampa Portrait Photographer (@angelacliftonphoto)

So far, you’re loving the idea of getting candid photography shots— but why does the thought of striking a pose make you feel awkward?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! But fear not because we’ve got your back, and our secret weapon’s name is Brent!

Whenever those nerves start kicking in, Brent steps in, armed with an arsenal of jokes that are so bad, they’re good. Or sometimes, its Brent’s repertoire of funny sounds that come into play, and you can’t help but burst into genuine laughter.

And guess what? Those candid shots of you genuinely cracking up? They’re pure gold.

We understand that stepping out of your comfort zone might feel daunting, but with Brent by your side, the awkwardness melts away.

Extra Tips on How to Pose for Candid Photos

Mastering the art of candid photography goes beyond striking poses.

Here are some extra tips we use to nail those plandid shots:

Stay Relaxed: The key to candid photography is looking natural. Relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and let your body flow easily.
Engage with Your Surroundings: Interact with your environment to add depth to your shots. Lean against a wall, touch a tree’s leaves, or feel the sand beneath your feet.
Express Emotion: Candid shots capture feelings. During your photoshoot, leave your inhibitions at home and let your emotions come out to play! You’ll get authentic and relatable photos through laughter, surprise, or simple contemplation.
Find Natural Light: Natural light is a photographer’s best friend. We seek soft, diffused light for flattering and dreamy results.

Remember, candid photography is about capturing genuine moments. So, have fun, be yourself, and let your personality shine through every pose!

Brent and I would love to capture moments like this for you! If you’re curious to know what it’s like working with us, fill out this form for a free consultation!

July 14, 2023

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Find Inspiration for Your Session

Prepping for an engagement, maternity, newborn, family, or senior portrait session can make you feel excited, anxious, a smidge stressed … and of course, making a giant mess in your closet as you search for the perfect outfit. Inside our blog, we’re serving up all the inspo, tips, and tricks you need to have a stress-free photo session, from how to pose without feeling super awkward to what you and your family should wear. Reap the benefits of our 30 years of photography experience and wisdom, or just enjoy looking at the pretty pictures.