1940

In the 1940's small portable film camera were becoming more accessible and quicker and quicker shutter speeds where becoming available making candid photography well and truly possible in this era and I believe this is where candid photography really started to begin as it was used to document troubled times in the cities of the people.

A photographer i have found from the 40's who has created interesting work is Gordon Parks. He was a black photographer who described as using using the 'camera as a weapon against racism and poverty' and he documented this through candid and posed images but both having a dramatic impact on the country of america. His candid images have a deep depressing feel as they document the reality of poor lifestyles. 

My favorite image is An image of Ella Watson who was a US chairwoman. She sits with her adopted children and is shown in a claustrophobic room surrounded by all her children and empty bowls. This shows the bond between her family but also her troubles as the house hardly looks plentiful.

 Date: 1942

Photo credit: www.masters-of-photography.com

Self portrait of Gordan Parks with his camera.