"Plandid" refers to a photograph that is planned but made to look as if the subject had been caught unawares. It's a clever blend of the words "planned" and "candid," embodying a photographic style designed to appear spontaneous and natural, even though significant thought and effort went into its creation.
Understanding the Plandid Concept
The term "plandid" captures a common practice in modern photography, especially prevalent on social media platforms like Instagram. The goal of a plandid photo is to achieve the authenticity and genuine emotion often associated with candid shots, while still allowing for the control and aesthetic perfection of a posed photograph. It's about crafting an illusion of unplanned beauty.
- Portmanteau: The word itself is a portmanteau, a linguistic blend of "planned" and "candid." This combination perfectly describes its essence.
- Deception (in a good way): The magic of a plandid photo lies in its ability to deceive the viewer into believing they are witnessing an unscripted moment. This often requires careful staging, strategic framing, and precise timing.
Why People Create Plandid Photos
The allure of plandid photography stems from several factors, primarily driven by the desire to present an idealized yet relatable version of oneself or a moment.
- Aesthetic Control: Plandids allow individuals to control lighting, angles, backgrounds, and their own appearance, ensuring they look their best.
- Appealing Authenticity: While planned, the appearance of authenticity resonates strongly with audiences, making the content feel more genuine and less contrived than a traditional posed shot.
- Storytelling: Plandids can subtly tell a story or convey a mood without overtly stating it, offering a glimpse into a seemingly uncurated life.
- Social Media Trends: The popularity of plandid photos aligns with the desire on social media to present an aspirational yet "effortless" lifestyle. Many influencers and individuals use this technique to maintain a polished feed.
How to Achieve a Plandid Look
Creating a successful plandid photo involves thoughtful preparation and execution. Here are key elements to consider:
- Pre-visualization: Before the shoot, envision the desired "candid" moment. What activity are you pretending to be engrossed in? Where is your gaze directed?
- Natural Posing: Instead of looking directly at the camera, try:
- Looking away, as if admiring scenery.
- Smiling at something off-camera.
- Engaging with an object (e.g., holding a coffee cup, reading a book).
- Walking or moving as if unaware of the camera.
- Strategic Distraction: Engage in a believable activity. This could be laughing at a joke, adjusting your hair, or even looking down at your phone.
- Burst Mode Photography: Take multiple shots in quick succession (burst mode) to capture various subtle movements and expressions, increasing the chance of getting a natural-looking frame.
- Minimal Props: Use props that blend naturally with the scene and the "spontaneous" action.
- Post-Processing: Subtle editing can enhance the natural feel, such as adjusting colors or cropping, without making the image look overly manipulated.
Plandid vs. Candid vs. Posed: A Comparison
Understanding the nuances between these photographic styles can clarify the unique position of "plandid."
| Feature | Plandid | Candid | Posed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intention | Planned to look unplanned | Spontaneous, unplanned | Deliberately arranged and directed |
| Subject's Awareness | Aware of camera, but pretending not to be | Unaware of camera | Fully aware, often looking at camera |
| Setup Level | Moderate (location, props, specific actions) | Minimal to none | High (specific stances, expressions, angles) |
| Resulting Feel | Effortlessly natural, authentic-looking | Raw, genuine, sometimes imperfect | Controlled, intentional, often formal |
| Typical Use | Social media, lifestyle blogs | Photojournalism, documentary, personal albums | Portraits, fashion, commercial photography |
Examples of Plandid Photography
You've likely seen plandid photos countless times without realizing it. Common examples include:
- The "Laughing Mid-Sentence" Shot: A person mid-laugh, looking slightly off-camera, as if responding to an unheard joke.
- The "Deep in Thought" Pose: Someone looking thoughtfully into the distance, perhaps with a hand near their chin or hair.
- The "Walking Away" or "Looking Back" Shot: A person walking down a street or path, glancing over their shoulder as if caught in motion.
- The "Engaged in Activity" Photo: Reading a book, sipping coffee, or working on a laptop, seemingly oblivious to the camera.
Plandid photos are an art form of their own, requiring a blend of creativity and strategic planning to achieve that perfectly imperfect, seemingly spontaneous look. For more insights into modern photography trends, you might explore resources like Adobe's photography guides or articles on sites like Petapixel.
