Shooting Events
Event photography is a thrilling and fast-paced genre, but it's also a high-stakes one. You're tasked with capturing the essence, emotion, and key moments of a one-time event, and there are no second chances. Whether you're shooting a corporate conference, a birthday party, or a wedding, being prepared is the key to success.
Here are five essential things every event photographer should take note of to ensure they deliver stunning results every time.
1. Master Your Gear (and Always Have a Backup!)
This might seem obvious, but it's the foundation of all successful event photography. You need to be so comfortable with your camera that operating it becomes second nature. Events don't wait for you to fiddle with settings. You'll need to quickly adjust your ISO, shutter speed, and aperture on the fly to adapt to changing lighting conditions, whether it's a bright outdoor ceremony or a dimly lit reception hall.
Lenses: A versatile zoom lens like a 24-70mm is an excellent workhorse. Consider a fast prime lens (like a 50mm f/1.4 or 85mm f/1.8) for low-light situations and beautiful bokeh.
Flash: Don't rely solely on natural light. A good external flash is a must-have for indoor events. Learn how to bounce your flash off a ceiling or wall to create softer, more natural-looking light instead of a harsh, direct flash.
Memory Cards: Never, ever, ever go to an event with just one memory card. Always have multiple, formatted, high-speed cards. The same goes for batteries.
The Golden Rule: Backups: What if your primary camera body fails? What if your main lens stops working? Always have a backup camera body, a spare lens, and extra batteries and memory cards. A photographer with a backup is a photographer who is prepared for anything.
2. Scout the Location and Plan Your Shots
Don't just show up on the day of the event and hope for the best. If possible, visit the venue beforehand. This is your chance to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities.
Lighting: Observe the lighting at different times of the day. Where are the windows? Are there any spotlights? How will the light change as the event progresses?
Layout: Take note of the layout of the space. Where will the key moments happen? Where are the best vantage points for speeches, performances, or group shots?
Shot List: Work with your client to create a shot list. This is especially crucial for weddings and corporate events. What are the must-have photos? Speeches, cake cutting, group photos with executives, etc. Having this list ensures you don't miss any critical moments.
3. Anticipate the Moment, Don't Just React to It
The best event photographers have a sixth sense for what's about to happen. They don't wait for the moment to occur; they're already in position, with their camera settings dialled in, ready to capture it.
Watch for Cues: Look for visual cues. A speaker walking to the podium, a birthday celebrant about to blow out candles, a couple leaning in for a kiss. These are all signals that a key moment is imminent.
Focus on Emotion: The most powerful event photos are not just about who was there, but how they felt. Capture the laughter, the tears, the focused concentration, and the joy on people's faces.
Go Beyond the Main Action: While the main action is important, don't forget to document the smaller, candid moments that tell the full story. Capture people laughing together, the details of the decor, or the quiet moments behind the scenes.
4. Be a "Fly on the Wall"
Your goal as an event photographer is to be a silent observer. You want to capture natural, unposed moments without becoming a distraction.
Dress Appropriately: Dress in a way that blends in with the event. For a formal event, this means wearing smart attire. For a casual one, it means being comfortable but professional.
Be Polite and Respectful: Always be polite to guests and staff. Don't block people's views or get in the way of the flow of the event. If you need to take a shot, do it quickly and discreetly.
The Power of Telephoto: Use a telephoto lens to capture candid shots from a distance. This allows you to get genuine expressions and interactions without people feeling like they are being photographed.
5. Post-Production is Half the Job
Your work isn't done when the event ends. The magic of a great photograph is often completed in post-production.
Cull Ruthlessly: Go through your thousands of photos and select only the best. Be brutal. A client would rather see 200 amazing photos than 800 mediocre ones.
Editing is Key: Adjust exposure, colour balance, and crop your photos to make them shine. Consistency is vital—ensure your photos have a cohesive look and feel.
Backup, Backup, Backup: Once you've selected and edited your photos, back them up on at least two separate drives. You've worked hard to create these memories; don't lose them!
Event photography is a challenging but incredibly rewarding field. By mastering your gear, planning your approach, and focusing on the moments that matter, you can create stunning images that your clients will treasure for years to come. Now, go out there and capture some amazing memories!
